Change is the only constant in our lives, and while it’s often hard, change can also be a good way to reset and start fresh.
Moving homes, starting a new job, breaking up with a long-term partner, having a new baby, experiencing a loss, or simply shifting your routine – all of these can prompt you to want a fresh slate.
The best way to kick off the new you is at home, and below, we’ll cover how to reset your home after a major life change. Don’t be afraid to call in the professionals if you start to feel overwhelmed.
Tips to Recalibrate Your Home
Change can be hard, so as you’re trying to reset your home, give yourself grace. You don’t have to do everything at once. Start with one room, one item, or one plan. If that feels overwhelming, focus on what makes you most comfortable.
Simplify Clutter
If you’re trying to feel less chaotic in your day-to-day life, you may want to start by decluttering your home. Psychology studies have shown that clutter can increase stress, so the less stuff you have, the more peace you may find in your home.
Decluttering isn’t easy. We are often attached to our things. We’ve spent years collecting them, and they often hold memories. Keeping too many things can leave us feeling stuck in the same place, so when we’re trying to move on, start with getting rid of some of the stuff.
Work through your home systematically, room by room. Don’t try to tackle your entire place in one day. Then, ask yourself the following questions as you’re sorting through items.
- Does this have a home? One of the most common ways clutter builds up is buying something because we like it. However, we don’t consider where it will go when we get home, so it just sits there out of place. Space is at a premium in New York City, so don’t waste it with too much stuff.
- Does it have sentimental value? After a change, you may want to get rid of everything that reminds you of that person or that time in your life. If it will help you move on, go for it! If you think you will want it one day, allow yourself one box or bin to fill up and place in storage. Once it’s filled, donate, sell, or discard the rest of it.
- Is it expired, damaged, or broken? Look through your kitchen, medicine cabinet, or even your makeup bag. If an item has reached its expiration date – or it’s near it and you won’t use it before – get rid of it. The same goes if an item is damaged, broken, or part of an incomplete set.
- Do I use it? If you haven’t used something in a while, get rid of it. The time frame can vary. For example, if you haven’t worn an outfit in six months or used a small appliance in a year. If you don’t use an item, give it to someone who will.
You don’t have to clear your entire NYC apartment in order to declutter, but you can get rid of a lot of stuff you simply don’t use, or that doesn’t fit your life anymore. You’ll almost feel like you’re starting with a clean canvas, which can reduce stress.
Reorganize Your Home Layout
In most cases, we can’t get rid of all of our furniture when we’re trying to start over. We need to work with what we’ve got, and one of the best ways to make a room feel fresh is by reorganizing it.
- Take stock of the room. If you can’t conceptualize new layouts, draw it out. Sketch out the room dimensions and options before you move things around. You can start to visualize if you’ll like it, how the new arrangement will impact the room’s flow, and more.
- Don’t just focus on the big things. Of course, moving big-ticket items like couches, beds, and chairs will make the biggest impact. Don’t forget about side tables, lamps, or even the placement of your TV.
- Consider functional use and aesthetics. Your new layout should feel different, but it shouldn’t impede how the space is used. Don’t block pathways, seating areas, or visual line of sight in the interest of simply looking better.
Reflowing a room can change how a space feels, even if you aren’t integrating new pieces into your home layout.
Refresh Important Spaces
You may want to refresh significant rooms and areas within your home, and that may include purchasing new items.
Set a budget for your refresh and create a clear plan for what you’re hoping to achieve. That way, you won’t end up adding new clutter to your home after you’ve just gotten rid of a lot of stuff.
- Pick a new signature scent. Scent, emotions, and memories are closely tied together. While you or your home may have had a signature scent, you may consider switching it up so it doesn’t bring back old memories.
- Cleanse your space. Some people burn sage to remove the negative energy, while others can open windows to air out the space. Cleansing the space can mean different things based on your personal beliefs.
- Switch out the pictures. Hang up new pictures with better memories or change the artwork. Subtle switches in the decor can make a big difference.
- Redecorate. Paint the walls. Buy new throw pillows and blankets. Get new side lamps. You can change how a room feels by redecorating. And if you are a renter in New York City, there are plenty of temporary, renter-friendly options available.
Check your lease for limitations before you start. Many apartments prohibit permanent alterations, but there are still ways you can change your home’s energy without renovation.
Create New Daily Systems
Your routine in your old life may not work for the new future you’re creating – and that’s okay! You need to create new daily systems that fit for you and your new life.
- Implement a bin system. Put things in a bin that don’t belong. Once it fills, you need to put everything away.
- Do a light 5-minute clean before bed. Remove items from the counter or load the dishwasher so you can start fresh in the morning. Race to see how much you can accomplish in five minutes to make it a game.
- Schedule timers. Many modern appliances allow you to schedule the coffee to be made at a certain time or the dishwasher to run. You can control your washer and dryer from your phone. Automate what you can so you can have a more seamless structure in your life without relying on another person.
Whatever change you made, note the moments where you stumble because you can’t operate as you had previously. Then, make a plan to cover the gap. Each day will be easier until you have a new daily system or routine.
Call in the Professionals
If your house feels overwhelming or it no longer fits your current needs, call in the professionals. Professional organizers can help you tackle the clutter within your home, while professional cleaners can help your space feel more consistently clean.
A deep clean can help your space feel like new, but it can be hard to know where to start. Professional cleaners understand how to effectively and efficiently clean your NYC apartment so you can focus on other tasks associated with your major life change.
Contact Us Today!
When you are ready to reset your home, call White Glove Cleaner. We are the premier cleaning service in NYC, ready to help take the stress of cleaning off your plate.
We offer deep cleans, weekly cleans, green cleans, move-in/move-out cleans, and more. Contact us today to schedule your service and get started.
A clean home and a fresh start will help you get on living your new life in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Choose What Items to Get Rid Of When Decluttering?
If you don’t use an item for a set amount of time, you may want to get rid of it. For example, clothes you don’t wear, home decor that isn’t your style, seasonal decorations, and more. Sentimental items can be assessed on a case-by-case basis, but limit yourself to a set number of boxes of what you can keep.
Can I Refresh My Space Without Renovating?
If you can’t make cosmetic changes in your home, you can still refresh the space by changing the room’s flow, switching out pictures, and even changing pillows and blankets. Small changes can shift the energy of a space and make it feel new.
What Do I Need to Clean?
You should clean your home to start fresh. Not only will it remove dust and dirt, but it will also help you begin your new routine with a clean slate. Deep cleaning can be cathartic but tiring. A professional cleaning service like White Glove Cleaner can help do the hard work for you.