
The professional organizing industry has designated January as “Get Organized Month.” It’s a great time to take control of your spaces, schedules and habits and to set goals for a productive New Year. Here are some things you can do to get organized:
Holiday Decorations
As you take down your holiday decorations, it’s helpful to consider the condition of each item. That may mean it’s time to part ways with damaged or outdated décor. Undamaged items can be donated to bring holiday cheer to someone else next year. Set yourself up for decorating success when Christmas 2025 rolls around by organizing your decorations by type, color or theme. Carefully wrap fragile items individually to prevent damage during storage and label each container for easy access.
Organize your Gift Returns
Carefully consider which gifts will need to be returned. For items that can’t be returned, consider hosting a “Re-Gifting” party at the end of the month. It’s a fun idea that allows you and your guests to “Re-Gift” unwanted or duplicate Christmas gifts. It’s also a great way to bring some of that holiday sparkle to the drearier days of winter.
Closet Revamp
If your closet feels like an overstuffed holiday bird, it may be time to part ways with clothing that no longer fits you or your current style. One organizational tip is to place all your hangers facing in the same direction. As you wear an item, turn the hanger in the opposite direction. If you find yourself with any hangers that haven’t been “turned” after several months, consider selling or donating those items.
Perk Up that Pantry
The pantry is another area where items can get shuffled around, shoved to the back and pushed out of sight. Check the expiration dates on all pantry items and discard any that are past their prime.
Makeup and Toiletries
Even makeup and toiletries have a shelf life. Lotions and other oil-based products can expire. Brushes, sponges and applicators can collect bacteria and should be cleaned and/or replaced regularly.
Clean Out Your Inbox
Digital clutter can often be harder to manage than physical clutter. It’s important to go through your inbox and clean it out. To make that job easier, consider sorting your emails by age, size, sender, or topic. Consider selecting the “unsubscribe” button from email sources that are no longer relevant or important and consider utilizing filters for your email inbox.
Organize That Junk Drawer
Most of us have at least one drawer filled with a random assortment of odds and ends. It’s the place where things go to be totally forgotten. The best thing about a junk drawer is that it’s an isolated, relatively small space. You’d be amazed at how quickly you can declutter the drawer, discarding items you don’t really need and finding a proper home for those items worth keeping.
Commit to an organizational plan for the entire year. It isn’t enough to declutter for a few days each January. Organizing is an ongoing process. Create a reasonable goal of decluttering and organizing one room – a bedroom, laundry room or a specific space like a storage area – each month. Creating this monthly habit will strengthen your organization skills in no time!