Ready to reclaim your space in 2025? If one of your resolutions is to declutter, you’re not alone. Many people feel motivated to clean and organize their homes after the holidays. Decluttering not only frees up space but also offers benefits like reduced stress, greater mental clarity, and less maintenance to worry about.
If you’re looking for inspiration, you might be familiar with Marie Kondo’s approach of only keeping items that “spark joy.” While her method has evolved as she’s embraced the realities of motherhood, this guiding principle can still be incredibly helpful when deciding what to keep or let go.
Another approach to consider is Swedish Death Cleaning. This method encourages you to part with unnecessary belongings while you’re healthy, easing the future burden on your family. Both philosophies emphasize thoughtful decluttering and creating a more purposeful space.
Tips for Tackling the Clutter
Decluttering doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Start small by focusing on one area at a time, and use the following tips to make the process easier:
- Categorize Your Items: Use separate boxes for donations, items to sell, and items to trash. Label bins for items you’re keeping.
- Donations: Items in good condition that can benefit others.
- Sales: Consider selling through online platforms or hosting a yard sale. Advertise your products or promote your yard sale on Gettysburg Connection’s free Community Voices bulletin board.
- Trash: Dispose of anything broken or unusable.
- Use Clear Storage Totes: These make it easier to see what’s being stored and avoid unnecessary purchases in the future.
- Go Digital: Reduce paper clutter by switching to online billing and organizing important documents digitally.
Local Resources to Help You Declutter
If you need a little extra help or guidance, check out these local resources:
- Ais Junk Removal (As I Should): Serving Adams County, they offer DIY dumpster bags or hands-on assistance. Contact them at 717-476-2792 or 443-326-7836.
- ReStore Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County: Accepts furniture, appliances, building materials, and more. Schedule a pick-up at habitatfranklinpa.org.
- Lowe’s Recycling Services: Recycle items like CFL bulbs, batteries, plastic bags, and planter pots. You can also purchase a Bagster—a polypropylene dumpster bag—and schedule a pick-up through Waste Management.
- Tender Care Donations: Accepts gently used clothing, household items, diapers, and baby essentials.
- ACNB Shredder Events: Safely dispose of old paperwork that needs shredding.
- Adams County Rescue Mission: Drop off gently used furniture and appliances from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Saturday. Recycling, clothing, and household items are accepted from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm during the same days. Ask about a pickup if you have a lot.
As you let go of excess and reclaim your space, you may find a newfound sense of peace and creativity. Decluttering can transform your home into a more organized and serene environment. Here’s to making 2025 the year you clear the clutter and embrace simplicity!
Amy Thomas, Contributing Editor, is responsible for community outreach, including our social media presence. She, her husband, and her two children reside in Adams County. Amy also works in occupational therapy and volunteers with local organizations.
Good info. Thanks!
Thanks for commenting