Mid-Year Decluttering: Where to Start (Without the Overwhelm)

July is that sneaky little halfway point of the year.

One minute you’re hanging fairy lights, checking your snow shovel, and making resolutions, and the next you’re knee-deep in sunscreen bottles, summer schedules, and a house that feels… a little heavier than you’d like.

Good news: It’s not too late for a mid-year reset.

If you’ve been thinking about decluttering but feel stuck because where do you even start?! — don’t worry. Today, we’re breaking it down into real, doable steps. (No 48-hour cleaning marathons required.)

Let's get you started on your mid-year decluttering journey—and make your home feel lighter before the back-to-school and holiday rush sneaks up.

Schedule Your Free Consultation with Declutter and Reset Today

Why Mid-Year Decluttering Matters

Think of July as a gentle "check-in" point.

You’re halfway through the year. Life has changed. Your needs have shifted. And your home’s flow might need a little love.

Decluttering now sets you up for:

  • Easier back-to-school mornings

  • Stress-free fall routines

  • Space for upcoming holidays

  • A calmer, more functional everyday life

Bonus: Summer energy = the perfect time to tackle those lingering piles with a little more sunshine (literally and figuratively).

Many clients are already booking home organization in Boulder this summer because a mid-year reset makes fall feel lighter and more manageable.

Where to Start: 5 Easy Places to Begin

Not every space needs a full makeover. Start small. Start smart. Here’s where your energy is best spent:

1. The "Hot Spots"

Every home has them. (And if you just looked at your kitchen counter while reading this, same.)

Hot spots are those dumping grounds where clutter piles up naturally:

  • Entryway tables

  • Kitchen counters

  • Laundry room shelves

  • Dining room chairs that double as "temporary" closets

Start Here: Clear one hot spot completely. Set a timer for 10 minutes and go.

Why: Tiny wins fuel bigger progress.

2. The Summer Overflow

Summer brings extra… everything.

  • Pool bags

  • Hiking gear

  • Vacation souvenirs

  • Sandals (so many sandals)

Start Here: Do a quick sweep. Ask: Are we using this weekly? If not, can it be stored, donated, or tossed?

Why: Clutter creeps in fastest during seasonal shifts. Catch it early.

3. The "Future Projects"

You know that shelf of half-finished scrapbooks or the bag of yarn for the sweater you meant to start two winters ago?

Start Here: Pick ONE "future project" to either:

  • Commit to finishing (set a date!)

  • Donate the supplies if your heart’s not in it anymore

Why: Freeing yourself from guilt clutter gives you energy back.

4. The Kids' Gear Explosion

If you have kids, you know: summer turns houses into snack stations slash craft warehouses slash sports storage units.

Start Here: One bin per kid for "current summer stuff." Everything else? Rotate out, donate, or store.

Why: Creating limits helps kids (and grown-ups) feel less overwhelmed.

5. Your Own Drop Zone

Where do YOU drop your stuff?

  • Purse

  • Keys

  • Sunglasses

  • Water bottles

Start Here: Create one small, designated spot for your essentials. A basket, a tray, a hook by the door.

Why: Organizing your "landing zone" saves time and reduces everyday stress.

Pro Tip: Celebrate Tiny Progress

Decluttering isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s a series of small resets that build on each other.

After each space you reset, take a moment to:

  • Notice the lightness.

  • Enjoy the breathing room.

  • Celebrate that you took action—because action beats perfection, every time.

Why Work with Declutter and Reset This Summer

If starting still feels like too much, you don't have to do it alone.

Declutter and Reset Home Organizing is here to help you:

  • Start small and build momentum

  • Create realistic, sustainable systems

  • Feel good in your home again

If you’re looking for compassionate, stress-free help, our summer decluttering services in Denver are filling up fast.

Ready to Start Your Mid-Year Reset?

If you're ready to:

  • Clear the hot spots

  • Finish (or free yourself from) those projects

  • Create spaces that support your best life

...then now is the perfect time to start.

Schedule Your Free Consultation with Declutter and Reset Today

Because there’s nothing magic about January 1st. The best time to reset is whenever you’re ready—and today sounds pretty good.

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Why Summer Kid Clutter Feels So Overwhelming and How to Easily Organize the Messy Stuff of a Great Life