The close of the year is a wonderful time to reflect on the past 12 months and plan ahead for the coming year. Here are some practical ideas and 10 things to do at the end of the year to prepare for next year and make it a good one!
LET’S PLAN AND ORGANISE FOR THE YEAR AHEAD
I always think it’s amazing how quickly the year comes to a close. For me, the year really speeds up towards the end (or maybe that’s just my brain struggling to keep pace!).
At the start of December I’m planning Christmas and dealing with the festive chaos as well as juggling work and a busy schedule for my kids at school. December is a whirlwind and all the focus leads us to Christmas Day.
And then there’s a lull, that weird quieter, in-between time from Christmas Day through to New Year, as our thoughts shift again to what the coming year might have in store for us. I actually really look forward to these days as a chance to rest, reset and productively plan ahead.
As the year comes to a close, I like to look back on what went well and what didn’t, what I’d like to repeat for the year ahead and how I can build on and make this next year even better than the last!
In this article I’d like to help you review the past year, streamline and simplify your home and life and prepare for next year in the best way possible – so let’s dive in!
10 THINGS TO DO AT THE END OF THE YEAR TO PREPARE FOR NEXT YEAR
Let’s create memories, celebrate the good things and plan and prepare for the coming 12 months, the simple, meaningful and intentional way.
1. Capture memories at The End of the Year
The end of the year is the perfect time to sit down and reflect on all the moments that made it special. It’s not just about keeping a memento for the sake of it – it’s about really thinking about what mattered to you, what brought you joy, and what you’d like to carry forward into the new year.
You could write a letter to yourself. Reflect on what you’ve achieved, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the things you’re grateful for. Seal it up and read it at the end of next year. It’s always fascinating to see how much you’ve evolved over the year.
Journaling can also help. Think about what lessons you’ve learned and what you’d like to do differently. It’s a chance to pinpoint what really mattered and what brought you the most happiness.
Sometimes, looking back can feel overwhelming – so much has happened! Simplify things by creating a “Best Of” list. Think about your favourite books, films, meals, trips, or even conversations you had. Not only does this help you focus on the highlights, but it’s also a great way to pinpoint what brought you the most joy. It might even inspire you to do more of those things in the year ahead. Ask your family for their “Best Of” list and see what they come up with. Any surprises?
Capturing memories isn’t just about nostalgia – it’s about learning from the past and making the next year even better. So, how are you planning to keep your memories alive?
2. Review your finances
The end of the year is a great time to take stock of your finances, especially after the whirlwind of Christmas spending. Let’s be honest, it’s easy to go overboard during the festive season, so having a proper review can help you start the new year on a solid footing.
First things first, take a look at your bank statements. Yes, I know it’s not the most exciting task, but it’s essential. Go through your transactions and see where your money went. Were there any unexpected expenses? Or subscriptions you’ve forgotten about? This can help you spot areas where you might want to cut back.
Next, tally up your total Christmas spending. Include gifts, food, outings – the lot. Compare this to what you planned or budgeted. If you’ve gone over, don’t beat yourself up – it happens. Instead, think about how you can plan better for next year, maybe by setting aside a little each month.
It’s also a good idea to review any debts. If you’ve put some of your Christmas expenses on a credit card, make a plan to pay it off as quickly as possible. High-interest rates can pile on extra costs, so tackling this sooner rather than later will save you money in the long run.
Finally, set yourself some financial goals for the new year. Whether it’s building up an emergency fund, saving for a holiday, or just getting better at budgeting, having a clear target can keep you motivated.
Reviewing your finances doesn’t have to be daunting. Think of it as a chance to hit reset and start the year feeling more in control. What’s your first step going to be?
Further Reading: How to Simplify Your Finances and Manage Your Money More Easily
3. Establish your Priorities for The Year ahead
Before diving into the new year with a list of resolutions, it’s so helpful to pause and reflect on the one that’s just gone. Looking back can give you real clarity on what mattered most and what’s worth focusing on moving forward.
