January is officially “Get Organized Month”, a designation created many years ago by the professional organizing industry. It makes sense—this is the time of year when many of us feel an urge to hit reset and take control of our spaces, schedules, and habits.
For many, the most powerful way to start fresh isn’t by adding systems—it’s by letting go. The start of a new year is a natural moment to shed what’s weighing you down, getting in your way, or draining energy rather than fueling it.
With that in mind, here’s a thoughtful way to approach decluttering—so it actually gives you energy, space, and momentum for the year ahead.
Recognize that clutter comes in many forms
Clutter isn’t just physical. It also shows up in how we use our time and in the habits we fall into.
Physical clutter might be piles of papers you haven’t touched in months, unused pantry items, or the who-knows-what at the bottom of a closet.
Time clutter includes overcommitments that drain your energy—things you said yes to when you meant no, or that once made sense but no longer do.
Habit clutter can look like procrastination, chronic lateness, or mindless screen time that interferes with your sense of ease and accomplishment.
Which form of clutter do you feel most ready to be released right now?
Target only one or two things to declutter.
A common misconception about clutter is that freedom only comes when you declutter everything. That is simply not true.
Even clearing out a single drawer – or releasing one draining time commitment can deliver a meaningful payoff in terms of renewed energy, control and accomplishment. Avoid the paralysis of all or nothing thinking. Choose one or two specific points of clutter that are weighing you down the most, and focus on those for now. You’ll be amazed at how rewarding that will be.
Make an appointment with yourself.
Successful decluttering comes from intentional planning and preparation, not impulse. If it's physical clutter, block out a few uninterrupted hours on a day when you're rested and ready. For time clutter, plan the conversation to renegotiate or end overcommitments thoughtfully. Addressing habit clutter requires setting a start date and planning replacements for the habits you're shedding.
A simple framework that works
When you're ready to dive in, the SHED process—outlined in my book, SHED Your Stuff, Change Your Life—offers a clear, four-step path that’s both practical and deeply transformative.
Separate the treasures-identify the gems that are worth keeping
Heave the trash -fully let go of what’s obsolete
Embrace your identity from within -you are who you are without that clutter
Drive yourself forward-Move toward experiences that nourish & connect to your genuine self.
Remember, decluttering is not an end in itself. It’s a process to create space for what truly enriches your life. Whether it's more energy, peace, time for hobbies, or quality time with friends and community, think about what you're making room for. And enjoy the process—clearing out space and time for something that fuels your soul.
