A couple organizing projects will kick your year into gear!
As we continue to celebrate the new year, January feels like the time for a fresh start. It’s a great time to get your life in order.
Jenny Layton helped us kick off the new year with a clean slate, sharing four specific organizing projects to start on today.
Moving On from the Holidays
The first step to a fresh start is to move on from the holidays. “ We’ve got to get Christmas in the rear view mirror,” Jenny said.
She emphasized the importance of putting away Christmas decorations and dealing with any leftover holiday clutter. “Get the Christmas tree down, get the decorations put away,” she advised.
It’s also the time to be aware of what your storage bin situation is like. Be aware of the decor that has been used and what hasn’t. “ If there’s something that hasn’t been up for a few years, this is a good time to let it go,” Jenny emphasized. It it’s damaged or it’s been two years since it’s been put up, it’s time to get rid of it.
Part of leaving Christmas behind includes finishing any returns or leftover shopping from the holiday season. Schedule an afternoon to process returns to clear out the clutter and start the year with a clean slate. “ That just gives you such a lift in January,” Jenny mentioned.
She also said now is good time to note what you want to do differently for Christmas this year. Take note now while it’s fresh in your mind so you’re ready when December comes around.
Clearing the Clutter
Decluttering is a big part of getting organized. Jenny shared the difference between decluttering and organizing: “ Organization is when you have a spot and you’re getting bins and you’re really doing a thorough job,” she explained. “Decluttering is just a quick get rid of the stuff that doesn’t belong there.” She suggested setting a timer for five to ten minutes and focusing on surfaces like kitchen counters, dining room tables, or desks. Quick decluttering can lift your spirits and make your home feel lighter and more organized.
Organizing Projects
Once you’ve tackled the initial decluttering, it’s time to dive into a more thorough organizing project. Jenny recommended picking a specific space to organize, such as a pantry or closet. “Pull everything out, let go of the things that you don’t need, and put it back intentionally where it’s going to work really well,” she explained. This is the time to use bins, containers, and labels to keep things organized and keep everything in order throughout the year.
We don’t always have the energy for this kind of organizing project, so January is a great time to do one. “ This month, there’s not a lot going on. It’s a good time to do something like a closet or a pantry,” Jenny emphasized.
Organizing Your Calendar
Finally, Jenny highlighted the importance of organizing your calendar for the new year. Plan ahead and note important dates such as school breaks, work retreats, and vacations, to better manage your time and set realistic goals. “ This is so great if you get it all in your calendar, all at the beginning, because then you start to see, ‘well, when do I have some open time in my year?'” she explained.
“It helps you get those goals done,” Jenny said, emphasizing that a well-organized calendar can clear mental space and reduce stress.
Find more organizing advice from Jenny on Instagram, @jlthehappygal.
Add comment