.jpg)
Get Organized in 2 Months and Maintain It All Year
Happy New Year!
As we step into a fresh chapter of our, it’s the perfect time to reflect, reset, and reimagine your living space. A well-organized home isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating an environment that fosters peace, clarity, and productivity. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by clutter or struggled to maintain order, this year is your opportunity to turn things around. With a focused two-month plan and simple maintenance strategies, you can achieve lasting organization and enjoy the benefits of a tidy, harmonious home all year long.
This strategy will focus on a room-by-room plan, allowing you to declutter and organize your entire home in just two months—and easily maintain it throughout the year. Tackling one room at a time helps avoid overwhelm and ensures you give each space the attention it deserves. I have these steps set up by weeks that I recommend for common organization, however if you want to start in a different area please do so. Take a day to come up with a plan on how you want to tackle your organizational journey. I want to start by giving you my top tips. Let’s get started.
TakillaRene’s Top Tips
💡 Tip #1: Use a folding table to provide extra surface space for purging & sorting. This tip can be applied to every area you are working on for increased efficiency and organization.
💡 Tip #2: You should prioritize organizing areas where items from other spaces are likely to end up. For example, if you have clothes in your bedroom that belong in your closet, start by organizing your closet first. This way, when you begin organizing your bedroom, you'll already have an organized closet for the clothes, making the process more efficient.
💡 Tip #3: Purchase organizing containers based on what you have after decluttering, not for the clutter you started with.
💡 Tip # 4: Stay focused! If you are reading this, it is likely that you are one that gets easily distracted. Do your best to stay focused on one room at a time. Even if they are closely related. Ex: If you are working on the closet, resist the temptation to start organizing the bedroom. If you are working on the pantry, resist the temptation to start organizing the kitchen.
💡 Tip #5: Create a “By When” for a task that you want to complete. Ex: If you create a sell pile, “I am going to list this by (date) and if it doesn’t sell by (date) I will donate it.”
💡💡 Bonus Tip: The 20/20 rule is a decluttering strategy created by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists. The rule states that you should consider letting go of an item if you can replace it for less than $20 and can replace it in less than 20 minutes. This rule is for small and random items around your home, and may not apply to sentimental, clothing, or other items.
Phase 1: Organize Room by Room in Two Months
Over the next eight weeks, you’ll work through each room systematically. Commit to spending a few hours over a few days each week to make noticeable progress.
For week 1 you want to tackle 2 areas. This will ensure you get all areas complete.
Week 1(a): Entryway and Mudroom
These areas set the tone for your home. Start here to create a welcoming, functional first impression.
Declutter:
Remove shoes, bags, and coats that don’t belong.
Purge old or broken items, like umbrellas or keys to unknown locks.
Organize:
Add hooks for jackets and bags.
Use bins or baskets for shoes.
Install a small tray for keys and a mail organizer.
Maintenance Tip: Make it a habit to clear the entryway daily or weekly. Encourage everyone to hang up their items immediately upon entering.
Week 1(b): Living Room
This high-traffic area should be both functional and inviting.
Declutter:
Remove unnecessary décor, old magazines, and unused electronics.
Purge pillows or throws that are worn out or no longer match your aesthetic.
Organize:
Use small and large baskets and shelving to store remote controls, books, magazines, or blankets.
Arrange décor with intention, leaving plenty of open space for a clean look.
Week 2: Kitchen
A well-organized kitchen makes meal prep a breeze.
Declutter:
Toss expired pantry items, spices, and condiments.
Donate duplicate or rarely used tools, gadgets, and dishes.
Organize:
Group similar items together (e.g., baking supplies, snacks, or spices).
Use drawer dividers for utensils and bins for pantry items.
Week 3: Closets & Storage Areas
These hidden spaces often become dumping grounds—time to reclaim them. Be sure to only attempt to complete one closet at a time.
Declutter:
Sort through everything, letting go of items you no longer need.
Donate or sell what’s still in good condition.
Organize:
Use labeled bins and baskets to group similar items.
Use good sturdy hangers.
Install hooks or shelves for additional storage.
Sort and categorize like items together making it easier to find clothing when getting dressed and putting away clothing on laundry day or when you're preparing to go on a trip.
Weeks 4 & 5: Bedrooms
A clutter-free bedroom promotes better sleep and relaxation.
Declutter:
Go through your closet and drawers and donate clothes that don’t fit or bring joy.
Clear nightstands and dressers of unnecessary items like old books, receipts, or clutter.
Organize:
Store off-season clothes in bins or vacuum-sealed bags.
Use drawer organizers for smaller items like socks or accessories.
Sort and categorize items together making it easier to find clothing when getting dressed and putting away clothing on laundry day.
Week 6: Bathrooms
A clean, organized bathroom simplifies daily routines.
Declutter:
Dispose of expired products, old makeup, and worn towels.
Keep only what you use regularly.
If you don’t have enough space, purge the overstock to a different location.
Organize:
Use baskets or bins for toiletries and cleaning supplies.
Store daily essentials in easy-to-reach spots, and reserve cabinets for extras.
Try to keep items in the drawers and cabinet and not the counter.
Week 7: Home Office or Workspace
A clutter-free workspace boosts focus and productivity.
Declutter:
Create 3 piles for paper, recycle or shred.
Clear surfaces of non-work-related items.
Once the office has been freed from clutter then you want to shred old paperwork and toss broken pens or outdated technology.
Organize:
Create an office workflow that works for you.
Set up a filing system for important documents.
Use cable organizers to tame cords.
Week 8: Garage, Basement, or Attic
These larger spaces can feel overwhelming but offer the most opportunity for transformation.
Declutter:
Get rid of broken tools, unused equipment, or forgotten items.
Organize:
Invest in sturdy shelving units and storage bins for easy access.
Be sure to use the vertical space and even the ceiling for storage.
Group items into categories like holiday décor, tools, and outdoor gear.
Label everything clearly to save time later.
Phase 2: Maintain Organization Throughout the Year: Consistency
Once your home is organized, the key to maintaining it is consistency. Here are strategies to keep the clutter at bay all year long:
1. Establish Daily Habits
The 10-Minute Reset: Dedicate 10 minutes each evening to return items to their proper places.
One In, One Out Rule: For every new item you bring into your home, donate or discard an old one.
2. Schedule Monthly Refreshes
At the end of each month, choose one area to revisit. Clear out clutter, adjust storage systems, and rotate seasonal items.
Use these check-ins to ensure your systems still work for your needs.
Make any needed adjustments.
3. Tidy as You Go - Include the whole family
Clean up immediately after finishing an activity, whether it’s cooking, crafting, or working.
Teach this habit to family members to share the responsibility.
4. Involve the Entire Household
Assign age-appropriate tasks to every family member.
Create simple systems (e.g., labeled bins) to make it easier for everyone to participate.
5. Reassess Annually
At the end of the year, evaluate your home’s organization. Reflect on what worked and what didn’t, then adjust your systems as needed to prepare for the year ahead and don’t be afraid to repeat this process yearly.
Final Thoughts
Happy New Year, and congratulations on prioritizing your home organization! By working room by room over the first two months, you’ll set a solid foundation for a clutter-free, functional home. With consistent maintenance and a little effort each day, you can enjoy the peace and productivity that come with an organized living space.
Here’s to a joyful, tidy, and successful year ahead!
Comments