HomeBlog Home
Homeowner Guides

7 Home Organization Tips To Start the New Year Right

Ryan FitzgeraldRyan Fitzgerald
Nov 27, 2024 9 min read
Share to X
Share to Facebook
Share to Linkedin
Copy Link
7 Home Organization Tips To Start the New Year Right
Chapters
01
Plan Everything Out
02
Prioritize Needs
03
Create a Routine
04
Declutter/Clean
05
Make Repairs
06
Add Storage
07
Start With One Room

Home Organization Tips To Start the New Year Right

As the new year approaches, consider starting positively. Here are some home organization tips to help kick off the new year effectively.

As we approach the new year, it is a great time to organize, declutter, and get your home into top shape for a more efficient and stress-free home environment. Home organization and cleaning are the most effective things you can do to start off fresh, especially for the new year. 

Getting organized does not have to seem overwhelming. If you plan out exactly what you want to do and take the steps accordingly, you can create a clutter-free space to promote productivity in your everyday life and better well-being. 

There are many affordable and easy ways to organize your house. This is a project, and if you tackle it early on, you will be able to enjoy it for the rest of the year. Proper organization ideas and a little effort up front can help you achieve your goals. 

If your New Year resolution is to organize your house, keep reading to learn more about some home organization tips before jumping in. Homeowners love improvement projects, and this is a simple one you can tackle so you can enjoy your new home for the rest of the year

Here are some home organization tips to start the new year right. 

1. Plan Everything Out

Life can feel chaotic sometimes when you are not in control. If you want to kick the new year off on the right foot, you should start planning things out. Starting with organizing your house can seem like a lot all at once, but if you start planning what you are going to do, the task seems more bearable. 

Some people like digital planners conveniently on their phones to help them stay accountable, while others may like to-dos on paper. Whatever it is, write it down and plan how you will attack this whole project. Doing everything at once may work for some people, but to effectively organize your home, you need to plan how you will do so.

Before you start, take a walk around your house to identify what you want to change. Imagine how these changes will look and determine what you need to make them happen. Keep your goals realistic, and create a plan that fits your schedule so it doesn't feel overwhelming.

A planner to plan out what you need to do

2. Prioritize Needs

Prioritizing your needs and creating the organizational system that works for you is essential in this process. Look at your schedule, see where you have time to tackle this project and plan when and how you will do it. Life happens, so prioritizing what is important at the moment and what can wait a week or two will help with the stress. 

After you decide when to tackle your home organization, you need to determine what works for you. A good way to do this is to consider what you did this previous year that worked and what you need to improve. 

The best organization systems will mirror your daily habits, so this is a perfect time to note any systems you or your family like or outgrew so you can determine what needs to change and what can be improved to keep your home in order.

3. Create a Routine

Routines are a way to organize your life and put your mind at ease and less stressed. If your mind is not organized, it can be hard to organize everything else, so starting off with a simple everyday routine can help you tackle this project and keep yourself accountable. 

Creating a routine can be as simple as what you do every morning and night or as complicated as what you do every day to keep the house in order. Whatever works for you, the routine can be a helpful way to keep things in order. 

4. Declutter/Clean

Decluttering into three bins

As you start to organize, ClutterKeeper has four easy steps to follow to help declutter your home. This is the E.A.S.Y. method. 

Empty

Take everything out of the space you want to organize, wipe down all the surfaces to remove dirt and debris, and give yourself a clean start. 

Assess

Sort everything you have into piles: keep, donate, and trash. In your keep pile, sort those into categories that make sense to you. Then, look around your space to determine how you will create areas within the space for those categories. 

Store

After you sort the belongings you want to keep; you should put them into storage containers or systems and label them. You might need to add different things or change things around to make sure everything fits and looks organized for your needs. 

Yearn

You need to set a ring to maintain this space long-term. Put things in a way you know you will be able to maintain and keep neat in their proper zone. Whenever you take something out, you should commit and hold yourself accountable to putting it back in its proper area. 

Decluttering can seem daunting. If you make a list of what you need to do, it will help with this process. You should pick a project area where you want to start and brainstorm everything you want to achieve to make this place into an area you will love. Breaking down what you want to do will help you stay organized in the decluttering to make the most out of all the space

While you are decluttering, you will want to clean as you go. Organizing the whole house is hard work, but it can feel more daunting when it is dirty. It is best to give your home a deep clean as you go; it will help with the whole process. 