Start by thinking about the moments that brought you the most happiness. Was it spending quality time with family, exploring a new hobby, or maybe just taking time for yourself? Whatever it was, write it down. These are the things that aligned with your values and brought you genuine joy, so they’re worth prioritising next year.
It’s also worth considering what didn’t work so well. Were there commitments that drained your energy or goals that didn’t really feel meaningful? It’s okay to let those go. Clearing them out makes space for what truly matters.
Once you’ve identified what’s important, try to narrow it down to three or four key priorities. Maybe it’s improving your health, strengthening relationships, or working on a big project. Having a small, focused list makes it easier to stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
Finally, think about how you’ll integrate these priorities into your daily life. For example, if spending more time with loved ones is a goal, set a regular family dinner or plan monthly catch-ups with friends. Small, consistent actions can have a big impact over time.
By reflecting on what’s truly meaningful, you’re setting yourself up for a year that’s not just productive but genuinely fulfilling. So, what’s going to be at the top of your list this year?
Further Reading: 4 Questions to Inspire a Simpler Life and Define Your Priorities
4. Set meaningful goals
Let’s talk about goals – not just the “lose weight, save money” kind, but ones that genuinely reflect what’s important to you. Setting meaningful goals can help you focus on your priorities and actually make real, lasting changes in your life.
Start by looking back on the year that’s just ended. What moments made you feel proud or fulfilled? Maybe you loved the time you spent with family, or perhaps you felt accomplished after learning something new. These are great clues for the kind of goals that will matter to you going forward.
Once you’ve identified your priorities, think about how to turn them into specific, actionable goals. Instead of something vague like “get healthier,” try “exercise three times a week” or “eat five portions of fruit and veg daily.” Clear goals give you a sense of direction and make it easier to measure your progress.
It’s also helpful to break bigger goals into smaller steps. If you want to save for a big holiday, work out how much you need to set aside each month. Small, consistent actions really add up over time.
Don’t forget to check in with yourself throughout the year. Are your goals still aligning with what you value most? It’s okay to tweak them if things change – life isn’t always predictable, right!?
Meaningful goals aren’t about perfection; they’re about progress. By focusing on what really matters, you’ll feel more motivated and accomplished as you move through the year. So, what goals are you setting for yourself this time around?
Use this free Goal-Setting Toolkit to help you set goals that count.
5. Declutter your home For A Fresh Start
Decluttering your home can be a game-changer, especially as you gear up for the new year. It’s not just about making your space look nicer – it’s about creating an environment that supports your mental and physical health and helps you stay productive and organised.
When your home is cluttered, it can feel like your mind is cluttered too. You know that overwhelming feeling when there’s just too much stuff around? Tidying up can bring a sense of calm and control, which is brilliant for reducing stress and improving your focus. Plus, a clean and organised space makes it so much easier to find what you need and get things done.
Start small if it feels daunting. Pick one area – maybe a drawer, a cupboard, or your desk – and work through it bit by bit. Ask yourself, “Do I use this? Do I love it? Does it add value to my life?” If the answer is no, it could be time to let it go.
Decluttering also gives you a chance to reflect on what you’ve accumulated and whether it aligns with your priorities. It’s a bit like setting goals for your belongings – keeping only what truly supports the life you want to lead.
And here’s the thing – when your home is clear, it’s so much easier to focus on the bigger picture. You’ll have more mental space to tackle your goals, plan your days, and enjoy your time at home.
So, if you’re looking for a fresh start, decluttering is the perfect way to set the tone for the year ahead. Ready to grab some bin bags and get started?
Further Reading: Decluttering Your Home and Life: A Beginner’s Guide
6. Plan Your Schedule and Organise Your Diary
Planning your schedule and organising your time can make such a difference, especially if you’re aiming to start the year feeling calm and in control. I know it sounds like one of those “easier said than done” things, but honestly, once you get the hang of it, it’s a total game-changer.
