January Reset: 7 Things You Can Do to Set Up a Stress-Free Year

The new year means that holidays are over, your calendar feels a little lighter, and maybe—if you’re lucky—you find some room to breathe. It’s also a time when many of us realize just how cluttered or overwhelming our homes have become, from closets bursting with the things you tried to hide from guests to playrooms overflowing with toys, both old and new. That’s why January is the ideal time to reset your space because when it functions well, everything from morning routines to meal prep feels easier.

Rather than tackling your entire house at once, focusing on a few high-impact tasks can deliver immediate relief. We’ve outlined seven below to choose from, and that will help start the year off on the right foot. By making intentional changes in January, you can create a home that supports your routines, saves you time, and infuses your life with much-needed zen.

1. Perform Mini Daily Resets

The entryway, kitchen counter, bathroom vanity, coffee table, and bedroom nightstands tend to collect clutter daily because they’re convenient surfaces when you go about your day. Choose one to start, and spend just a couple of minutes resetting it daily by removing the things that don’t belong (and placing items where they do), wiping away any dust or crumbs, and replacing only what belongs in this spot. Once you’re ready, add another space, then another, until you’ve gotten into the habit of performing mini resets in all your clutter hot spots.

Keep in mind, this reset doesn’t have to be about making these areas look perfect. They should be functional and tidy. Employ hooks for bags, a file organizer for papers, catch-all trays for daily essentials, and shoe racks to prevent clutter from piling up again.

2. Declutter Storage Spaces That Are Catch-Alls

Now is a good time to tackle those storage spaces that accumulated clutter throughout the year, such as the linen closet, coat closet, utility or cleaning closet, and the cabinets under the sink. Begin by clearing these areas, then discard expired products, donate what you won’t use or wear, sort the remaining items by category, and reorganize them in their homes. Resetting these often-overlooked spaces makes them easier to navigate and maintain over time.

3. Refresh the Pantry

The start of a new year often brings a renewed effort to eat healthier and make more meals at home. If that’s a priority for you, getting the pantry in order will make it all the more attainable. After you remove everything, check expiration dates, wipe down shelves, and group items by category, including new items (such as smoothie ingredients) if they align with your goals.

Also, consider using bins or baskets to contain individually wrapped or small items such as granola bars or seasoning packets. Airtight food jars keep dry ingredients (such as sugar and flour) from going stale and let you see when you’re running low. Add labels (including expiration dates or instructions to decanted jars) to make cooking or packing lunches more streamlined. Overall, a reset pantry makes meal planning easier, reduces food waste, and saves time during busy weeks when you need to see what you have at a quick glance.

4. Edit Your Wardrobe

If your motto is “new year, new look,” now is the time to reset your closet. Donate clothing that no longer fits your style, set aside pieces you’re keeping that need mending, and reorganize your wardrobe so it flows. Pay attention to how you get dressed and place regularly worn items at eye level, while off-season or special-occasion pieces should be kept higher or toward the back. Not only does an organized closet make mornings smoother, but owning only what you love reduces decision fatigue and added stress.

5. Organize Paperwork and Digital Clutter

Physical clutter isn’t the only thing that contributes to stress. January is a smart time to sort paperwork from the past year, especially documents related to taxes and insurance. Shred what you don’t need, file what you do, and create a simple system you can maintain in the new year. Similarly, don’t forget about digital clutter. Clean up your computer desktop, unsubscribe from marketing emails, and delete photos (including those screenshots you’ll never need). These types of resets can have a surprisingly calming effect, making it easier to find important information when you need it.

6. Handle Home Maintenance Tasks

Resetting your home doesn’t only apply to organization. Use January to check off those mundane yet essential maintenance tasks that come with being a homeowner. A few examples to add to your list include replacing HVAC filters, testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, checking fire extinguishers, and inspecting for leaks. Taking a few minutes to do each of these now keeps your family safe in the long run. Consider creating a home maintenance checklist to track when you need to address these tasks again throughout the year, giving yourself peace of mind.

7. Prepare for Emergencies

January is also a good time of year to reorganize and restock your home’s emergency supplies. Check on flashlights, batteries, first-aid kits, and nonperishable food. Have important paperwork in a fireproof and waterproof safe and keep it easily accessible, in case you ever need to evacuate. Along those lines, make sure exits are clear of clutter, and windows are in good working order. Whether it’s a power outage or something more serious, like a natural disaster or fire, taking time to prepare now reduces anxiety later.