5 Things Professional Organizers ALWAYS Do in January
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January 1st is a fresh start. When the clock strikes midnight, no matter how many times you continue to mistakenly write 2024 instead of 2025, the new year is upon us. And that means resolutions—a new goal for the number of books you'll read, a fresh workout routine, a careful budget. We at House Beautiful are thinking about home, of course, and how you can harness all those good intentions and increased motivation to finally declutter or organize those stubborn areas of your house that you've been putting off.
As with any lofty goal, starter's paralysis is common. Luckily, we tapped a handful of professional organizers to offer their advice on how to start off 2025 on the right foot. Whether you decide to finally tackle that junk drawer, or invest in the proper care routine for your favorite handbags, they have you covered. Read on for the five things professional organizers always do in January to start the new year in a productive way.
Take Stock
Professional organizer Regina Lark prefers to use January as a planning period. Rather than diving right into the decluttering process, she uses the time to assess what she has, and takes note of areas that could use some extra help in the upcoming months. “A lot can get lost during the year, especially during the holidays, but as you're putting away your decorations, look into every closet and attic space and really start to get familiar with what you own,” she explains. “This allows you to better manage your stuff and plan out the appropriate amounts of time and energy to tackle each area.”
Begin a Monthly Edit
For SPIFF Organization founder Jenna Haefelin, January is the time to start her monthly home edits. “In January we get a lot of inquiries to help clients who feel overwhelmed by the influx of holiday items. Often additional items are brought in without decluttering beforehand,” she explains. “My best tip would be to do an edit once a month. I am always editing out items I no longer use or want to clear up space. It’s a great way to avoid feeling overwhelmed by my belongings.”
Each edit can tackle a different part of your home—a closet, the kitchen, or even the garage. This way, your entire home gets touched within the year. And as time goes by, your home's clutter is easier to maintain.
Assess and Repair
“For high-end items that don’t get everyday wear—like designer bags or formalwear—take this reset time to clean, condition, and properly store them,” say celebrity organizer Lisa Adams of LA Closet Design. “Leather conditioners, garment bags, and dedicated storage spaces will help keep these items in pristine condition and prolong their lifespan.” This new year audit is also a great time to finally take those old shoes to the repair shop and get your closet back in tip-top shape for another year of wear and tear.
Detox Digitally
Organizer Laura Cattano emphasizes the need to declutter your digital life too. Now more than ever, our phones and computers are bogged down with hundreds of screenshots, emails, and other things that hog our storage. “January is the ideal time to go through my photos and files on the computer, as well as through my phone's camera roll. Virtual things still exist! I don't want anything taking up space—even if that space is digital—that isn't absolutely necessary to keep.”
Designate a "Rotation" Zone
Adams also likes to use January as a time to think critically about what she owns. “Designate a staging space for 'rotation' pieces: Have a spot in your closet or wardrobe for items you’re not sure about—pieces you may want to keep or might be ready to let go of. Place these items in the rotation area, and if you haven’t worn them by next season, it’s time to let them go. This helps keep your closet streamlined and clutter-free.” This method also helps these items to stay front of mind, rather than shoved back into your closet, where they'll probably stay for years to come.
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