New Year, Clean Space: Decluttering Your Home Inspired by Netflix’s Best Organization Shows
While most people think about spring cleaning, I’ve found that starting each quarter with a good home reset works wonders—especially at the beginning of a new year. Life is busy, and our homes can easily become a reflection of the mental clutter we’re carrying. For me, when I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I clean or purge. There’s something about creating physical space that feels like clearing mental space.
If you’ve ever felt that way too, you’re not alone. Let me walk you through where I find inspiration and motivation to declutter my home. Spoiler alert: Netflix has some incredible shows that make organizing feel not only doable but even fun. Here’s how I’ve turned their wisdom into steps you can take to transform your home and your mind.
Tidying Up with Marie Kondo
Marie Kondo is such a gem. Her gentle energy and sweet, kind demeanor make you want to trust her completely—like she’s cheering you on in your decluttering journey. I know her method might feel a little “out there” to some people (yes, I’m talking about holding up your clothes to see if they spark joy), but I totally resonate with it.
Her approach has helped me let go of things I once loved but that no longer serve a purpose. Take my seasonal sweater box, for example. Every winter, I’d bring it up from the basement, unpack all these “meh” sweaters, and dutifully put them in my closet. The problem? I never actually wore them. Most were itchy, didn’t fit quite right, or were just plain boring. But every year, I’d go through the same routine, only to pack them back up months later.
Finally, I Marie Kondo’d that box. I held up each sweater, realized none of them brought me joy, and let them go. Now, not only do I have fewer things to store, but I’ve also freed myself from that little winter ritual of unpacking clothes I don’t even like.
Her method may feel a bit woo-woo, but what’s the harm in trying? Even if you’re alone in your bedroom, clutching a shirt and asking yourself if it makes you happy, you might be surprised at how freeing it feels.
What You Can Do:
Start with one category of stuff (clothes, books, or sentimental items) instead of tackling an entire room.
Hold each item and decide if it makes you happy. If not, let it go guilt-free.
Go slow! There’s no need to rush through the process.
Get Organized with The Home Edit
Let’s be honest: The Home Edit is like a candy store for anyone who loves aesthetics. Clea and Joanna’s perfectly color-coded pantries and meticulously labeled bins feel like a warm tropical breeze on an otherwise chaotic day. But let’s also be real—most of us aren’t going to turn our snack shelves into a literal rainbow (as amazing as that would be). Life just doesn’t work that way, and that’s okay!
What I love about this show is that it’s not really about perfection. It’s about making your home work for you. One of their key principles is grouping items together and ensuring that everything has a designated “home.” This simple concept is a game-changer.
For example, if you’re constantly finding mail scattered across every surface, designate a basket on your entryway table as your mail drop zone. Then, make it a habit to sort through it once a week—or whatever works for your family. If laundry is piling up in your kids’ rooms, maybe they need hampers where they actually dump their clothes.
It’s all about creating functional systems that reduce clutter and fit your life. Bonus points if you make it pretty, but even if you don’t, a space that works for your needs will always feel better than one that doesn’t.
How to Roll This Out:
Start small—like that junk drawer or a shelf in the pantry. Sort items into “keep,” “donate,” and “toss” piles.
Invest in clear bins or containers to group similar items together. Label them for easy access.
If you’re into aesthetics, go ahead and color-code! If not, focus on functionality.
Queer Eye
If there’s one thing Bobby Berk on Queer Eye does exceptionally well, it’s transforming chaotic, cluttered spaces into supportive, calming havens. This show is a beautiful reminder that our surroundings deeply affect how we feel and show up in life—whether it’s at work, with family, or even in how we approach self-care.
I’ve noticed this in my own life. Have you ever come home from a so-so day—nothing great, nothing terrible—and been instantly irritated when you walk in and see dishes in the sink, papers scattered everywhere, and maybe your husband’s socks by the front door? It’s like the clutter turns a mild annoyance into a full-blown case of frustration.
Here’s where Queer Eye inspires me: by creating systems and functionality in our homes, we can eliminate some of that chaos and irritation. Think about how much better you’d feel walking into a space that feels calm and collected. Maybe it’s as simple as adding a drop zone for shoes by the door, or finding a way to keep the kitchen counter clear so it feels less overwhelming.
Your home is a reflection of where you are and where you want to go. If something in your space is adding stress instead of support, it’s time to change it. Trust me, even small shifts can make a big difference in how you feel—and how you show up for your family.
How to Make It Work for You:
Walk through your home and notice how each room makes you feel. Is it supporting your goals, or is it dragging you down?
Let go of items tied to negative memories or unused things that take up valuable space.
Focus on small changes, like rearranging furniture or creating a cozy corner that makes you feel good.
Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things
I’ll admit it—I’m not a minimalist. In fact, I’d say I lean more toward the maximalist side of things. I love having a home full of meaningful pieces that bring character and life to a space. That said, I always find nuggets of wisdom in Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things every time I watch it.
I find it fascinating that some people can live with so little. Seriously, where do they keep their fingernail clippers? Their red light therapy boxes? (Maybe that’s just me!) But the concepts in this documentary are solid: it’s not about depriving yourself, but about keeping only what truly adds value to your life.
If you’ve ever been curious about whether a minimalist lifestyle might work for you, this documentary is a great place to start. It shows how clearing out the excess can lead to a freer, happier existence—and even if you don’t end up with an ultra-minimalist home, the principles can inspire small changes that make a big difference.
How to Bring This Mindset Home:
When deciding whether to keep something, ask: “Do I use it? Do I love it? Does it add value?” If not, it’s time to part ways.
Shift your focus from stuff to experiences. A clutter-free home gives you the space (and time) to enjoy life more fully.
Start small—purge a single drawer or closet and notice how much lighter you feel.
Watch Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things on Netflix
Final Steps: Declutter Your Home and Mind
Feeling inspired? Here’s a simple checklist to help you get started:
Pick One Area to Tackle: Start small—one room, one closet, or even one drawer.
Decide on Your Approach: Choose your inspiration: Spark joy (Marie Kondo), create systems (The Home Edit), or focus on emotional well-being (Queer Eye).
Sort It Out: Divide everything into “keep,” “donate,” and “toss” piles. Don’t overthink—trust your gut.
Organize Your Keepers: Use bins, baskets, or containers to give everything a proper place. Label it if needed!
Celebrate Progress: Take a moment to enjoy your newly cleared space. Then decide where you’ll tackle next.
Decluttering isn’t just about having a picture-perfect home—it’s about creating a space that makes you feel good. Whether you’re inspired by Marie Kondo’s mindfulness, The Home Edit’s playful systems, or Bobby Berk’s emotionally attuned designs, there’s a method here that can work for you. Start small, stay consistent, and watch how your home transforms into a place where you can truly thrive.
What’s your go-to trick for organizing? Let me know in the comments or share your decluttering journey with me—I’d love to hear how it’s going!
