Why the New Year is Perfect for Organizing

At the beginning of the year, many of us feel a natural urge to start fresh. After all, it’s a time for resolutions, goal setting, and embracing new habits. But let’s be honest: resolutions often fizzle out because they lack structure. This is where organizing steps in. By creating a tidy, functional environment, you set yourself up for success in all areas of life.

Start with the Easy Wins

Before you begin the organizing part, choose areas that are quick to declutter. For instance, sort through that junk drawer or the overflowing pile of mail on your kitchen counter. These small wins build momentum, while making it easier to take on larger projects. Moreover, starting small keeps the process from feeling overwhelming, thus you being more successful. Generally, we want to make this as easy a process as possible.

Declutter Your Space

It’s tempting to jump straight into buying bins and baskets, but instead, let’s first ask yourself: do I even need all this stuff? Decluttering is specifically key to creating a lasting system. Begin by sorting items into categories—keep, donate, recycle, or toss. While doing this, ask yourself, Does this item add value to my life? If the answer is no, sorta no or obviously no, LET IT GO. This will unquestionably free you up like you wouldn’t believe.

Create Zones for Every Space

Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to assign everything a home. For instance, designate zones in your kitchen for cooking, prepping, and snacking. Similarly, in your closet, group clothes by type—think workwear, casual outfits, and seasonal items. This system ensures you know where everything belongs, not to mention, it makes maintenance much simpler. A great easy tip for your closet is buying matching hangers because it truly makes everything look cohesive. (even on messy days!)

Use Tools That Work For You

Organizing tools can make all the difference. We aren’t suggesting you have to go out and spend a ton of money on organizing products, but some key items, in truth, can make a huge difference.

These are some cost effective options.

Clear Bins: Perfect for storing seasonal items while still being able to see what’s inside and they come in a bunch of different sizes.

Drawer Dividers: Great for utensils, office supplies, socks, clothes, toys, the list goes on.

Labels: A simple label can turn chaos into order instantly.

These tools not only keep things tidy but also make it easier for everyone in your household to follow the system.

Build Daily Habits

Staying organized of course requires consistent effort. Start small by committing to daily habits like putting things back in their place, sorting the mail as soon as it arrives, or spending 10 minutes tidying up before bed. Meanwhile, over time, these habits will become second nature and you won’t even notice you’re organizing! Another way we love to stay on track to creating habits is using a calendar to schedule different parts of your home on different days. During the beginning of creating the habits it’s helpful to have a visual reminder. 

Don’t Forget Your Digital Life

While organizing your physical spaces is a perfect way to create a calm atmosphere your digital space undoubtedly could use some help. So we also like to take time to clean up your digital clutter, too. Delete unused apps, organize your desktop, and unsubscribe from emails you no longer read. At the end of every month go through your bank statements to see what subscriptions your paying for and cancel the ones you don’t use. It’s almost like getting free money.

A streamlined digital life can be just as refreshing as a tidy home. 

Make This Year Your Most Organized Yet

While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of organizing, remember that small, intentional steps consequently lead to big transformations. Nonetheless, by decluttering, creating systems, and building habits, you’ll not only start the year with a clear space but also set the foundation for a clearer mind because you took the time to take care of yourself.

So, why wait? The new year is here, and it’s the perfect time to finally make room for the good stuff. Whether it’s your home, office, or even your mindset, a little organization goes a long way.

What’s the first space you’re tackling this year? Share your plans with us over on IG @organizedbyellis we’d love to cheer you on! If you need some help on optimizing your closet for winter read our blog here!