I have a deep-seated love for New Year’s organizing thanks to a 2004 New Year’s Day marathon of TLC’s Clean Sweep. My mom and I devoured it, prompting us to do our own, untelevised version that next day. And to this day, 21 years later, I still get AMPED about getting rid of the things I no longer need or use, making my space feel fresh and ready for the new year (and without spending money, or heck, maybe even making some!). I’m still in Oregon helping care for my niece but come Saturday my closet better watch out because I am ready to purge, clean, and organize. So if you are also someone who loves a January home cleanse or want to become someone who loves to start the new year feeling lighter/more organized then this is the post for you. We’ve written about this subject a lot so we thought we’d put them all in one place for you to pursue and see what is most helpful in your organizing journey. Get ready to dive in because there’s A LOT of great stuff in here.
This is the perfect post to start this post:) It’s all about how to frame your mind around clutter and organization. Caitlin, per usual, presents these ideas in a completely entertaining, approachable way that will have you hooked. Plus, she uses them herself so she can attest to their effectiveness.
Then I thought a little aspirational “org porn” would be a nice way to see what is possible, to take what could work for your home, and even help you plan out your kitchen org if you are renovating! And here is the post of how and if they were able to keep it this organized:)
But of course, most of us aren’t in the planning phase of a kitchen renovation, so this post that Emily wrote last January is a very relatable and actionable post to show what a little organization can do for your home (and brain).
For another very relatable (and budget-friendly) post, 3 years ago most of the EHD team did a $150 closet organization challenge (each with a different type of closet). I have to say the results were pretty impressive and very easy to copy if you need to do the same. I’m the only one still in the same home and it still looks as good as when I finished it, proving if you have a good system for your lifestyle, you can stay organized for a long time.
While this one wasn’t a “challenge” in the same way the closets were, we took real photos of our real kitchens at the time and found products that would help make our kitchen lives easier. Just a few easy pieces that would have a helpful and big impact.
As you will see, Catilin is definitely our Org Queen. She writes about it in the most helpful way and finds the coolest products that will actually help. This post is a perfect example of that. If you’ve got an unorganized room then she’s got the product recs for it.
So while Caitlin is our queen it comes from a lot of hard work on her part. She is not naturally a super organized and clean person (self-proclaimed). It’s something that she’s had to put the time into to figure out what works for her and what she can realistically maintain. She wants to help the more naturally messy people like herself! If that’s how you identify then this post is for you.
These next two posts were sponsored by Target but Emily and the styling team came up with some really great ideas that anyone can use. This one is all about closets and bathrooms and it’s so fun to see how each space was thoughtfully laid out for optimal use.
I’m sure it’s most parents’ dream that their kids become more self-sufficient as they get older and this post has org ideas for just that! School, art, and food hacks are all here and have worked for Em’s kids (around 6 and 8 at the time this post was published). Again, take what might work for you and your home and leave the rest:)
When Mallory pitched this post she felt very passionately about it because if you are a jewelry wearer then you know the plight of keeping it all organized. Mal did the legwork here so you don’t have to!
This was a fun little post that I wrote this past summer about 10 things that are both affordable and helpful. That’s the only theme so there is something for everyone in here if you feel like taking a look.
There you have it, 11 posts that will hopefully help you to start this new year off in a positive way. Organizing and cleaning won’t solve all of our problems (unfortunately) but I know firsthand the positive effect it does have on your mental health. So happy new year from all of us and happy organizing!
Love you, mean it.
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