Declutter Like It’s Yo’ Birthday

10 Birthday Tasks to Refresh Your Life

I’m a professional organizer, but I’m also a person, and I believe birthdays are a perfect reminder to reflect, renew, and reset. Your birthday month can be your annual trigger to tackle those tasks that often get overlooked. August is my birthday month, so without further ado, here’s a list of 10 things to review, refresh, or declutter annually. Your birthday month is a great time to tackle them.

Whether your birthday is this month or ten months away, this list will help you keep your life in order! 

1. Review and Update Important Documents

Go through your important documents—wills, insurance policies, and any legal paperwork. Make sure they are up to date, and securely stored. It’s boring and adulty, but also pretty important. You may want to consider scanning them for digital backup.

2. Declutter Your Bookshelf

My local book club starts up for the year in September, so August is the perfect time for me to declutter my bookshelf and make room for this year’s books (which are my birthday gift from my husband, yay!). Bookshelves can easily become cluttered with books you’ve already read or don’t plan to read. Go through your collection and donate or sell books you no longer need. This will create space for new reads you’re excited about.

3. Purge Your Closet

Your style and needs evolve over time, so it’s crucial to reassess your wardrobe at least annually. Donate or sell clothes that no longer fit or bring you joy. Don’t worry if you don’t have time for The Big Closet Cleanout! Even taking a few extra minutes (like when you’re getting dressed or putting away laundry) to notice what is no longer serving you and pull those pieces out can make a tremendous difference in how your closet feels.

4. Check Subscriptions and Memberships

Subscriptions can quietly accumulate throughout the year. I recently noticed a fairly sizable payment for an online platform subscription whose free trial I’d signed up for and was annoyed with myself that I’d forgotten to set my reminder to cancel it. Instead of adding that task to a to do list, I just cancelled it right away, and it was a big relief. Review all your magazine, streaming, and app subscriptions. Cancel those you no longer use or need. This simple act can save money and reduce digital (and physical) clutter.

5. Refresh Your Digital Space

Your digital space deserves just as much attention as your physical one. Take some time to clean up your computer, phone, and other devices. Delete unused apps, clear out old files, and organize your desktop. Consider updating passwords as well. While you’re at it, get rid of cords you don’t need and chargers that no longer work.

6. Sort Through Sentimental Items

Birthdays often bring a sense of nostalgia, making it a perfect time to go through sentimental items. Whether it’s old photos, letters, or mementos, keep only what holds true meaning to you. Take a few of your favorite cards or photos and pin them up by your desk to enjoy or find other creative ways to display or store them.

Birthdays are a time to celebrate, but also to review and refresh your life!

7. Update Your Financial Goals

Your financial goals may shift over the course of a year. Use your birthday as a reminder to reassess your budget, savings, and investments and check your recurring donations. Set new goals or adjust existing ones to ensure you’re on track for the year ahead. It might be a good time to switch to paperless statements, too.

8. Declutter Your Kitchen

Kitchens can become cluttered with gadgets, expired food, and unused items. Go through your pantry, fridge, and cabinets to get rid of anything that’s expired or no longer needed. This will make your kitchen more functional and pleasant to use.

9. Organize Your Health & Records

Turning a year older is such a gift, and you want to make sure you do it again next year. Now its a great time to schedule any annual check-ups or appointments you’ve been putting off. Make sure all your medical records, prescriptions, and health insurance information are up to date and easily accessible. Check your supplements and review your exercise routine.

10. Celebrate Yourself

After all the decluttering and organizing you’ve been doing, treat yo’ self! Do whatever makes you feel like you. Call your sister, schedule a massage, read a good book, or go for a bike ride. Do something you love, because there’s more to life than being an organized robot. You’ve earned it!

Your birthday is a natural checkpoint to evaluate your life and surroundings. By completing these tasks, you not only keep your life in order but also ensure that you’re aligned with your goals and values. Happy organizing and Be the Boss of Your Birthday! 🎉

Oh hey there!

I’m Ashley, and I love my job as a professional home organizer in Jamestown, ND. I help people clear clutter and get their homes organized. Judgement is not included in my services! No matter your starting point, we can declutter, organize and set you up in a space that works for you. We’ll work together and when I leave, you’ll have the systems to keep it up.

Click HERE to schedule a complimentary consultation to chat about how I can help you be the boss of your stuff.