First off, grab a planner, a notebook, or your phone – whatever works for you. The key is to get everything out of your head and into one place. Write down important dates you already know about – work deadlines, birthdays, holidays, and any other commitments. Seeing it all laid out can help you feel less overwhelmed.
Then, think about your priorities for the year. What are the big things you want to focus on? Maybe it’s your health, a new hobby, or spending more time with loved ones. Block out time for those things first. Treat them as non-negotiable appointments with yourself – they’re just as important as work meetings, if not more.
Next, break bigger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. If you’re working on a big project, plan specific steps and assign deadlines. It makes things feel way less daunting and keeps you moving forward.
Don’t forget to leave some wiggle room. Life happens, and having a bit of flexibility built into your schedule can save you from unnecessary stress. Plus, it’s important to schedule downtime into your day – you’ll be much more productive if you’re well-rested.
Lastly, check in with yourself regularly. A weekly review can help you adjust your plan and stay on track without feeling frazzled.
It’s not about perfection; it’s about finding a rhythm that works for you. With a bit of planning, you’ll feel more organised and ready to tackle whatever the year throws at you!
7. Make Time for Learning and Leisure Interests
Looking back on the year, it’s always nice to think about the skills, experiences, and hobbies that brought you joy. For me, the highlights were definitely the little things that added up – trying my hand at baking and finally getting around to some much-needed gardening. There’s something so satisfying about learning new skills or just enjoying hobbies that let you unwind.
As for the year ahead, I’d love to keep building on those experiences. I’ve been thinking about learning the piano again. I used to play when I was younger but stopped when life got busier. I’ve always wanted to get back into playing but never quite made the time for it. I’d also like to dive deeper into gardening, maybe even try growing some vegetables this year. And travelling more is definitely on my To Do list, even if it’s just exploring nearby towns or going on weekend trips.
To make it happen, I’m going to start small. For the piano, I’m going to set aside 15 minutes a day to practice. With gardening, it’s about setting realistic goals – one new project at a time. And for travel, I’m thinking of marking out a day or two over the next month on my calendar now, so I actually commit and stick to it!
What about you? What skills or hobbies brought you joy this year, and what’s calling to you for the next one? Let’s make it happen together!
Further Reading: 10 Important Reasons to Find a Hobby You Enjoy
8. Assess What Self-Care Practices Work For You
Start by reflecting on the self-care habits you managed to stick with. Maybe it was a morning walk, journaling, or just carving out time for a drink and a book. Whatever it was, celebrate that – it clearly resonated with you, so it’s worth continuing in the year ahead. Think about why it worked. Was it easy to fit into your routine? Did it genuinely make you feel better? These are clues to what makes a habit sustainable.
Now, what about the self-care ideas that didn’t quite stick? Be honest with yourself here – no judgement. Maybe you aimed to meditate every day but found it hard to focus, or perhaps you set out to exercise but struggled with consistency. Why didn’t it work? Was it too ambitious? Did it feel more like a chore than a joy? Understanding this can help you tweak your approach.
For the year ahead, focus on small, realistic changes. If daily meditation didn’t work, try a couple of minutes a few times a week instead. If hitting the gym felt overwhelming, maybe a fun dance class or a walk with friends is more your style.
Most importantly, remember self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about finding what feels good and works for you. Give yourself permission to experiment and adapt. You deserve to feel your best, so let’s make this the year we prioritise ourselves!
9. Establish daily routines
Looking back over the past year, it’s so helpful to think about the habits and routines that really worked for you – and, let’s be honest, the ones that didn’t! Reflecting like this can set you up for an even better year ahead.
For me, the routines that worked were the ones that kept things simple. Little habits like tidying up for 10 minutes before I relaxed for the evening made a huge difference to how the house felt in the morning. It’s amazing how much calmer you feel when you start the day without tripping over clutter! Another win was sticking to a weekly meal plan – it saved time, money, and a lot of stress.
