Clear the clutter and start the year on a fresh note

With New Year’s day behind us, and the year stretching ahead of us with promise, let’s take some time to clear out our clutter – and start off on a fresh note.

But where to start remains the question.

Here are a few things you can change in your home – and they will make you feel happier immediately.

Have a look at your pillows. Are they sad and looking tired?

Bedding experts indicate that pillows should be replaced after 1-2 years. If yours are older than two years, it is probably time to invest in new ones. Your bedroom will feel better and your sleep will benefit too. But don’t just throw your old ones out, check with your local animal shelter and see if they accept used pillows for their animals.

Old winter clothes and accessories

Chances are you have clothing stacked somewhere that you have not worn in years. Those smaller sizes, maybe? Or clothes that are a bit sad looking and aged. Now is the time to donate it all to the local thrift shop. They will be glad to have it – and your cupboards will look healthy and hopeful for some new clothes.

Random food in the fridge and back of the cupboard

Expired items should not hang around in your cupboards. Check the fridge for any rancid, forgotten items and clear them out. Freshen up both fridge and cupboards with bicarb solution.

Expired products

After you’ve checked the fridge, head over to the bathroom – do the date check here too. Old makeup, medicines and ointments must be tossed out. Replacing them with fresh ones will give you a nice feel every morning.

Extra mugs

Have you also collected a variety of random mugs through the years? Some may have been matching sets but many are probably broken now. Now is the time to get a handle on some new mugs. Get a new matching set for the new year. You will be glad to be rid of chipped, stained mugs.

Dingy towels

Did you know that you’re supposed to wash your bathroom towels every two days? That’s if you are serious about hygiene. If yours are not washed this often they’re likely breeding bacteria. Either way, after many uses and washes, your towels become worn out. Get rid of any thinning, raggedy towels and remember animal shelters can use these too.

Kids’ puzzles, games with missing pieces and broken toys

If you take out a puzzle to complete and find out there are pieces missing, the reality is: you will never be using the puzzle again and it’s time to say goodbye. The same goes for decks of cards, or any other games or toys missing essential playing pieces.

Anything you have not used in three years

Books, toys, entertainment products like old DVDs – get them out and make space for new things – or just breathe in a sigh of clean air.