5. Make Repairs

Staying on top of your home organization and repair projects is essential for having a home that works and requires little effort to maintain. When you notice things you want to organize and improve, this is also a great time to write down little things you need to fix. 

Making repairs may not be exactly organized, but it is a part of the whole process. This is a way to revamp your home and start the year off well. Simple tasks such as burnt-out light bulbs, squeaky doors, or even clogged disposals can be fixed while you're going around. Check out some budget-friendly home renovation tips to help. 

6. Add Storage

Not having enough storage space is a constant cause of clutter. When you don't have shelves or closets, you need to tuck everything away, so it is no surprise why you feel disorganized. For less stress, invest in some small, inexpensive shelving or cubbies to help organize and keep your home clutter-free. 

Having a home for everything is the best way to keep your home organized. Everyone has their own organizational styles; however, the easiest way to start is incorporating storage, whether bins for your pantry foods, shelves added in your closets, or floating shelves throughout the home for the decor. 

Storage bins on shelves in closet room for organization

While you are adding storage and bins, it may be helpful to label things, especially if they are being put away in storage. After the holidays, people put away holiday decorations, so having bins labeled can help you next year when you go to find things.

Exploring unique storage solutions is important, and there are wonderful multi-functional furniture options that feature cleverly hidden compartments. Once everything has a home, things will start to come together. 

7. Start With One Room

Looking at your whole house and feeling overwhelmed with everything you need to do can be straightforward. Making a list and planning ahead of time will help with this so you can take your time and prioritize what needs to be done. 

After you have pinpointed what areas need the most attention, you should focus on one thing at a time. Dedicating one room or one area can help you keep yourself accountable and organize efficiently. 

The key to organizing is preventing yourself from doing too much at once. This is the year you will prioritize yourself and your time and create a healthy environment. Some people may be able to tackle everything, while others can not, so it is important to determine what you have to do and how you want to go about it. 

Here are some room organization ideas you can keep in mind when you are going around organizing your house. 

Organizing closet space

Methodology

We used information from different sources and our data to create this guide on home organization tips to start the new year off right.  

We used the following sources to gather most of our information on organizing your home.

FAQS

How to start the new year organized?

The best way to start the new year organized is to track your activities, understand your habits, plan your schedule, make your goals reachable, and prioritize your needs. 

Where do I start when organizing my house?

The best thing to start with when organizing your house is decluttering. You will want to declutter often throughout the year to maintain the system you have in place, but this is the best way to start off fresh and create new habits to keep your home organized and stress-free. 

What are the three basic steps to organize your home?

The main three things to remember when organizing your home are to plan and start off small, create solutions by finding everything in a house, and maintain it.

Where to begin when organizing?

Everyone is different when it comes to organizing, but for most people, you should start by sorting things into logical categories based on your needs and goals. Keep it simple and don't overthink it, this is your chance to change things. 

Organized house living room overview

Home Organization Tips To Start the New Year Right - The Bottom Line

Organizing your home should not feel like a burden. It is a way to clean out and declutter your life overall. You need to set goals and make them realistic and actionable. When you are organizing your home, you also need to keep in mind that you need to budget—not only your money but also your time. 

As you start organizing your home, you will make many decisions. You will have to let things go, which can be hard sometimes, so setting your priorities and boundaries ahead of time can ensure your success. 

Everyone is different and wants something different, so finding the organizational tools you need is essential. This is your home and your new year; make it what you want it to be and strive to achieve those goals. In the end, you will feel accomplished and be able to enjoy your space. 

Forget about last year. What you have in front of you is up to you. Give yourself the grace to make mistakes, and take this time to make changes. The key to staying organized is knowing your limits. 

If you are considering moving or selling, contact us or visit our website. Our team at Raleigh Realty is here to help you with any home buying or selling needs.  

WRITTEN BY
Ryan Fitzgerald
Ryan Fitzgerald
Realtor

Ryan Fitzgerald is a top Realtor®, founder and owner of Raleigh Realty, one of the Triangle’s fastest-growing and most innovative real estate brokerages. Driven by a mission to be the best—not the biggest—brokerage in Raleigh, Ryan has built Raleigh Realty into a firm known for its cutting-edge marketing, high-performing agents, and culture rooted in collaboration, growth, and excellence.

