34 Practical Things to Do before New Year

I’ll Tell You about the Best Things to Do for the New Year

Before the year ends, I like to slow down and take a good look at my life. There’s something special about this time — like a quiet pause before a fresh start.

I don’t just make big goals or resolutions. I take time to clean things up, say goodbye to what I don’t need, and make space for what matters.

This list is full of little things to do before new year that help me feel ready for the new year.

Some are deep, some are simple, but they all help me feel clear and calm. You don’t have to do them all. Just pick the ones that feel right for you.

Without further ado, here are the things I like to do before a new year begins — maybe they’ll help you too.

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1. Write a Reflection Letter to Yourself about the Past Year

I like to sit down with a cup of tea and think about everything that happened this year. I write it all in a letter to myself. I talk about the good stuff and the hard stuff.

I try to be kind, like I’m writing to a friend who did their best. This helps me see how far I’ve come, even when I didn’t notice it day by day.

You should try it too — it feels good to let it all out and give yourself a little love.

2. Set Intentions (And Resolutions) for the Coming Year

Instead of only making big goals, I like to think about how I want to feel next year. I choose things like “I want to feel calm,” or “I want to be brave.”

Then I pick small steps I can take to help with that. Resolutions can be things like “I will move my body more,” or “I’ll try to call my friends once a week.”

You don’t have to be perfect — it’s just a guide. When you set kind goals, it’s easier to stick with them.

3. Identify One Habit to Drop and One to Build

This one is simple. I think of one habit that doesn’t help me. Maybe it makes me tired or stressed. Then I let it go. At the same time, I choose one new habit that can help me grow.

I don’t try to change everything at once. Just one at a time. You can try it too. You’ll be surprised how small changes can make a big difference.

4. Create a “Done List” — Achievements and Milestones from the Year

We’re always making to-do lists, but this one is about what you already did. I like to sit and list everything I finished, even the little things.

“I showed up when I didn’t want to.” “I learned how to rest.” “I got through hard days.”

These things matter. When you see all your wins in one place, you feel proud. You’ve done more than you think.

5. Organize Your Medications/Supplements for the Year Ahead

At the end of the year, I check all my meds and vitamins. I toss out the old ones. I write down what I need to buy. I put things in one spot so I can find them.

This keeps me safe and saves me time later. You can even set reminders on your phone so you don’t forget. It’s a small thing that helps in a big way.

6. Set New Savings Goals or Review Your Emergency Fund

This is among my favorite things to do before new year. I like to check my savings at the end of the year. I ask myself, “Did I save enough?” or “Can I do a little better?”

I make a new goal for next year, even if it’s small. I also look at my emergency fund to see if it’s ready for a surprise. You don’t need a lot to start. Just a little at a time makes a big difference later.

7. Cancel Unused Subscriptions

I go through my bank or email and look for stuff I don’t use anymore. Old apps, streaming services, or free trials I forgot.

I cancel what I don’t need. It feels good to stop wasting money. You can do this too. You might save more than you think.

8. Deep Clean Your Home

Before the year ends, I do one deep clean. I get rid of dust, wash things I forgot about, and clear out corners. It makes my space feel fresh.

I sleep better and think clearer when my home feels nice. You don’t have to do it all in one day. One room at a time is just fine.

9. Replace or Fix Something Broken You’ve Been Ignoring

We all have that one thing — a light that doesn’t work, a button missing, or something cracked. I make time to fix or toss it.

It’s such a small thing, but it lifts a weight. You feel like you’ve finally taken care of something. Try it — pick one thing and fix it today.

10. Update Your Resume/Portfolio/LinkedIn

Even if I’m not job hunting, I update my resume once a year. I add new skills, projects, or things I’m proud of.

Same with my LinkedIn. This way, I’m always ready. You never know when someone might ask. It’s easier to keep it fresh than to redo it all later.

You might also like: 32 Best Things to Do in December to Prepare for the New Year

11. Unsubscribe from Distracting Email Lists

Every time I check my inbox, I see emails I don’t even open. Ads, sales, stuff I didn’t ask for. At the end of the year, I go through and click “unsubscribe.”

It takes a few minutes, but it’s worth it. My inbox feels cleaner, and I only see what matters. You should try it too — you’ll feel less stressed when your email is calm.

12. Clean Your Desktop

I take a look at my desk and my computer screen. If there’s clutter, I clear it. I throw away old papers, wipe my desk, and delete files I don’t need.

I also organize my folders so I can find things fast. A clean space helps me think better. You don’t need to do it all at once — just start small.

13. Make a List of What You’re Forgiving Yourself For

This one is big. I write down things I still feel bad about. Maybe I didn’t call someone back. Maybe I broke a promise.

I forgive myself on paper. I remind myself that I’m human. You should try it. Letting go of guilt helps you breathe easier in the new year.

14. Make a Vision Board

I like to cut out pictures from magazines or save images online. I make a board with things I want to see in my life — joy, travel, love, rest. It helps me dream.

When I see it each day, it reminds me what matters. You can make one too, even on your phone or a piece of paper.

15. Back Up Important Digital Memories

Photos, videos, letters — I make sure they’re safe. I back them up on a drive or the cloud. That way, I won’t lose them if something breaks.

