January Reset: Pro Organizer Tips to Start the New Year Right
Ah, January. The month of fresh starts, ambitious resolutions, and—if you’re anything like most women in America, a sudden urge to declutter every corner of your home. But where do you even begin? Thankfully, the experts at House Beautiful and Jacksonville Organizer’s, Kristin Dibacco have us covered. Let’s dive into the top five organizing tips published in a recent House Beautiful article and how Jacksonville Organizer can help you tailor these strategies to your unique lifestyle.
1. Take Stock of What You Have
House Beautiful suggests using January as a planning period. By recommending taking inventory of your belongings as you pack away holiday decorations, the article encourages women to look into every closet and attic space and really start to get familiar with what you own.
Karen Duncan, Jacksonville Organizer Owner and Certified Professional Organizer echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of evaluating your current living situation, habits, and routines. “This step is crucial,” she says. “It ensures that any systems you put in place will actually serve you and your space.” So, before you dive into decluttering, take a moment to assess what’s working—and what’s not.
2. Start A Monthly Edit
Jenna Haefelin of SPIFF encourages a monthly decluttering routine to prevent overwhelm. Tackling one area at a time—like a closet or kitchen—can make the process manageable and sustainable.
Kristin Dibacco, Jacksonville Organizer Owner and Certified Professional Organizer adds a practical twist: “Work in smaller time blocks, like 30 minutes. This reduces decision fatigue and keeps you motivated.” And if you’re feeling stuck, consider hiring a professional team. “We do the heavy lifting, like sorting items and creating preliminary edits, so you can focus on what truly matters.”
3. Assess and Repair
Lisa Adams of LA Closet Design suggests using January to care for high-end items like designer bags or formalwear. Clean, condition, and store them properly to extend their lifespan.
Kristin agrees but takes it a step further: “Before you rush out to buy bins and containers, edit what you have. Think of organizing as a reward—the cherry on top. Once you’ve pared down, you can invest in storage solutions that truly fit your needs.”
4. Declutter Your Digital Life
Organizer Laura Cattano reminds us that clutter isn’t just physical. January is the perfect time to clean up your phone, computer, and email inbox. Delete unnecessary files, organize your photos, and unsubscribe from spammy newsletters.
Karen highlights the importance of planning for maintenance. “80% of what we do daily is maintenance—laundry, unloading the dishwasher, etc. Incorporate digital decluttering into your weekly or monthly routines to keep things manageable.”
5. Create a Rotation Zone
Lisa Adams also recommends designating a “rotation” area in your closet for items you’re unsure about. If you haven’t used them by the next season, it’s time to let them go.
Kristin loves this idea but stresses the importance of tailoring it to your lifestyle. “Your rotation zone should reflect your habits and upcoming life changes. For example, if you’re transitioning to remote work, prioritize organizing your home office.”
January is the perfect time to reset—not just your home, but your mindset. By combining the expert advice from House Beautiful with Jacksonville Organizer’s expertise, practical and personalized approach, you can create systems that are easy to maintain and truly transformative. So, grab a cup of coffee, set a timer for 30 minutes, and start your journey to a more organized 2026. And contact us to learn more about how we can de-clutter and in return de-stress your 2026! We’ve got this!
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