Tackle A Winter Declutter Challenge
As the snow piles up outside, winter is the perfect time to turn your attention indoors. With fewer distractions and more time at home, it’s an ideal season to tackle the clutter that’s been quietly building up.
But don’t worry—there’s no need to overhaul the whole house in one weekend. Taking it one room at a time keeps things realistic, satisfying and even a little enjoyable.
Here’s a room-by-room guide to help you get started on a winter declutter challenge that will leave your space refreshed and ready for the year ahead.
Start small with the entryway
This area sees the most traffic and the most mess. Coats, boots, mitts and mail can pile up fast, especially during winter. Start by pulling everything out of your closet or hooks. Donate any outerwear that hasn’t been worn in two seasons. Check for lone mitts, outgrown kids’ coats or too-small footwear. If you’ve got a bench or shelf, sort what stays. Try a bin for each family member to stash hats and scarves. Add hooks for bags and a tray or basket for incoming mail and keys. It’s all about making your day-to-day exits and arrivals smoother.
Freshen up the bathroom
A small space, but full of clutter potential. Go through the medicine cabinet and under-sink storage. Toss expired prescriptions and beauty products past their best-before date. Be honest about what you actually use because those three half-used shampoos can probably be narrowed down.
Group your products by purpose: daily use, first aid, occasional self-care. Add small containers or drawer dividers to make things easier to find. And don’t forget to wash or swap out old towels.
Reset your kitchen chaos
It’s the heart of the home—and the home of so much stuff. Begin with the fridge and pantry. Toss expired items and combine duplicates. Take stock of what you have so you’re not buying another bottle of soy sauce next trip. Group similar foods together to make meal prep easier.
Move on to cupboards and drawers. How many coffee mugs do you really use? Are there three whisks hiding in the utensil drawer? Create a donation box for duplicates, unused appliances or mystery tools. Make space for the things you actually reach for.
Tidy the living room zones
This is where lounging happens—make it calm, not chaotic. Start with visible surfaces. Clear off side tables, the coffee table and any shelves that have become catch-alls. If something doesn’t belong in the living room, return it to its home. Go through baskets, drawers and media consoles. Remove old remote controls, outdated cables or DVDs no one watches. Fold blankets, organize books and make sure any toys, games or puzzles both easy to access and easy to put away.
Clear the bedroom for better sleep Clutter can mess with rest—especially if it’s where you see it last. Start with your nightstand. Remove old books, random receipts or forgotten water glasses. Keep only what you need: a lamp, current read, journal or lotion.
Tackle your closet next. Winter is the perfect time to sort through seasonal clothes. Create piles to keep, donate or repair. Use bins for accessories, fold sweaters neatly and give your shoes a home.
If you’re up for it, look under the bed. It’s a common hiding spot for clutter. Make it a clean zone—or use bins to store items with purpose, like extra bedding or out-of-season clothes.
Don’t forget the home office or hobby space
Make it functional and inspiring—not a dumping ground. Start by recycling outdated papers, old receipts and packaging. Tidy up drawers, organize supplies and make sure cords aren’t a tangled mess.
Create zones: a work zone, storage zone and creative zone if needed. Add a bulletin board, labels or small baskets to give everything a place. It’s easier to focus when your surroundings feel organized and welcoming.
Celebrate progress as you go
Decluttering doesn’t need to be overwhelming. By tackling one room at a time, you give yourself space to make thoughtful choices. Winter gives us the gift of pause—use it to reset your home, clear your mind and set yourself up for a calmer, more organized season ahead.
So grab a donation bin, cue up your favourite playlist and pick a room. Your future self will thank you.