These memories matter to me. I want you to keep yours safe too. Take an hour and back up the moments you don’t want to lose.

16. Record a Video Message to Your Future Self

This one feels silly at first, but it’s special. I turn on my camera and talk to future me. I say what I’m proud of, what I hope for, and what I’ve learned.

Next year, I’ll watch it. You should try it too. It’s nice to see how much you grow.

17. Choose a Word or Theme for the Coming Year

Every year, I pick a word. One word to guide me. Last year it was “peace.” One year it was “strong.” That word helps me make choices.

I write it down and put it somewhere I can see. Pick one that feels right for you — and let it lead you.

18. Mark Key Dates on Your Calendar

I open my calendar and mark birthdays, trips, and check-ups. I also add fun things, like a weekend away or a self-care day.

This helps me plan better and not forget. You can add reminders too. Future you will be glad you took the time now.

19. Book Important Appointments Early

I always forget to book stuff, so I try to do it before the year starts. Dentist, doctor, car check — all the boring but important stuff.

I pick dates, write them down, and get it done. It saves me stress later. You can even set alarms so you don’t forget.

20. Looking for Things to Do Before New Year? Create a Monthly Review Checklist

I write a little list I can use every month. Things like: “What made me happy this month?” or “What do I want to change?”

It helps me stay on track and take care of myself. You can keep it in your planner or phone. It’s like a little check-in with yourself.

You might also like: 80 New Year’s Resolution Ideas for the Best Year

21. Organize Your Passwords and Update Security

I used to forget my passwords all the time. Now I keep them in one safe place. At the end of the year, I check if they’re still strong.

I also change the ones I’ve had too long. You can use a notebook or a password app. This keeps your stuff safe and saves you stress.

22. Release One Grudge or Resentment You’ve Been Holding

Holding on to anger feels heavy. I think of one person or thing I’ve been upset about. Then I decide to let it go, even if they don’t say sorry.

I do it for me, not for them. You don’t have to forget, just let yourself feel free again. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.

23. Organize Your Photos and Delete Duplicates

I go through my phone and computer and delete extra photos. I keep the best ones and make folders to stay neat.

This helps me find memories faster. You can even print your favorites or make a photo book. Your photos tell your story — keep them tidy.

24. Do a Social Media “Cleanse” — Unfollow or Mute Accounts

If someone online makes me feel bad or tired, I unfollow or mute them. I only want to see things that make me smile, laugh, or think.

It’s okay to protect your space. You can do the same. Your feed should feel like a happy place, not a heavy one.

25. Finish a Book, Course, or Project You Started

I always have one thing I never finish — a book, a class, a craft. I choose one and make time to complete it before the year ends.

It feels so good to say, “I did it.” Pick something small. You’ll feel proud, and it’ll clear space for something new.

26. Reflect on Your Most Joyful Moments of the Year

I sit and think about what made me laugh or feel full of joy. I write down those moments, big or small.

A good meal, a kind word, a sunny day. This reminds me what matters most. You’ll be surprised how many happy moments you had.

27. List What You Learned from Your Biggest Challenges

Hard things teach us stuff. I write down the hardest moments of the year and ask, “What did I learn?”

Maybe I became braver. Maybe I learned to slow down. You can do this too. It helps you grow and not feel stuck in the past.

28. Take One Day Off to Rest Fully Before the Year Ends

I pick one full day with no chores, no plans, no guilt. I rest, watch movies, sleep, or do nothing.

It fills my tank. You need rest too. The world can wait for one day while you take care of you.

29. Make a List of New Things You Want to Try Next Year

I write down fun or new things I want to try. Maybe it’s a dance class, cooking something new, or learning a language.

This keeps life exciting. You don’t have to do it all — just make the list. It helps you look forward to what’s next.

30. Write Down the Beliefs You Want to Leave Behind

Sometimes, I believe things that hurt me, like “I’m not enough” or “I always mess up.” I write them down and decide to leave them behind.

I don’t need to carry lies into a new year. You can do the same. If you’re looking for things to do before new year, let those old thoughts go.

You might also like: 45 Winter Goals to Set to Start Your Year on a Positive Note

31. Do Something You’ve Been Avoiding for Months

There’s always one thing I’ve put off — a call, a form, a chore. I choose to just do it.

I set a timer and get it done. It feels so good to finally stop thinking about it. You’ll feel lighter too.

32. Ask Yourself: “What Would Make Next Year Feel Meaningful?”

I sit with this question and let the answers come. Maybe I want more peace, more fun, more love.

I write it down and use it like a map. You don’t need every answer — just start with what feels true to you.

33. Say Goodbye to What No Longer Fits

This can be a person, a habit, or even an old dream. I say goodbye in my own way — with a note, a walk, or a quiet moment.

I thank it for what it gave me and let it go. You deserve space for new things.

34. Celebrate That You’ve Made It Through Another Year

This is the most important one. I remind myself that I made it. I didn’t give up. I kept going, even when it was hard.

You did too. That’s something to celebrate. Do something just for you — dance, smile, eat your favorite treat. You’ve earned it.

What Are Your Favorite Things to Do before New Year?