New Year, New Home: How to Declutter and Simplify Your Space

Before I dive into this month’s blog, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. My heart is heavy as I think about my friends, family, and everyone who have lost their homes — places that held lifetimes of memories, stories, and roots.

As someone whose family history is woven into this special part of California, it feels deeply personal. I’m grieving not only for the people who have lost their homes but also for the land itself. I’ve spent countless hours exploring the Santa Monica Mountains – they were my refuge, my inspiration, and my playground.

The land and flora will heal and regenerate, as they have for centuries — resilience is in their DNA, and so too is it in the people who call this place home.

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who is struggling right now. If you’ve been affected by the fires and need help in any way — even if it’s just someone to listen — please don’t hesitate to reach out.

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Finding a Fresh Start 

The holidays have come and gone, and the New Year has arrived. With January being National Get Organized (GO) Month, it’s the perfect time to take control of your home and create a space that feels light, welcoming, and stress-free.

Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of organizing? You’re not alone. But don’t worry—with the right approach, you can transform your home one step at a time. Stick with me, and I’ll guide you through simple, actionable tips to kickstart your organizing journey and maintain it for the months to come.

Step 1: Visualize Your Organized Home 

Before diving in, it’s crucial to have a clear vision. Without a plan, it’s easy to lose momentum. Here’s how to start:

• Imagine Your Ideal Space: Spend 15 minutes thinking about how you want your home to look and feel. Is it calm and minimalist, or vibrant and practical?
• Create a Prioritized List: Write down every area you want to organize, then rank them in order of importance. Start with manageable spaces, like your kitchen countertops or a junk drawer.
• Focus on One Small Area: Choose a specific part of your top priority—for example, the fridge or a single cabinet—and brainstorm how you want it to function.

This step sets the tone for success by helping you see your end goal clearly and tackle it methodically.

Step 2: Declutter with Intention 

“Clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions.” —Barbara Hemphill

The first step to reclaiming a space is decluttering. Here’s a system that works:

• Sort Into Categories: Use boxes or bags labeled “Keep,” “Donate,” “Toss,” “Recycle,” and “Elsewhere.”
• Start Small: Pull everything out of the chosen space. It may feel messier before it gets better—and that’s okay!
• Stay Focused: Items that belong elsewhere go in the “Elsewhere” box. Avoid leaving your task to put things away in other rooms.

Once sorted, take out trash and recycling, set donations aside, and prepare to arrange the “Keep” items.

Step 3: Categorize and Contain 

Now that you’ve decluttered, it’s time to organize the items you’re keeping:

• Group Similar Items: Keep like things together—for example, utensils, bakeware, or tools.
• Shop Your Home: Before buying new containers, see if you have baskets, bins, or boxes you can repurpose.
• Store Strategically: Place frequently used items in easy-to-access spots and save less-used items for out-of-the-way areas.
• Leave Room to Grow: Avoid cramming everything in. Leave some wiggle room for daily use.

Step 4: Label Everything 

Labels may feel unnecessary, but they’re game-changers for maintaining organization. Use them to designate where things belong, whether you’re organizing kitchen shelves, office supplies, or kids’ toys. Labels create clarity for everyone in your household and make tidying up a breeze.

Step 5: Build Daily Habits 

An organized home is easier to maintain with consistent habits:

• 10-Minute Tidy: Spend 10 minutes a day putting items back in their places.
• Engage the Whole Family: Encourage everyone to follow the system. With labeled spots, it’s easy for them to help keep things organized.

These small daily actions prevent clutter from creeping back and save you from future headaches.

Step 6: Ask for Support When Needed 

Sometimes, tackling your home alone isn’t enough. If you feel stuck or overwhelmed, a professional organizer can help. We bring experience, tools, and a fresh perspective to make your vision a reality.

January is National Get Organized Month—the perfect time to take that first step. Contact me for a free consultation to see how we can work together to transform your space.

Your Year of Clarity and Calm 

By following these steps, you can create an organized home that supports your goals and brings peace of mind. Ready to start your journey? Download my free Pre-Organizing Playbook to begin planning your dream space today.

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for more tips and inspiration. Together, we’ll make this year your most organized one yet!

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