January often prompts a desire for renewal, making it an ideal time for many to consider decluttering their homes. As the New Year begins, experts Lesley Spellman and Ingrid Jansen from The Declutter Hub offer a structured, month-by-month roadmap for 2026 that aims to simplify the process. Their approach focuses on realistic, incremental goals instead of overwhelming overhauls, ensuring that anyone can manage their decluttering efforts effectively.
Lesley Spellman and Ingrid Jansen, both seasoned professionals in decluttering, emphasize that “decluttering isn’t about turning your home into a minimalist show home.” Instead, their method aims to create space in both physical and mental aspects of life. With a combined audience of over three million podcast downloads and a vibrant community of 62,000 members on Facebook, their insights are grounded in practical experience.
Monthly Decluttering Goals for 2026
Their 12-month plan breaks down the decluttering process into manageable steps, providing specific tasks for each month. This structured approach helps individuals maintain focus and motivation without feeling overwhelmed.
**January: Kitchen**
Start the year by tackling the kitchen, the heart of the home. Focus on checking expiry dates, decluttering unused gadgets, and reorganizing cupboards. Spellman and Jansen suggest putting everyday items at the forefront and donating duplicates that are still usable. A tidy kitchen can significantly enhance daily routines.
**February: Bedroom**
As winter continues, the bedroom becomes a sanctuary for rest. This month, clear bedside tables, donate unread books, and sort through clothing to keep only what is loved and frequently worn. Simplifying jewellery storage is also advisable to prevent clutter accumulation.
**March: Hallway**
The hallway sets the tone for entering and exiting the home. Streamline shoes and coats by keeping only seasonal items. Recycle old mail and organize essentials like keys and umbrellas in designated containers. These small changes can lead to greater efficiency in daily life.
**April: Living Room**
With brighter days ahead, refresh the living room by organizing magazines, tech accessories, and decorative items. Assess whether decorative pieces enhance the space or merely gather dust. A curated living area fosters relaxation and prepares the home for spring cleaning.
**May: Wardrobes**
May is ideal for a wardrobe refresh. Remove all items, categorize them, and evaluate what fits and what suits your lifestyle. Move out-of-season clothes to free up space for summer essentials. A well-organized wardrobe can ease morning routines.
**June: Bathroom**
As summer approaches, focus on the bathroom by checking toiletries for expiry dates and decluttering towels. Streamlining cleaning products can lead to a calmer start to your day, making morning routines more manageable.
**July: Garden and Shed**
Warm weather invites outdoor organization. Clean up the garden and shed by sorting tools and donating duplicates. An organized outdoor space enhances enjoyment during the summer months.
**August: Children’s Rooms**
As the summer holidays wind down, involve children in decluttering their rooms. Sorting clothes and toys together teaches valuable organization skills. Create easy storage solutions for toys, helping children maintain tidy spaces while learning about responsibility.
**September: Home Office and Paperwork**
With the arrival of autumn, September is the ideal month to tackle paperwork. Shred unnecessary documents, digitize where possible, and organize office supplies to boost productivity.
**October: Utility and Laundry Spaces**
Before the holiday season, give utility and laundry spaces the attention they deserve. Declutter cleaning products and streamline laundry routines, making home maintenance less daunting.
**November: Dining Area**
Prepare for festive gatherings by refreshing the dining area. Evaluate table linens and serving dishes, clearing clutter to ensure a welcoming space for guests.
**December: Quick Wins**
As the year concludes, focus on quick decluttering tasks. Organize small spaces and discard items that are no longer needed, making room for new items that may come in January.
Monetizing Clutter
In addition to organizing spaces, Spellman and Jansen encourage individuals to consider selling unwanted items. They suggest evaluating whether items are in demand, in good condition, and whether you would pay for them. For those looking to sell, platforms like Vinted and eBay provide accessible avenues for turning clutter into cash. This not only helps clear space but also promotes sustainability by giving items a new life.
By following this structured plan, individuals can look forward to a more organized and peaceful home throughout 2026. As Spellman and Jansen affirm, the goal is progress, not perfection.
