How to Start Your New Year Fresh

Bougie Home Organization Routines

As we approach the end of the year, it is tempting to let routines slide and plan to kick-start changes with the “New Year, New You” mantra. But let’s face it—waiting until January can lead to stress, overwhelm, and sometimes a feeling of discouragement. Instead, why not use the remaining last quarter of the year to set up a few routines around the house, focusing on small, meaningful steps that make a difference without the pressure of starting from scratch on January 1st?

Here are a few routines I’ve embraced to create a cleaner, more organized home and a happier mind—habits I know will make the new year feel like a fresh start, without the burden of perfection.

1. Tackle Mail at the Door

One of my favorite routines is sorting the mail as soon as I step inside the door. Before anything else, I glance through the stack, keeping what’s necessary and tossing junk mail right into the circular filing cabinet (also known as the garbage). It’s a simple way to avoid the dreaded pile-up of papers on counters, and by keeping unnecessary items out, I ensure that only what matters stays in my space. This habit keeps clutter at bay from the get-go and gives a little boost of productivity every time I walk in.

2. "Put It Away, Not Down"

I heard this advice recently and instantly embraced it: “Instead of putting something down, put it away.” It’s a small change, but one that makes a world of difference. Each time I go to place an item on a counter or surface, I stop myself and think, Where does this belong? Whether it’s a pen, a book, or a coffee cup, putting it back where it belongs keeps surfaces clear and prevents that slow build-up of clutter. I know this can be tricky in a larger home where putting everything away may feel like a marathon, but I have a trick that makes it manageable…

3. The Basket Method for Tidying on the Go

If you live in a spacious or multi-room home, going back and forth to return items can be time-consuming and, if you’re anything like me, sometimes distracting. This is where my “basket method” comes in. I keep a small basket with me as I go about my daily tasks, picking up items that belong in different rooms. Then, as I naturally end up in those rooms later, I can put each item away. It’s a simple way to tidy as I go, keeping items in their proper places without breaking my flow or turning tidying into a marathon task.

What might you find in my basket on any given day? A phone charger from the kitchen that belongs on my nightstand, a hat that belongs on my closet’s hat rack, or a book that drifted from my library to the living room. This method has helped me avoid wandering off-task while keeping my home consistently tidy.

4. Tackle One Small Space a Day

Another routine that has truly made a difference is my approach to tackling one small space a day. Whether it’s cleaning out a single drawer, tidying the hall closet, or organizing just one shelf in the linen closet, these bite-sized tasks create a sense of progress without feeling overwhelming. For example, I’ll dedicate one day to sorting through jackets in the hall closet, setting aside pieces we no longer need for donation. These small efforts add up, leaving my home feeling more organized and put-together day by day. What’s even more rewarding is that my family members start to take notice and pitch in, appreciating the freshly tidied spaces and making an effort to keep them that way.

5. Incorporate a Kitchen Closing Routine

One of my favorite new routines has been implementing a nightly “kitchen closing” procedure. Each evening, I take 30-minutes to tidy up the kitchen: wiping down countertops, putting away appliances, storing leftovers, and loading the dishwasher. I even pour a fresh glass of ice water for my nightly routine. Taking this time to “close” the kitchen makes my mornings a breeze and allows me to start the day with a fresh, inviting space. There’s something so calming about waking up to a clean kitchen and knowing it’s ready for whatever the day brings.

6. Create Routines that Add Calm and Consistency

Alongside these practical tips, I’ve embraced routines that add a bit of luxury and calm. For example, I keep a lovely tray with all my nightly essentials right by my bedside—a small candle, my favorite night cream, and a gentle linen spray. As part of my winding-down routine, having these essentials nearby makes the end of the day feel special.

Another favorite is a quick 10-minute tidy-up every evening. Before settling in, I walk through the main living areas, tidying surfaces, fluffing pillows, and even straightening rugs if they need it. It’s a small ritual that signals the end of the day and creates a fresh start for the morning.

Starting these routines now, rather than waiting for the new year, feels so much more achievable and less overwhelming. Little habits add up, and by setting these routines in place, I’m setting myself up for a cleaner, organized, and more peaceful home as we roll into 2024.

So, here’s to embracing small steps that make big changes—and to creating routines that add calm, beauty, and a little extra bougie flair to our everyday lives.