Is January the best month to declutter?
We might feel a lot of pressure in January. New year. New you. New routines. New goals.
And somehow, we’re meant to reset our entire home while still tired from Christmas, constantly feeding kids who are still on holidays, and finding our way back into normal life?
No wonder January decluttering can feel overwhelming before you even start.
Here’s the good news: January really is one of the best months to declutter, but only if you approach it gently, realistically, and without trying to do it all.
Let’s talk about why January works so well… and how to declutter in a way that actually sticks.
Why January Is the Perfect Time to Declutter
1. You can feel the clutter more
After Christmas, the house is usually fuller than usual, more toys, more packaging, more everything. That extra visual noise makes clutter harder to ignore, which actually works in your favour.
When clutter becomes obvious, it’s easier to recognise what’s no longer serving you.
2. Your priorities naturally shift
January brings a quiet mental reset. We start craving:
More space
More calm
Less stuff to manage
Decluttering in January isn’t about perfection, it’s about aligning your home with how you want to feel this year.
3. Letting go feels easier
You’ve just experienced abundance. Gifts were enjoyed (or not), routines were disrupted, and you’ve seen first-hand what didn’t get used.
That clarity makes decisions simpler, and decision fatigue is one of the biggest reasons decluttering stalls.
How to Declutter in January Without Feeling Overwhelmed
Here’s where most people go wrong: they try to do everything at once.
Instead, think small, strategic, and sustainable.
Start with just one space
Not the whole house. Not even a whole room.
Choose one contained area, like:
The pantry
The underwear drawer
The kids’ artwork pile
The bathroom cupboard
Finishing one small space gives you momentum and that’s everything.
Focus on relief, not perfection
Ask yourself:
“What would make my day feel easier?”
That’s your starting point.
Maybe it’s:
Being able to find snacks quickly
Opening a drawer without things jamming
Clearing a surface that’s constantly catching clutter
Decluttering doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect to be life-changing.
Create simple exit points
January is an ideal time to move things on:
Donate unused gifts
Pass toys along when you can see they aren’t being used
Recycle packaging and broken items
Have a donation box or bag ready so decisions don’t turn into piles that sit there for months.
Keep it sustainable
Decluttering in January isn’t about throwing everything out.
It’s about:
Keeping what you actually use
Letting go of what drains you
Creating systems that work for your real life
If it feels exhausting, complicated, or emotionally heavy , you’re doing too much at once.
A Gentle Reminder (Especially for Busy Mums)
You don’t need a full home reset.
You don’t need a new storage system.
You don’t need to do it all alone.
Sometimes the most powerful reset is simply removing what no longer fits your life right now.
Small steps count. 1% everyday and you’ll be surprised with how much you’ve accomplished by the end of the month.
Ready for a January Reset?
If you’re craving a calmer, more organised home but don’t have the time, energy, or headspace to do it yourself, I can help.
My Reset sessions are designed to:
Reduce overwhelm
Create immediate breathing space
Help you start the year feeling lighter and more in control
No judgement. No pressure. Just practical support.
👉 Book your Reset session here — 🔗 https://www.sorted-po.com/our-services
You deserve a fresh start that actually feels good.