On the flip side, there were habits that didn’t support me as much as I’d hoped. For example, I tried to do a big deep clean every weekend to save time on a busy weekday, but it just left me feeling exhausted and resentful. I also attempted to keep a super-detailed planner for every hour of the day, but honestly, it was too rigid and just stressed me out when life didn’t stick to the plan!
For the year ahead, I’m thinking about building on the positive routines by making them even easier. For instance, creating a rotating meal plan for the month instead of weekly planning might save even more time. I also want to carry one with my smaller, more frequent cleaning bursts throughout the week rather than overwhelming weekend marathons.
As for new habits, I’d love to read more and make time for that each day or two. The key, I think, is keeping things flexible and realistic – no pressure to be perfect, just aiming to make life a little smoother and more enjoyable. What habits are you planning to work on?
Further Reading: Daily Routine Ideas to Simplify Your Life
10. Decide What to Keep In and What To Let Go Of
As we head into the new year, I’ve been thinking about what I want to keep in my life and what I’m ready to let go of. It’s one of those things that can feel tricky because, let’s face it, life is all about trade-offs. You can’t do everything, so it’s about deciding what really matters to you.
For me, I want to keep the things that bring joy and balance to my life. Like carving out time for family dinners, those spontaneous coffee catch-ups with friends, and the quiet moments when I get to read or journal. These are the things that make me feel grounded and happy, so they’re non-negotiable.
On the flip side, there are habits and commitments I know I need to let go of. For instance, I’ve been saying “yes” to too many things out of guilt or obligation – and honestly, it’s left me feeling stretched too thin. It’s time to practice saying “no” when something doesn’t align with what’s important to me.
I’m also letting go of the idea that everything has to be perfect. Whether it’s work, my home, or even how I spend my time, striving for perfection is just exhausting. I’m ready to embrace “good enough” and focus on what truly matters instead.
At the end of the day, you can’t have your cake and eat it. By letting go of what’s not serving us, we make room for the things that do. It’s a balancing act, but I think it’s worth taking the time to figure out where your priorities lie. What about you? What’s something you’re ready to let go of this year?
If this is a topic that interests you, or you’d like more detailed support and guidance to help you make a plan for the coming year, why not check out my mini course, 7 Steps to Simplify Your Life…
7 STEPS TO SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE
Simplifying our busy, complicated lives isn’t easy, especially when we’re still trying to get everything done that’s expected of us. We can’t press pause on life whilst we work out what to change, let alone HOW to make those changes.
This is why I created 7 Steps to Simplify Your Life – to help YOU simplify life in a way that’s right for you.
Click here to learn more about 7 Steps.
Perhaps NOW is the time to decide what you want from life and MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Why Planning for the Year Ahead is a Game-Changer
Now that we’ve looked at some of the ways in which you could plan, simplify and get organised for next year, maybe you’re wondering whether it’s actually worth the effort. After all, couldn’t you just wing it a bit and plan as you go?
Although this approach may work for some, I think there are some VERY good reasons why it helps to plan at end of the year.
I’d like to just share some of these reasons to help us all understand why taking some time now and doing a little forward-planning is a good way to stop us lurching from one year to the next. Perhaps we can be a little more intentional about how we approach the next year in our home, schedule, mind and heart.
You know what it’s like at the start of a new year – you’ve got this burst of energy, a stack of new goals, and maybe even a shiny new planner ready to go. But here’s the thing: winging it rarely works when it comes to juggling life’s chaos. For me, at least, that usually just serves to help me feel unorganised, chasing my tail, stressed and wondering why I never have time to do things that I really want to be doing!
Taking some time to plan for the year ahead can make a world of difference, not just in staying organised but also in simplifying your home and life and giving your some peace of mind and meaningful focus for the next 12 months.
Here are some reasons why it’s good to plan for the year ahead.
