Shopping addict, habitual hoarder or clutter queen, no matter what your vice is, January is all about cutting back on excess.

Whether you’re deluged with new stylish treats from Santa Claus or you’ve gone mad in the sales, now is the ideal time for a clear-out.

“Decluttering is not all about throwing away your memories. It is all about getting rid of real junk – the stuff that is neither useful nor beautiful,” explains Cassie Tillett, professional declutterer and co-founder of apdo-uk.co.uk.

“If it is useful or beautiful, getting rid of the other stuff gives you a chance to find it, use it and appreciate it.

“One of the positive sides to decluttering is that the more we search for objects to throw away, the more we rediscover delights we haven’t seen for years.”

No need to go into a minimalism panic for the new year. Detoxing your style should make life chic and simple for 2011 and beyond.

Wardrobe Whizz

Forget the cliched ‘new you’ claptrap and turn your attentions to ‘new year, new wardrobe’ instead.

“If you haven’t worn an item for five years – unless it’s an heirloom or a very expensive piece – then get rid!” advises X Factor stylist Grace Woodward.

There are 2.4 billion pieces of clothing lying unworn for an entire 12 months (some brand new) cluttering the nation’s wardrobes, according to Government statistics.

In fact, the average UK woman spends almost £13,000 on clothes she’ll never wear in a lifetime.

Guilty as charged? Go on a clothes hanger raid and filter out the fashions you wouldn’t be seen dead in.

“It’s important to detox your wardrobe twice a year,” advises wardrobe expert Julia Dee from totalwardrobecare.co.uk.

“We often forget what we already have. The best way to save money is to rediscover what’s in your wardrobe.

“The majority of us suffer from limited space, and there is nothing more frustrating and overwhelming than opening crammed wardrobes. It’s often impossible to find anything and can be quite stressful.

“How much better it is to start the year with an organised and systemised closet.”

Cosmetics Cull

Start the New Year fresh-faced by decluttering your make-up bag and sifting through your bathroom cabinet.

Eye-catching products may look pretty on display, but don’t forget they have a limited shelf life.

Almost half of women are unhappy with the products they use, according to a recent Tesco Your Beauty survey, meaning piles of redundant lotions and potions.

“Don’t be tempted to buy every new fragrance or beauty potion that’s out there,” warns Ingrid Jansen, founder of organise-your-house.co.uk.

“You’ll end up with shelves full of perfumes and make-up, and clutter, without ever using them.

“Mascara has the shortest shelf life of all make-up, so change after six months. Other make-up will last between one and two years, with eyeshadows lasting up to three years. Perfume can go off, so expect a shelf life of between 18-24 months. If it smells bad, throw it away.”

Keeping your tools of the trade scrupulously clean will help you apply make-up with accuracy and banish bacteria.

Ingrid advises: “Regularly clean make-up applicators, sponges and hairbrushes in warm soapy water and leave to air dry.”

Clothing Clear-out

For the indecisive and sentimental among us, throwing out old clothing we’re attached to can tug on the heart strings. Julia Dee recommends setting aside a few hours – or ideally a whole day – for your wardrobe cull and persuade a friend to help you decide which pieces make your 2011 cut. Be bold and get your wardrobe detox started with Julia’s top tips:

* Throw out: Be ruthless, when was the last time you wore it? Swap with friends or sell on eBay and remember two new things in = two old things out.

* Organise: Sort pieces into three sections – the good, the bad and the ugly. The ‘good’ section are items that stay, the ‘bad’ either need mending or altering and the ‘ugly’ are destined for either charity shops or listings on eBay.

* Repairs: If any buttons have fallen off, zips broken, hems fallen, or clothes have become too big or small, take them to be altered and repaired. Don’t leave anything in the wardrobe that requires any alteration, chances are it will not be worn.

* Spring clean: Prepare your wardrobe and drawers for the new season’s clothing. Take everything out, wash dust and vacuum to clear out any bad vibes.

* Feet first: Shoes and boots always need a good clear-out and will often need polishing, cleaning and taking to the cobblers. They should always be stored with either boot or shoe trees.