Declutter Your Space, Renew Your Spirit: A Solstice Cleanse

As the Winter Solstice approaches, it's the perfect time to turn inward, reflect, and create space for new energy in our homes and lives. Our homes are a reflection of our inner world, and by clearing physical clutter, we make way for peace, presence, and clarity of purpose. This guide will walk you through a step-by-step process to declutter your space and infuse it with authenticity, all while preparing your home—and your spirit—for the new season ahead.

Set the Intention

• Solstice is almost here, and winter is upon us. Take a moment to reflect and look back over the last season. Did your home support your goals, dreams, and sense of connection with your loved ones and your inner voice?

• If the answer is no, ask yourself if there is a particular space in your home that is draining you. Is there somewhere that causes you a lurch of overwhelm whenever you pass by? Start the clearing process here.

  
  

• Perhaps your whole home is a source of tension. If that is the case, start working in the most visible place first, such as a dining room, entryway, or kitchen counters. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and a boost of motivation every time you pass by.

  
  

• Once you have chosen a starting point, decide how you want that space to feel and what its functions are. Choose 3-5 functions or activities to devote that space to. Anything more will cause confusion and overwhelm to persist.

Declutter

• Work on one space at a time. If you need to break a space down into smaller units, such as one shelf in a pantry or one drawer in a vanity, that is totally fine. But do not skip around from room to room—no bouncing from pantry to laundry room to bedroom leaving unfinished messes in every area. Make sure you have finished decluttering and put things back before you move on to the next.

  
  

• Make Quick, Intuitive Decisions. As you pick up an item, make a decision immediately about whether it will be kept, donated, or thrown out. Have a garbage bag and a box for donations on hand.

Here are three simple questions to decide what stays and what moves on:

• Do I use it?

• Do I love it?

• Does it currently add value to my life?

• Get really honest with yourself about the items you are holding onto out of guilt, regret, or obligation. Your home and belongings are meant to nourish, inspire, and energize you. If you lay your hands on something that evokes a heavy or negative feeling, or causes you even a modicum of stress, say goodbye. That item probably carries old energy of some kind and may be quietly draining you while taking up precious space in your sanctuary (aka your home).

• Round up your donations and deliver to the donation center them as soon as possible -- clearing the physical space makes way for fresh energy.

Deep Clean

• Welcome the return of the light with an act of care and service to youself and your space. Energy flows more easily through a clean space -- and for those of us who are after productivity and presence, we want that vital life energy circulating without obstruction. As you are decluttering, make sure you are taking the opportunity to deep clean and reset the zone you are working in.

Infuse Your Space with Authenticity

• Now, for the fun part. After you declutter, take some time to curate the space so it reflects your personal style. If you are feeling lost, consider creating a Pinterest board dedicated to your home style inspiration for the year ahead. Still not sure where to start? Here are some interior style categories to search:

  
  

  • Rustic

  • Industrial

  • Glam

  • Boho

  • Scandinavian

  • Farmhouse

  • Cottage

  • Modern

  • Traditional

  • Eclectic

  
  

  You can search these terms on their own or mix and match. For example: Modern Farmhouse. Additionally, you can add country names to any of these search words. For example: French Rustic Interiors.

  
  

• Pinterest is a great place for getting clear on what inspires and resonates with you, so I highly recommend a glass of something soothing and a little time building your vision board. Don't skip this step. As with anything in life, we need a plan so we can create cohesively in the future. Knowing what kind of features, fixtures, and colors are associated with your chosen vibe will help you to move your space from chaotic to cohesive. A home makeover doesn't happen overnight, but every little piece you bring in that reflects your essence and style is an act of self-love.

  
  

• Next, since you probably (hopefully!) just donated a bunch of stuff, give yourself full license to purchase something new that reflects who you are in this moment. Find a beautiful organizing object to enhance the flow of your space. Perhaps your space is calling for a tray, tiered shelf riser, drawer divider, pegboard, or a row of hooks. The list of potentital objects is vast, but Ikea and Container Store have solid options. Bonus: for an elevated look, choose metal, wood, bamboo, canvas, woven grasses, fiberboard, or other natural materials.

Embrace the Season of Renewal

• As the solstice marks the shift toward longer, brighter days, let your home reflect this transformation. Each space you declutter, clean, and curate becomes a symbol of new beginnings. By setting intentions, releasing what no longer serves you, and embracing thoughtful design, you create an environment that supports your growth, creativity, and well-being. Your home is more than a shelter—it’s a sanctuary where your energy, dreams, and daily life align. Take this opportunity to craft a space that reflects your truest self, and watch as that clarity extends into every part of your life.