[PRESENTED BY JUST JUNK]

It’s make-or-break time for all of us trying to start off the New Year on a new foot.

Researchers find that most of us have a tough time sticking to our resolutions — regardless of how well-intentioned they may be — for much longer than a month. That means by the time the February blahs set in, the majority of us have already said goodbye to those promises we made ourselves as the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve.

But that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to failure if you want to make a clean start on the year. Setting realistic goals and measuring progress can help provide the motivation you need to stick to your goals.

JUSTJUNK, a leader in the junk removal business for the past 15 years, sees a surge in business every winter as Canadians across the country resolve to declutter their lives.

“We’ve learned a few things over the years from our clients about what it takes for people to stick to their resolutions,” says Mike Thorne, President of JUSTJUNK. “Keeping it simple and fun will go a long way towards success.”

Here are a few tips from JUSTJUNK for a clean start in 2019:

1. Declutter your space

Whether it’s your office or your home, start with one room at a time and divide it into what you're keeping and what you'll be getting rid of. After you've decided on what you're keeping, then it will be much easier moving the pile of "junk" out of the room.

2. Declutter your schedule

It’s easy to feel frazzled if you’ve got too much going on in your life and you take on too many spur-of-the-moment activities. Establish routines with the special people in your lives — like movie nights, dinners or weekend hikes — and build them into your schedule so it’s not all about work.

3. Try new things

Be inventive with your free time. Try new activities, new games (or ones you haven’t played in years) or try your hand at a hobby you’ve had your eye on for ages.

4. Disconnect to connect

Make a concerted effort as a family to spend more time together and put down your phones, tablets and other electronic devices. Let every member of the family have a night to whip up dinner, read aloud to each other or try out one new activity together at least once a month.

5. Get outside more often

Get rid of all the “stuff” that fills most of our garages and replace it with gear to enjoy outdoor sports and activities.