01/04/2026
Happy New Year! Here is a helpful checklist to help with that Post-holiday Reset!! Declutter, deep clean and step into 2026 freshness!
Here’s a practical, homeowner-focused declutter + deep-clean checklist you can save or print. It’s organized to help you remove excess first, then deep clean what remains, so you’re not cleaning around clutter.
⸻
Whole-House Declutter (Start Here)
Goal: remove what doesn’t belong before cleaning
• ☐ Gather 4 bins: Keep / Donate / Trash / Relocate
• ☐ Remove items from floors (shoes, baskets, décor overflow)
• ☐ Clear flat surfaces (counters, tables, dressers)
• ☐ Purge expired papers, manuals, and mail
• ☐ Remove broken, unused, or duplicate items
• ☐ Return “relocate” items to proper rooms
• ☐ Empty donation bin immediately (don’t let it sit)
⸻
Entryway / Foyer
Declutter
• ☐ Excess shoes, coats, umbrellas
• ☐ Old keys, bags, mail piles
Deep Clean
• ☐ Clean front door (inside & out)
• ☐ Wash doormats
• ☐ Wipe light switches & handles
• ☐ Clean baseboards
⸻
Living Room / Family Room
Declutter
• ☐ Extra throw pillows & blankets
• ☐ Old magazines, remotes, cords
• ☐ Unused décor
Deep Clean
• ☐ Vacuum upholstery & under cushions
• ☐ Dust ceiling fan & vents
• ☐ Wipe electronics & TV screens
• ☐ Clean windows & sills
• ☐ Shampoo rugs (if needed)
⸻
Kitchen
Declutter
• ☐ Expired pantry food & spices
• ☐ Duplicate gadgets & containers
• ☐ Old dish towels & chipped dishes
Deep Clean
• ☐ Clean inside fridge (shelves & drawers)
• ☐ Degrease stove, hood, and backsplash
• ☐ Scrub sink & garbage disposal
• ☐ Wipe cabinet fronts & handles
• ☐ Clean microwave inside
• ☐ Mop floor edges & under appliances
⸻
Dining Room
Declutter
• ☐ Tabletop items not used weekly
• ☐ Extra serving pieces & linens
Deep Clean
• ☐ Dust light fixtures & chairs
• ☐ Clean table surface thoroughly
• ☐ Vacuum or mop floor
⸻
Bedrooms
Declutter
• ☐ Clothes not worn in 12 months
• ☐ Shoes & accessories
• ☐ Nightstand clutter
Deep Clean
• ☐ Wash bedding, pillows, mattress cover
• ☐ Vacuum mattress & under bed
• ☐ Dust furniture & lamps
• ☐ Clean mirrors & windows
⸻
Bathrooms
Declutter
• ☐ Expired medications & makeup
• ☐ Duplicate products
• ☐ Old towels
Deep Clean
• ☐ Scrub shower/tub & grout
• ☐ Disinfect toilet (base & behind)
• ☐ Clean vanity drawers
• ☐ Wash shower curtain & liner
• ☐ Clean exhaust fan cover
⸻
Laundry Room
Declutter
• ☐ Empty containers & missing-sock baskets
• ☐ Old detergents or supplies
Deep Clean
• ☐ Clean washer drum & seal
• ☐ Wipe dryer lint area
• ☐ Clean utility sink
• ☐ Mop behind machines
⸻
Garage / Storage Areas
Declutter
• ☐ Broken tools & unused equipment
• ☐ Old paint & chemicals (dispose properly)
• ☐ Duplicate hardware
Deep Clean
• ☐ Sweep floors
• ☐ Wipe shelving
• ☐ Organize labeled bins
⸻
Final Whole-House Deep Clean
• ☐ Dust baseboards & door frames
• ☐ Wipe walls (high-touch areas)
• ☐ Clean vents & air returns
• ☐ Replace HVAC filters
• ☐ Mop all floors
• ☐ Empty all trash cans & sanitize
⸻
Maintenance Tip (Keeps It Clean Longer)
• 10–15 minutes daily declutter
• One deep-clean task per week
• Seasonal purge every 3–4 months
If you’d like, I can:
• Turn this into a printable PDF
• Create a 7-day or weekend schedule
• Customize it for moving, selling, or post-renovation cleaning
Happy Cleaning!
ChatGPT helps you get answers, find inspiration, and be more productive.
