9 Things You Need to Get Rid of the First Week of January
The first week of January isn’t just another page on the calendar. It’s a reset button.
A chance to start fresh with clear intentions and a clean slate. And while resolutions might come and go, what really sets the tone for your year is your environment.
Clutter can weigh you down before you even get started. So, it’s time to let go of things you don’t need.
1. Holiday Decorations You Don’t Love
Those tangled lights from 2015 that only half work? Let them go. Same with the cheesy ornaments that don’t fit your vibe anymore.
Before you store the holiday decorations, sort through them. Only keep items that bring you joy or serve a purpose.
Broken or outdated decorations are just taking up space. By decluttering now, next year’s decorating will feel less like a chore and more like a festive ritual.
2. Things You Don’t Want to Use Anyways
We all have those items. The ones we swore we’d use but secretly knew we wouldn’t.
Like that treadmill doubling as a coat rack, the fancy juicer that’s too much hassle to clean, or the bread maker you tried once during lockdown. These aspirational items only serve as reminders of good intentions gone stale.
If you’ve been avoiding using it, ask yourself why. Does it take up too much space? Is it inconvenient? Or maybe it just doesn’t align with your lifestyle anymore. Whatever the reason, it’s time to let it go.
Sell or donate fitness equipment, kitchen gadgets, or hobby supplies that no longer serve you. A clutter-free home is more motivating and functional, giving you room to embrace hobbies or habits that truly fit your life.
3. Unwanted Gifts You’ll Never Use
If we’re being honest, not every gift is a winner. Maybe it’s a sweater in a color you’d never wear, a kitchen gadget you don’t need, or a quirky décor item that doesn’t fit your style.
Gifts are a beautiful gesture meant to bring joy, not obligation. Holding onto these things out of guilt only adds unnecessary clutter to your life.
Reframe your mindset because the thought behind the gift has already served its purpose. It’s okay to store it or pass it on now.
Consider donating the item to someone who will truly appreciate it or return/exchange it if possible. For sentimental items, consider using the gift once for the experience or taking a photo before letting them go.
4. Leftovers You’re Never Going to Eat
We’ve all been there—stacked containers of food in the fridge that seemed like a good idea to save but are now just taking up space. Maybe it’s last week’s takeout, holiday meal remnants, or those veggies you promised to turn into soup. If you know you’re not going to eat it, it’s time to let it go.
Leftovers are the ultimate procrastination clutter. They sit there, making you feel guilty whenever you open the fridge. Check for signs of spoilage—if it’s questionable, toss it immediately. If it’s still edible but you’re over it, consider composting instead of trashing.
A clean fridge is surprisingly satisfying and sets the tone for healthier, less wasteful habits. Start fresh with intentional meal planning and only save what you’ll realistically eat.
5. Toys Your Kids Have Outgrown
Half the toys your kids got for Christmas are already forgotten. Believe me, I understand the dilemma.
Sort through what they’ve outgrown or don’t play with anymore. Donate gently used toys to a local shelter or daycare. Broken or incomplete toys should be recycled or tossed.
Fewer toys make it easier for your kids to focus and appreciate what they have. Plus, it keeps your living room from looking like a toy store exploded.
6. Old Makeup and Skincare Products
Cosmetics have a shelf life, and keeping them past their prime isn’t just clutter—it’s a health risk. Toss anything that smells off, has changed texture, or is past the expiration date.
Skincare samples you’ll never use? Goodbye. Half-used bottles of shampoo? Adíos.
A decluttered vanity makes getting ready quicker and more enjoyable. Clean and organize what’s left so you can actually see and use your products.
7. Old Clothes You Never Wear
If you haven’t worn it in 90 days (definitely within the last year), it’s time to let it go. Yes, even that pair of jeans you’re saving for when you lose those last five pounds.
Clothes you no longer love or that don’t fit create decision fatigue every morning. Bag them up and donate to charity or take them to a clothing recycling center.
8. Paper Clutter
Receipts, old bills, junk mail, and user manuals for gadgets you no longer own—it’s all got to go. Paper clutter accumulates quickly, and January is the perfect time to tackle it.
Invest in a shredder for sensitive documents and recycle the rest. Consider digitizing what you need to keep using a scanner or your phone.
9. Unread books and magazines
Let’s face it, if you haven’t read it by now, you probably won’t. Books you’ve outgrown, magazines piling up, or that novel you might read someday—time to donate or recycle them.
Keep what you truly love or intend to read soon. A curated bookshelf makes your home feel intentional and gives you space for new interests.
Theresa Bedford is a minimal-ish advocate, storyteller, and wellness enthusiast who believes that simplicity is the key to wellness and a more intentional, fulfilling life. After realizing she was spending too much time searching for things—both physically and mentally—she embraced minimalism, not as a rigid rule, but as a way to create space for what truly matters.
