In previous years, I’ve spent more time creating organization solutions but this year, I’ve been working more on fine-tuning what I already have in place. When you find a system that works for your home and family, it becomes a lot easier to maintain on an ongoing basis. If you realize you’re constantly having to reorganize the same space, it may be time to take a look at switching things up to work a little more efficiently and in your favor. But, as much as we all crave clear new minds, tidy homes, and a fast-track in becoming our best selves come January 1, it’s imperative to start off on the right foot. I have to set myself up correctly before jumping into anything — that means 1. trashing easily identifiable clutter, and 2. bringing in a few things to help empower me to start the new year off in the best way. Basically, I like to start with zero reasons/excuses for not holding myself accountable. Even if you aren’t a “resolutions person”, it’s hard to to not acknowledge the feeling of wanting to make the most of the new life chapter you’ve been given. I’ve tried to steer away from resolutions and more toward objectives and positive habits and today, I’m sharing five things to purge and ten things to purchase to start the new year off right.
*While this post is published in partnership with The Home Depot, as always, all opinions, concept, and content are my own. Affiliate links may be used in this post. Click HERE for full disclosure.*
WHAT TO PURCHASE
If something has been bothering me, I don’t want it cluttering my mind once the new year hits. Even if I got through Christmas “making do”… even if I hobbled through the bulk of the previous year “making the most of it”, on January 1, I want everything to be restocked and replaced. It’s almost a pre-to-do-list of the to-do-list. It’s a chance to start with a full cup. Here are 10 easy items that make a big difference in starting the new year refreshed and ready.
1. FRESH BED PILLOWS
I don’t know how long we’ve had our down bed pillows but they’ve been past their prime for quite some time. As soon as they fell flat, I started adding in cheaper pillows to layer, hug, etc. Not only have they “grown lumps”, but they aren’t exactly the freshest things anymore, either ;). How much sub-par/worn bedding have you accumulated that you have yet to part with? I finally took the plunge and decided that 1. I would love to be able to toss the old, smelly pillows and 2. I’ve always preached that your bed is worth investing in — from your mattress to your sheets — and it was long overdue to find a new down pillow I loved just as much. The Home Depot carries bedding from The Company Store along with their “best down pillow” line (HERE). If you aren’t familiar, they have different levels of firmness, depending on your sleep position — soft for stomach sleepers, medium for back sleepers, firm and extra-firm for side sleepers, in standard, queen, and king sizes. A pillow is incredibly personal and important but because they were free shipping (all orders from The Home Depot are free at $45+) and they have stores scattered everywhere for easy returns, I didn’t think the risk was super high. I’ve been using a king firm pillow for a couple weeks now and it’s been wonderful – I’ve optimistically set my other old polyfill and down pillows to the side since the new one has eliminated the need for them. I may try an extra firm to measure the difference but the firm has still provided great, soft support. Check them out HERE if it’s on your list this year to make sleep a priority.
2. MATCHING FOOD STORAGE
I can’t stand food storage that turns into a jumbled mess in your cabinet, making it impossible to locate the sizes you need and appropriate lids. The best way to battle this is to toss/donate the old and start with a fresh, uniform set. I love THIS set because they stack nicely, the lids interlock, and you get a 34 piece set for under $20. If something happens to a piece, it isn’t a big deal. If you have a goal of cooking more in 2019, make sure you have the arsenal you need to hold those leftovers so you aren’t wasting.
When I finally made the decision to part with my old, mis-matched food storage and went with a uniform set, it freed up an entire second cabinet in the kitchen. It’s also largely responsible for Dave now taking lunches to work.
3. PLUG-IN SCENTS/CANDLES/DIFFUSER
It isn’t enough for everything to look clean, it needs to smell clean, too. Buying a new fragrance for the new year feels like a little reward to go along with all those goals you’re smashing and all those spaces you’ve been cleaning 😉
4. ORGANIZING ESSENTIALS
I truly believe organizing your spaces exactly how you want them takes years. Once you implement a system, it takes time to determine if it actually works for you and your family (see my post on my favorite organization solutions, along with some that failed HERE). Identify a starting point — a pantry, shelf, single cabinet, or even a set of drawers — and equip yourself with the tools you need to do it correctly. My favorite new organizing essential this year has been these expandable drawer dividers.