Raleigh Realty

Under Ryan’s leadership, Raleigh Realty has become a top boutique brokerage in Raleigh-Durham, serving clients across Wake County and the surrounding areas. Raleigh Realty stands apart for its:

  • Top-Tier Agents – Every Realtor on the team is hand-selected for their skill, professionalism, and client-first approach. Raleigh Realty isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality.

  • Award-Winning Website – RaleighRealty.com is consistently ranked among the best real estate websites with incredible user experience, cutting-edge IDX technology, and hyper-local guides that help buyers and sellers navigate the market.

  • Inbound Lead Generation – With a strong focus on SEO and digital marketing, the brokerage generates a steady flow of organic leads, giving agents the opportunity to grow thriving businesses.

  • Supportive Culture – Ryan emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and autonomy—no micromanaging, just the right systems and tools for agents to succeed.

  • Community Focus – From neighborhood spotlights to relocation guides, Raleigh Realty is committed to being a resource for both buyers and sellers as they make one of life’s biggest decisions.

The firm continues to expand its reach, with the goal of 100 agents and $1 billion in annual sales volume by 2030—all while staying true to its boutique, client-centered values.

Awards & Recognition

Ryan already has notable public credentials and prestige:

  • He has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, among others (as mentioned on the site).

  • Realtor Magazine named him a “Top 30 Under 30” in the country (as noted on his Raleigh Realty page).

  • Raleigh Realty is widely acknowledged in the local real estate community for its digital prowess and thought leadership.

  • The company is consistently ranked among the top real estate firms in Raleigh and is known for having one of the highest-traffic real estate websites in the region.

Community Involvement & Giving Back

Ryan’s leadership extends far beyond the closing table. He has built Raleigh Realty to be a company that actively gives back to the community and invests in making Raleigh a better place to live.

  • The Green Chair Project – Ryan and Raleigh Realty proudly support The Green Chair Project, a local nonprofit that provides essential furnishings and household items to families transitioning out of homelessness, crisis, or disaster. By partnering with this organization, Ryan helps ensure families have the comfort and dignity of a furnished home.

  • Food Donations & Drives – Raleigh Realty regularly organizes and contributes to food donation efforts, partnering with local pantries and organizations to help fight food insecurity across Wake County. These efforts bring agents, clients, and neighbors together to support those in need.

  • Local Events & Client Appreciation – Raleigh Realty hosts family-friendly gatherings such as pumpkin patch outings, coffee + donut socials, and seasonal celebrations designed to strengthen neighborhood bonds.

  • Supporting Schools & Youth Programs – Ryan partners with local schools and youth organizations to provide resources, sponsorships, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that the next generation has access to growth and guidance.

  • Small Business Advocacy – Raleigh Realty proudly highlights and partners with local small businesses, amplifying their visibility and reinforcing Raleigh’s reputation as a vibrant place to live and work.

For Ryan, success is measured not just in sales, but in the lasting relationships and community impact Raleigh Realty leaves behind.

AgentLoft – Powering the Next Generation of Realtors

Ryan is also the visionary behind AgentLoft, a SaaS platform designed to help Realtors nationwide build their brand and generate leads. AgentLoft websites combine IDX technology, SEO expertise, and AI integration to give agents the competitive edge they need.

Personal Mission

As a proud father to his daughter Emma, Ryan’s mission is bigger than business. He’s dedicated to building a brokerage and a platform that create opportunity and stability for families, clients, and agents alike. His approach blends entrepreneurship with empathy—ensuring that Raleigh Realty continues to grow not just in sales volume, but in reputation, trust, and impact.


👉 Whether you’re buying or selling a home, or you’re a Realtor looking for the right brokerage to grow your business, Raleigh Realty—under Ryan Fitzgerald’s leadership—offers the expertise, technology, and community-minded culture to help you succeed.

Chapters
01
Plan Everything Out
02
Prioritize Needs
03
Create a Routine
04
Declutter/Clean
05
Make Repairs
06
Add Storage
07
Start With One Room
What's your home worth?
Have a top local Realtor give you a FREE Comparative Market Analysis