The end of a year brings immense joy, wonderful memories and often a hefty dose of extra clutter. As the calendar flips to the new year, many of us feel that powerful urge to start fresh. It’s the perfect time to reset our minds and, just as importantly, our homes. A well-organized living space is essential for a stress-free environment and helps you better maintain the beauty and long-term value of your investment.

Whether you are an existing Gerstad Builders homeowner looking for a simple refresh or are preparing to pack up and move into one of our brand-new homes, these actionable tips will help you conquer the chaos and make your space organized and relaxed for the entire year ahead:

Prepping for a New Year

To start the year off right, begin with a clear goal. Before you declutter, think about why you want to do it. Maybe you want calmer mornings or a guest room that feels inviting. Once you know your goal, gather what you need, including sturdy boxes, strong bags and labels.

Begin small so you don’t get overwhelmed. Pick one drawer or shelf instead of trying to do a whole floor. Be honest as you begin: put each item into keep, donate, trash or relocate. If you haven’t used something in over a year, it probably belongs in one of the last three groups!

Post-Declutter & Maintenance

The real magic happens during the follow-through. Remove donation and trash bags from your home immediately after sorting. Leaving them by the door invites “clutter drift,” where items slowly migrate back into your living areas.

To keep things tidy, make sure everything has its own place. When your keys, remotes and shoes each have a spot, it’s easier to stay organized. Try spending 10 minutes each evening tidying up your main rooms. Also, plan to deep clean busy areas like the kitchen and mudroom every few months.

Start the New Year in a New Home

These habits are especially helpful if you’re getting ready to move. Packing to move to your new Gerstad home is a great chance to sort your things and only bring what matters most with you.

At Gerstad Builders, our floor plans are made to help you avoid clutter. Our homes include smart storage options like walk-in closets and practical pantries. We encourage you to use these features to keep your home looking its best. If your current house feels too small, it may be time to look for a design with more space.

Are you ready to find a home that fits your lifestyle? Reach out to the Gerstad Builders team today to begin your journey toward owning a home in one of our Illinois or Wisconsin communities.

We invite you to visit our models to see our storage-friendly designs in person! For more information on visiting one of our communities in Illinois or Wisconsin, contact us online or call 815-385-4495.