They allow you to work with the space you already have, and expand/lock in place securely in a second. Seriously, you put it inside a drawer, pull it out to meet the opposite side and lock it. That’s it. I’ve been using them in our bedroom drawers but once those are fully outfitted, will move back into the kitchen 😉
The dividers have made the biggest improvement in drawers like this where your intentions of combining similar items starts out well, but ultimately results in one big jumbled mess. Compartments are key.
Using POP canisters is an investment but in our home, so worth it. It’s helped in terms of storage and efficiency, as well as cut down on waste. I have zero interest in containers with snaps, screw tops, and difficult lids — it has to be easy. It’s what makes this system work in our pantry. If you don’t know which sizes you need, I recommend going with a variety pack (HERE) to get you started. You’ll see which sizes are best suited for what you use and can then order additional canisters separately.
This basket has become the go-to for those flimsy bags and as a matter of fact, I don’t think there is such a thing as having too many in our house 😉 (You can see eleven uses for baskets around the house HERE.)
5. A PLANNER/CALENDAR
Don’t get to February and realize you haven’t replaced your 2018 agenda. I still go back to a paper planner every single time and find writing things down is critical to keeping organized and holding myself accountable. If you prefer electronic, that’s great but make sure you’re actually logging it all – from due dates and appointments to blocked off time for yourself.
6. BATH LUXURIES/PERSONAL TREAT
Occasional baths were something I started enjoying more in the past two years but halfway through 2018, found myself out of bath bombs/bubbles which resulted in the baths stopping altogether. If there’s something you look forward to, from bath treats to your favorite coffee, go ahead and give yourself a little supply 😉 As you work toward that fresh new mindset, indulging in a few of your reasonable favorite things will help you feel renewed.
PS: I have a few of THESE 2 gallon jars throughout the house; it’s especially convenient and effective for stashing toiletries in guest bathrooms. I literally don’t even have to think about that part of guest prep because whenever I come home from a trip, the hotel goodies go straight to the jars. They stay stocked.
7. A FULL STOCK OF CLEANING SUPPLIES
If you’re planning the big purge and clean-out, take inventory of what you have and need to get it all tackled. Nothing will get you out of the mood faster than realizing you’re ready to get started but are stuck with empty bottles/nozzles that don’t work. Now is the time to restock everything for the year.
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8. A FULL SET OF DRINKING GLASSES
Did you have enough matching glasses to set a full table the last time you had company? If accidents over the holidays and summer barbecues have left you a little short handed and resorting to plastic cups from the ballpark, go ahead and invest in a matching set and toss the others. THESE etched tumblers come in a few colors but I love the amber hued glasses.
9. A WHITE HAND TOWEL(S)
Like the bedding, The Home Depot also carries bath linens from The Company Store. While I can maintain the whiteness in our main towels all day long, hand towels are a totally different story. Our powder room bath was especially in dire need of something a little nicer and less embarrassing than the grimy looking towels it’s collected. The new towels I picked up are more of an investment but the quality will save me from constantly replacing. And, they are seriously the most substantial, plushest things I’ve ever put my hands on. The entire line is available HERE and you can find the hand towels HERE (currently 20% off!).
10. SOME LIFE FOR YOUR HOME
After all the Christmas decor has been put away and it’s basically brown outside, I crave a little more vibrance and life inside. If you are shy about keeping houseplants alive, I have sung the praises of the snake plant (you can have it delivered HERE!) and I also have two of these rubber plants that are super easy to care for. If you’re a little more adventurous, you can now also get live fiddle leaf figs delivered from the Home Depot HERE for under $24.
