As we ring in a new year, many of us resolve to embrace positive changes. Why not make 2025 the year of organization? By clearing clutter and finding homes for new belongings, you can create a more peaceful and efficient living space. Remember, clutter isn’t just physical – it takes up mental space, too. Clearing your environment can clear your mind and set the stage for a productive year ahead.

Let’s dive into some practical tips from Organized Solutions’ guiding principles of SPACE (Sort, Purge, Assess, Containerize, Evaluate) to help you get started.

The holidays often come with unused decorations, surplus seasonal supplies, displaced furniture and piles of random gifts that take up precious space. To restore the order, start by handling each item only once and immediately making a decision:

• Keep – when you love, need, use or are required to retain it.
• Donate – when it’s in good condition, but no longer fits your needs.
• Toss – when it’s broken or unusable.

Grab at least three boxes and label them:

• Donate: items others can use.
• Move: things that belong in a different room.
• Store: items you’re unsure about.*

* Add a “discard by” date to your storage box (e.g. one year from now). If you haven’t used the items by then, it’s time to let them go. This simple system keeps the sorting process manageable and ensures you only keep what truly matters.

Every new gift deserves a home. Use the frequency of use rule to decide where to place items:

• Daily items go within fingertip reach.
• Weekly items belong within arm’s reach.
• Monthly or less frequently used items should be stored further away.

For example, if you received a fancy espresso maker and plan to use it daily, consider creating a “coffee bar” area in your kitchen, with all related items—coffee beans, mugs, and sugar—near the machine for convenience.

Sorting through your belongings can feel overwhelming, so enlist a friend or family member for support. A second person can:

• Keep you focused and help you avoid procrastination.
• Offer a fresh perspective on what to keep or let go of.
• Make the process more fun and less stressful.

If you need extra guidance, consider working with a Professional Organizer to set yourself up for success.

Getting organized is only the first step—staying organized is the real challenge. Here’s how to maintain your system:

• Follow the “something in, something out” rule to prevent clutter from building up.
• Schedule regular decluttering sessions to reassess your belongings.
• Celebrate small victories! Each step toward organization is worth acknowledging, whether it’s enjoying a clutter-free living room or rewarding yourself with a night out.

Take one small step today, whether it’s tackling a single drawer or putting away a bag of gifts. Small efforts build momentum, and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a space that feels lighter, calmer, and more organized.

2025 is the year to reclaim your space and your peace of mind. Start now and let every corner of your home reflect the clarity and focus you want in your life.

[Produced with the assistance of Generative AI with editorial review to ensure accuracy.]