1. It Gives You a Clear Direction
Ever felt like you’re just drifting from one thing to the next without much purpose? Planning fixes that. When you set aside time to think about the year ahead, you’re giving yourself a roadmap. It doesn’t have to be overly rigid or detailed – just some guiding principles or goals to keep you on track.
For example, if you want to simplify your home, you might plan to tackle one room each month. Breaking big goals into smaller, more manageable chunks makes them feel achievable rather than overwhelming.
2. It Helps You Prioritise
We all have endless To Do lists and not enough hours in the day. Planning forces you to decide what actually matters. What’s going to bring you the most value or happiness?
Maybe it’s focusing on your health, spending more time with family, or finally getting your finances in order. Whatever it is, having a plan helps you say “no” to things that don’t align with your priorities. And honestly, learning to say “no” is a skill we all need.
3. It Simplifies Your Space
A big part of feeling organised is having a home that feels calm and clutter-free. When you plan ahead, you can build in time for decluttering or organising projects. For instance, set aside a weekend to sort out your wardrobe or tackle the kitchen cupboards.
You’ll be amazed at how much mental clarity comes from having a tidy home. Plus, once you’ve done the hard work, it’s easier to maintain because you’ve already set up systems that work for you.
4. It Reduces Stress
Let’s face it, life is full of surprises. But when you’ve got a plan in place, you’re better equipped to handle the unexpected. It’s like having a safety net. You know what’s coming up and you’ve already thought about how to tackle it, which means fewer last-minute scrambles.
For instance, planning meals for the week ahead can save you from the dreaded “what’s for dinner?” panic. Similarly, setting reminders for birthdays or deadlines means you’re not caught off guard.
5. It Saves You Time in the Long Run
Investing a bit of time now to plan can save you loads of time later. Think of it like this: if you’ve already set goals, scheduled key events, and decluttered your home, you won’t be constantly playing catch-up. You’ll have more time to do the things you actually enjoy this year.
6. It Boosts Your Confidence
There’s something incredibly empowering about having your life together (or at least feeling like you do). When you’ve got a plan, you’re more likely to achieve your goals and less likely to feel overwhelmed by everything you’ve got going on.
And honestly, who doesn’t want to start the year feeling a bit more in control?
So, if you’re on the fence about planning ahead, give it a go. It doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming – just a bit of thought about WHAT you want to do, WHERE you want to go and HOW you’re going to get there.
This is the magic of simple and intentional living.
Further Reading: What Is Intentional Living? A Beginner’s Guide to a Meaningful Life
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
I hope you enjoyed this article. What else would you add to this list of things to do at the end of the year to have YOUR best year next year? Leave a comment at the end of the article to share your thoughts.
One of the ways you could explore making changes, share ideas and stay accountable, is by joining the Balance Through Simplicity FREE private Facebook Group. I drop in there regularly so you can ask questions and get inspiration for a simpler, more meaningful year ahead.
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RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GET ORGANISED AND PRODUCTIVE
I hope you enjoyed this article and ideas for things to do at the end of the year. Here are some articles and resources to help you plan and prepare for the year ahead:
- 7 things to do on Sunday for a productive week ahead
- 15 ways to be more productive
- How to refresh your goals and why it matters
- Mid-week check in: 10 mindful questions to ask yourself
- 25 ways to be more organised
- Minimalist goals to simplify your life this year
GET YOUR FREE GOAL-SETTING TOOLKIT
Setting goals is a great way to plan your coming year. Nothing too complicated, unrealistic or that you won’t be motivated to keep beyond the first week of January!
I’ve created a free Goal-Planning Toolkit to help you set meaningful goals you’ll actually want to keep. Pop your details in the box below so I know where to send it…
Antonia Colins is the creator of Balance Through Simplicity, helping busy people declutter, simplify and live more intentionally. She has over 20 years of personal and professional experience in juggling work and family life and supporting individuals to remain independent and enjoy their home more. In her spare time, you can find Antonia walking, gardening or planning her next travel adventure! She lives in the UK with her husband and teenage kids. Read more about Antonia.