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*BONUS* SOMETHING TO HELP YOU REACH YOUR GOALS
You wouldn’t set out to run a half marathon without first investing in the proper tools — from running shoes to getting prepped with good tunes — and setting goals for the new year should be no different. Make sure you have what you need to empower yourself to follow through and be successful. Now, that doesn’t mean you have to go purchase and gym membership and all the exercise equipment, but I do think we all probably have a little room to justify investing in ourselves a little more. If you think new pillows will help you sleep better but feel guilty investing in yourself? Buy the pillows! If a new water bottle will help you drink more water, buy the bottle.
WHAT TO PURGE
When you’re on your quest to find order within your own home, it may take a while. Actually, it may be one, long, ongoing project. We had a dumpster delivered and a donation truck scheduled within the first week of January haha. That’s not what this is. This is a simple, quick-start list to get you going. Things that are easy to identify and will give you the motivation to keep going without getting too deep. While the results will make in impact in your day-to-day, these tasks could be accomplished likely in an afternoon.
1. UNUSED/OLD MAKEUP
Have eyeshadow from the 10th grade (and you’re now 30)? Toss it. Blue eyeliner you thought you could pull of but tried it once? Consider it gone. Pull out ALL of your makeup and get rid of things that aren’t being used or are dated; your morning routine will instantly improve!
2. PANTRY/FRIDGE ITEMS
It’s hard to start eating well when you have visual food clutter. Get rid of those expired goods so you can start fresh with your meal planning.
3. BROKEN TOYS/DOG TOY SCRAPS
For you, it may be broken toys, for us, it’s dog toy scraps 😉 Admittedly, my pups do better with the scraps than the filled toys they destroy but once scraps become 10 pieces of scraps, it’s time to go.
4. “INBOX” MAIL PILE/EXPIRED COUPONS
If you have a pile of papers that has grown so much, it’s hard to even get started, don’t worry — you don’t have to file just yet if you don’t want to. This is a quick purge ;). I bet you’ll cut your stack down by a fraction just by quickly going through and tossing expired coupons and things you wanted to hold on to *just in case* that have already passed. Even if you don’t file everything away, put your “keepers” in a separate stack to be filed/scanned/saved so your new additions don’t get thrown into the mix.
5. WORN SOCKS/UNDERGARMENTS
If you’ve already purged and donated your closet and dresser, you’re so ahead of the game! If not, quickly going through your sock/underwear drawers is a good place to start and requires little thought. Commit to sticking to throwing away anything with holes, too, even if they’re your favorite 😉
Have you been conquering your home/life already this year? Or finding it hard to start? Once you make a few minor adjustments and take a few small steps, I bet you’ll be motivated to set your plan into motion and keep going 😉 For upcoming organization projects (and more!) subscribe to my emails at the bottom of this post.
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Love all this advice! Perfect! ?
Mandy, thank you for taking the time to visit! xoxo
Hi Kelly Nan,
Love the interiors of your home,also I have taken note of all the good ideas you have shown for storing things,so I will be putting them into practice.
Warmest Regards,
Evelyn.
I think you must have been peaking into my home…because you hit on all the things we need to do. I love the drawer dividers…and the new drinking glasses….and yes… we need new white hand towels…( how do they get so yucky?) Thanks for such an informative post. Now..off to shop online.
Mary, it’s those random little things that are so easy to replace but clutter my mind until I actually take action! Here’s to taking small steps to set us up with clear minds for the next few months!
Love all your wonderful tips.
Thank you! ?
Tracey, thank you and thank you for taking the time to drop a note! xo
I need those drawer dividers in my liiife ! I tried making some with cardboard once but it was a ghetto mess. ?♀️Definitely going to have to revisit this!
Emily, I don’t know WHY I’ve never tried them. But, I am totally addicted now. Especially for the dresser drawers!
Thank you Kelley,
This has brought inspiration!!
Happy New Year!!?
Dawn, I am so glad! Happy New Year to you!
I’d love to know how you find all these items on the Home Depot site. Home Depot site search hints would be a great post. When I go to homedepot.com and search hand towels, I don’t see what you posted.
Hi, Beth! I have the most success navigating their menu and browsing but I found the hand towels a couple different ways. I searched specifically for “turkish towels” and also, under the Home Decor tab, they have “Featured Brands” and I love The Company Store. I so appreciate your feedback!
