Ah, January. The month where we all collectively decide to become the best versions of ourselves. Gym memberships skyrocket, green smoothies are suddenly in vogue, and, of course, we all vow to finally tackle that closet, garage or kitchen that’s been a black hole of chaos since 2015. As a professional organizer in sunny Florida, this is my busiest time. I’ve seen it all. Let me tell you, organizing in January is like a circus and I'm the ringleader. So, I'm going to keep this post short and sweet. Here are 3 simple resolutions you could potentially do in January.
Declutter, reset, and build habits that will keep you organized all year long. Whether you’re managing a household, running a business, getting healthier, or just trying to stay on top of life, these tips can help you set the stage for success in 2025.
1. Declutter Your Space, Declutter Your Mind:
First off, as Elsa or is it Anna from Frozen singing, start by "letting go!" Start small—tackle one drawer, closet, or corner at a time. Start with the easiest bookshelf or a simple junk drawer. Don't be like those memes with the novelty of organizing wearing off after 2 hours while you're in the middle of a pile scrolling on your phone or drinking a glass of wine.
ASK YOURSELF ... Do you need it? Does it serve a function? Have you used it in the last 1-2 years? Could you afford to replace it again if you needed it for cheap? Do you need the storage space for something else? Do you hate the look or feel? Does it spark joy or make me instantly smile when I see or hold it? Is it torn, ripped or broken and you will never have time to get it fixed- then that's your sign to let it go. If you have to talk yourself into something, then I can talk you out of it!!
Pro Tip: Keep a donation box or decorative basket in your home throughout the month and year to encourage ongoing decluttering.
2. Set Up a Paper Management System
The start of a new year means tax season is around the corner, so now is the time to organize important documents. Create a filing system for paperwork such as bills, warranties, and medical records. Use labeled folders, file boxes or digital scans to categorize everything for easy access.
Florida-Specific Tip: If you’re organizing hurricane-related documents or insurance papers, make digital backups stored securely in the cloud.
3. Organize Your Digital Life
Organizing virtual spaces is just as important as physical ones. We are constantly on our phones. Start by decluttering your email inbox, organizing files on your computer, and updating passwords. Google how to do things faster. Set up folders for photos and other documents to make finding what you need easier.
Pro Tip: Set an alarm on your phone to dedicate time to your digital life. For my phone that's filled with photos, I've decided to delete 1 day of photos from last year. If I do this all year, I can prevent my phone storage from getting out of control. Maybe it's social media usage, maybe it's email. Whatever needs your time, set up a recurring alarm for.
So, if you’re diving into any aspect of your life this January, remember that when it's done, you'll smile. Organizing is serious business, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. Put on your music, find a friend and jam. And if you need a hand (or just someone to laugh with), you know where to find me. Here’s to a clutter-free 2025, one cluttered space at a time!
Hope you enjoyed! Let me know if you need any more help.
Angie
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