8 Things Pro Organizers Do at the Beginning of the Year

If you’re ready to make 2025 the year you finally get your home and life in order, we’re here to cheer you on. While this goal may seem a bit daunting, there’s a foolproof way to make it happen: Just do what the pros do. We asked professional organizers all the things they do at the start of a new year to keep themselves organized so that we could follow suit. Here’s everything you need to do now to set yourself up for a year of organizational success.

Deep Clean the Entire House

New year, clean home. Shantae Duckworth, founder of Shantaeize Your Space and professional organizer, tells me she always does a deep cleaning of her home at the beginning of the year.

But don’t worry, you don’t have to tackle it all in one day. For example, maybe you clean your bedroom on Saturday, the kitchen on Sunday, and the bathroom on Monday. “Begin with one area, pull everything out, and give it a thorough cleaning: wipe down surfaces, vacuum, mop, or whatever is needed,” Duckworth says. “As you put items back, take a moment to assess whether each one is something you truly want to bring into the new year.”

Clean the Important Areas of the Kitchen

While you may not have the time or energy to declutter those super-high shelves or mop every corner of your home, that’s okay. Just keep your priorities in mind. Ashley Stewart, professional organizer and owner of Organize. Create. Design, says she makes sure to clean out her refrigerator and pantry at the beginning of the year. 

“It’s often the case that we keep adding and adding to our inventory and never check to see if things have expired,” she says. “Believe it or not, flour and sugar do expire. So I like to use the opportunity at the beginning of the year to look at expiration dates of spices, dried goods, etc.”

Write Down Important Dates for the Year

Stewart takes an analog approach to staying organized day to day. “I am old school, and while I have everything on my phone, I still use a paper calendar. Nothing is better than going to Staples and getting a calendar for the year. I use the opportunity at the beginning of the year to write down important dates for the next 12 months as well as start fresh.”

Hit the Unsubscribe Button

We all get those promotional emails from stores we haven’t shopped at in months or even years. So, why let them clutter your inbox? “[The beginning of the year] is the perfect time to go through your emails and unsubscribe, unsubscribe, unsubscribe,” Stewart says.

Doing this will also make it easier to spot and prioritize important emails in the future.

Make a List of Home Projects for the New Year

Duckworth tells me one of the best ways to kick off the new year is by writing down the home projects you want to tackle. “For larger tasks, break them down into manageable steps,” she says. “For example, if you’re decluttering your kitchen, focus on one section at a time, like the pantry or a single cabinet. This approach keeps the process from feeling overwhelming.”

Then be sure to budget and map out those projects. “If you’re planning bigger projects, such as purchasing new furniture, painting, or renovating, take the time to map out your goals and budget,” Duckworth says. “Break the project into phases. For instance, if you’re remodeling a bedroom, you might tackle new flooring first, then paint, and finally purchase furniture. Spacing out tasks prevents overwhelm and allows you to thoughtfully plan and budget for each phase.”

Evaluate Financial Goals

According to Duckworth, many professional organizers like to start the year by reviewing their finances. “They assess areas where they could save money, allocate funds toward meaningful goals, and budget for upcoming projects or purchases,” she says. “Whether it’s saving for a vacation or simply putting more into savings, taking stock of where your money is coming from—and where it’s going—can help you make informed decisions for the year ahead.”

If you aren’t sure where to begin, consider asking a trusted friend for a referral to a financial advisor.

Restock and Refresh

There are so many things we use every day, such as linens and hygiene essentials. If these things haven’t been replaced in a while, Stewart suggests restocking them. “It sounds silly, but the first of the year is a great time to refresh items that you use all the time,” she says. “It’s the perfect opportunity to buy new towels, new sheets, and toothbrushes. All these items are things we use daily and can always use an update.”

Consider Wellness Goals

“Professional organizers align their home organization goals with their wellness goals,” reveals Duckworth. “A tidy home contributes to a healthy mind and body. They prioritize daily routines that support wellness, such as exercising regularly, staying hydrated, reading, meditating, and journaling.”

However, you don’t have to create an entirely new wellness routine to stay on top of your home and life goals. Rather, try to integrate one or two healthy habits into your life like a daily gratitude list or a 15-minute daily walk.