How to Get Completely Organized in the New Year
The new year is here, and there’s no better time than now to hit refresh and get your life organized!
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter, struggling to keep track of appointments, or just wanting to create more structure in your day-to-day life, we’ve got you covered.
This guide breaks down step-by-step strategies to help you declutter your space, streamline your schedule, and develop habits that stick.
The best part?
No complex systems or fancy gadgets are required—just a little intention, commitment, and these handy tips.
By the end, you’ll feel empowered, motivated, and ready to tackle the year ahead like a pro!
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Why Start the Year with a Clean Slate
There’s something transformational about the start of a new year.
It’s a chance to leave last year’s chaos behind and pave the way for a fresh, focused beginning.
Here’s why getting organized should be a top priority for your January to-do list:
- Reduce Stress: A cluttered space or overwhelming schedule can weigh on your mental health. Organization brings clarity and peace of mind.
- Boost Productivity: With an organized approach, you’re better equipped to set priorities and achieve your goals efficiently.
- Save Time & Money: Know exactly what you need and where to find it. Bonus? No more accidental Amazon purchases of something you already own.
- Set the Tone for the Whole Year: A well-organized start lays the foundation for ongoing success and improved habits in every area of your life.
Now that you’re motivated, let’s dig into how you can get completely organized this new year.
Step 1: Declutter Your Physical Space
Clear Your Clutter, Clear Your Mind
Your environment plays a huge role in how you feel and function.
Start with your physical space—it’s the easiest and most noticeable way to create a sense of order.
Break Down the Process
- Start Small
Begin with one room at a time—or even just a drawer!
Trying to tackle everything at once can feel overwhelming.
- Use the Three-Pile Method
Divide items into “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Trash.”
Be ruthless with what you no longer need.
If it hasn’t been used in the last year, chances are it’s time to part ways.
Pro Tip: You just decorated for the holiday season, was there decor you didn’t use or didn’t like? Now is the time to donate or trash it before you forget about it!
- Invest in Storage Solutions
Once the clutter is gone, organize what’s left.
Clear bins, drawer dividers, and labeled boxes will become your new best friends for keeping things tidy.
Quick Tip
Want to make decluttering less daunting?
Set a timer for 20 minutes a day and see how much progress you make.
Small efforts add up!
Step 2: Streamline Your Schedule
Make Time Work for You
When was the last time you felt truly in control of your calendar?
Between work meetings, personal appointments, and social obligations, schedules can spiral fast.
Here’s how to regain control.
Tools to Help You Stay on Track
- Use a Planner or Digital Calendar
Opt for a system that works best for you—whether that’s a paper planner, Google Calendar, or apps like Notion or Todoist.
- Time Block Your Day
Assign specific hours to specific tasks. Not only will this boost focus, but it will also help ensure nothing important gets sidelined.
- Set Boundaries
Say no when your plate is already full. Freeing up your time is essential for staying organized and sane.
Pro Tip
Schedule weekly check-ins with yourself to evaluate your upcoming commitments.
It’ll keep surprises to a minimum and ensure you stay one step ahead.
Step 3: Master Your To-Do Lists
From Overwhelming to Organized
Endless, unstructured lists can make even the most manageable workload feel unachievable.
The key is learning how to organize and prioritize effectively.
How to Create Better To-Do Lists
- Keep It Realistic
Your list isn’t magic—it won’t add hours to your day. Limit yourself to 3–5 high-priority tasks per day.
- Categorize It
Group tasks by category, like “Work,” “Home,” or “Errands,” to keep things manageable and visually clear.
- Check It Off
The satisfaction of crossing something off your list is second to none. Celebrate those small victories!
Related Read
Step 4: Adopt Daily Organizational Habits
Consistency is Key
The secret to staying organized?
Daily habits!
Small routines compound over time, helping you maintain order effortlessly.
Easy Habits to Start Today
- The 10-Minute Rule
Spend 10 minutes tidying up at the end of each day. Tomorrow-You will thank you.
- Plan Tomorrow, Today
Spend a few minutes each evening reviewing your schedule and to-dos for the next day.
- One-In-One-Out Rule
For every new item that comes into your space, remove one. This keeps clutter at bay.
Step 5: Organize Your Digital Space
Declutter Beyond the Desk
Your email inbox, files, and phone are just as important to organize as your physical space.
A clean digital environment reduces distractions and improves efficiency.
Steps to Digital Decluttering
- Sort Your Inbox
Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails and create folders for easy categorization.
- Delete Old Files
Go through your downloads and desktop to trash anything you don’t need.
- Simplify Your Phone
Organize your apps into folders and delete any you haven’t used in the past six months.
Step 6: Create Systems That Work for You
Personalization Is Everything
No single organizing strategy works for everyone.
The trick is finding what fits your lifestyle and preferences.
Experiment with different methods until you discover the ones that stick.
- Hate digital tools? Stick with handwritten planners.
- Love visuals? Color-code your calendar and to-do lists.
- Need reminders? Set alarms or use sticky notes on your wall.
Find what clicks for you, and don’t worry about what’s trendy or “right”—your system only needs to work for you.
Start Small and Build Momentum
Getting organized doesn’t happen overnight.
It’s a gradual process that starts with small, intentional steps.
Tackle one area at a time, celebrate your progress, and remember that done is better than perfect!
Getting—and staying—organized is all about creating a space, schedule, and systems that support your goals and well-being.
You’ve got this!
Happy Decluttering!
