Happy New Year, friends!
I hope you had a joyous holiday season and are feeling inspired and ready to tackle the new year with enthusiasm. There’s something about January that invites us to reflect, reset, and approach the coming months with greater intention. Whether it’s getting healthier, creating better habits, or finally putting some order to the chaos in our homes, this time of year naturally energizes us to improve in all areas of life.
For me, one of the most satisfying ways to start fresh is by packing away the holiday decorations and embracing the simplicity of a clean, clutter-free home. After the joyful busyness of Christmas, the calm of an organized space feels like a breath of fresh air.
Since today is the first Tuesday of the month, it’s time for My Five Favorites—a monthly series I participate in alongside the talented Kris from Driven By Decor, Pam from Simple Details, and Jennifer from Dimples & Tangles.
This month, we’re thrilled to welcome Carmel from Our Fifth House as our guest host! Carmel is an absolute genius when it comes to home organization, and her blog is full of inspiring tips and projects.
To kick off the new year, I’m sharing five of my favorite strategies for organizing your home. These are simple, practical ideas that have truly made a difference in my life. They aren’t flashy or complicated, but they work—and sometimes, it’s those small, effective changes that have the greatest impact.
1. Keep Receipts Organized with an Accordion File
We’ve all experienced the frustration of searching for a receipt and not being able to find the one we need. Whether it’s for a return, tracking expenses, or just keeping tabs on your spending, an organized system for receipts is a game-changer.
Here’s my go-to solution: purchase a small accordion file from the dollar store. These compact organizers are lightweight, easy to carry, and come with labels for quick sorting. As soon as I receive a receipt, I pop it into the appropriate section.
Not only does this keep my purse clutter-free, but it also helps me track spending and manage budgets more effectively. I’ve even started using separate sections for personal purchases, client expenses, and home improvement projects. Knowing exactly where your receipts are means no more wasted time or money—and maybe even a little extra cash saved for your next DIY project or vacation!
2. Declutter Your Computer by Managing Digital Photos
If your computer feels sluggish and overloaded, your photo library could be to blame. Digital photos take up a surprising amount of storage space, and let’s be honest—how many pictures do we really need of the same angle of the deck railing?
Set aside time to review your photos, upload the ones you want to print to an online service like Snapfish, and delete the rest. This may not be the most exciting task, but the payoff is worth it. A faster computer means more time and energy for researching home projects, organizing tasks, or simply enjoying a stress-free digital workspace.
3. Add Recycling Bins to Unexpected Spaces
Recycling isn’t just for the kitchen. I’ve discovered that placing small recycling bins in less obvious areas, like bathrooms and kids’ rooms, makes a big difference.
Think about how many recyclable items come from these spaces—shampoo bottles, toothpaste packaging, school papers, and more. By adding a small bin to the bathroom closet or a corner of the kids’ room, it’s much easier to ensure these items make their way to the recycling center instead of the trash.
When it’s time to take out the bathroom trash, whoever’s on duty can easily grab the recycling bin too. It’s a simple change, but one that contributes to a more organized home and a greener planet.
4. Keep Track of Gift Card Balances
Do you have a stash of partially used gift cards lying around? Keeping track of those balances can be tricky, but it’s well worth the effort.
Every so often, I take a few minutes to check the remaining balances on our merchandise credit cards and restaurant gift cards. Knowing exactly how much you have left can help you plan errands, treat yourself to a meal, or even fund your next home improvement project.
For me, finding a forgotten restaurant gift card is like hitting the jackpot—it means a night off from cooking and a chance to relax without worrying about the dishes. It’s a small but satisfying way to stay organized and make the most of what you already have.
5. Repurpose Altoid Tins for Small Item Storage
My favorite organizing tip of all time is reusing empty Altoid tins for storing small household items. These little tins are perfect for keeping things like picture hangers, nails, screws, tacks, and other tiny essentials neatly contained and easy to find.
I label each tin and store them in a drawer in the kitchen or garage, where they’re always within reach. The compact size makes them portable, so I can grab a tin and take it wherever I’m working. Over the years, I’ve found countless uses for these tins—they’re great for storing earbuds, stamps, quarters for parking meters, utility blades, and even chalk.
Having a designated spot for small items eliminates the frustration of searching high and low when you need them. It’s a simple way to keep your home running smoothly and your sanity intact.
There you have it—five of my favorite tips for organizing your home. These ideas may be small, but they’re mighty in their ability to streamline your space, save you time, and reduce stress.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out the My Five Favorites hashtag on Instagram (#myfivefavorites) or visit my co-hosts Kris of Driven By Decor, Pam of Simple Details, Jennifer of Dimples & Tangles, and Carmel of Our Fifth House for even more clever organizing ideas.
As we dive into this new year, I wish you all the best in reaching your goals and creating a home that brings you joy, peace, and happiness. Let’s make this year one of intention, progress, and plenty of organization!