Can you share where you purchased the gray knit blanket in the first photo? It’s exactly what I’ve been searching for. Thanks!
Hi Kristy, Thank you so much for stopping by! It came from Pottery Barn. Hope that helps!
These are all perfect tips! I love all of your great finds from Home Depot. Now if I can just get the courage to purge!
I’ll help!! 😉 xo
Home Depot home decor items ridiculously overpriced! You’ve always been my go-to for decor and home organization at an affordable price- but not feeling these! I will still follow you- and will use HD for outdoor purchases but not decor! Live your purge tips!
Hi, KK! Your input is valuable to me and I appreciate you taking the time to leave feedback. I was a little confused so I went and checked links to try to understand what you may be referring to (most items are priced the same, if not lower than they are listed on other sites). After investigating, I’m guessing you may be referring to the glasses- I actually ordered them at a fraction of the price they are now listed but after looking into it, see that they are priced the same as all other sites in which they are available. So, it looks like it may be a manufacturer mark-up, not a HD mark-up. Please know that while I try to share items for all budgets, I do try to keep my readers interests as my primary priority. Again, I so appreciate you taking the time to reach out and thank you for being a regular visitor! xoxo
Might I suggest donating old mascara wands. Wildlife Wands & Appalachian Wildlife Refuge can definitely put these to good use. The wands help with the medical care & cleaning of wildlife animals. I love a great recycle program. Learn more at their website: http://www.appalachianwild.org/wands-for-wildlife
The addresses to mail old wands are:
Appalachian Wild
P.O. Box 1211
Skyland NC 28776
Wildlife Wands
P.O. Box 1586
Southwick, MA 01077.
Monica, I love that! Thank you so much for sharing with us!
Did I detect lemon heads that have a special container for themselves in your pantry? lol – my hubs would love this post for that alone.
Also – in case you don’t know this Bed Bath and Beyond accepts expired coupons…..even faded, grimy really REALLY old ones from a zillion years ago. So don’t toss those! : – )
I need to purge and do everything you post says. Thanks for the inspiration!
Michele, omg YES! And, it is Dave’s haha!!! Sounds like they’re two peas in a pod 😉 And YES to the BBB tip! I haven’t gotten any in a while but the ones I have from 8 years ago are still serving me right haha
Love the drawer dividers and the other drawer organizers Home Depot has! I just finished cleaning my attic and organizing my Christmas stuff and feel so good now! Organizing and cleaning is such a rewarding task (it feels like getting a new pocketbook!) I am moving from room to room purging and organizing so these tips will be most useful. I want to mention that our Dog Rescue group appreciates old towels to use, in case anyone is interested in taking them somewhere besides Goodwill. I’m waiting to hear more news about the adoption and praying for you and Dave to become parents very soon!
Cecilia, THANK YOU! And I know the feeling- so so good!!! I am so glad you shared that here and you are exactly right! So many animal rescue groups can benefit from linens- what an awesome reminder. I think maybe next year, we need to collect ideas for the start of the year of types of organizations to consider as you look to donate. We so appreciate your prayers- truly. xoxo
Awesome tips! Love your posts. ❤️
Melissa, thank you and thank you for taking the time to visit! xo
Hi Kelley! I love your blog. Your bedroom? Swoon…:)
-Dina
Kelley,
I didn’t realize, until a few days ago that Home Depot bought Home Decorators!! I guess I’ve been living under a rock! Thanks for the tips and I will be purging!
Hi Kelly, I’ve trying to find a white that I like. Most I’ve seen are either too yellow or grey. Do you mind sharing what white was used in photo 1, and also the light blue in photo 13 (Just below your product list). Rooms looks fantastic btw.
Thanks,
Tod
Tod, thank you! The first white (in the bedroom) is Simply White by Benjamin Moore. The blue is Lauren’s Surprise by Sherwin Williams but it’s a bit too vibrant for me, honestly. When it isn’t sunny out, it has a tendency to be a bit more saturated, too.
I love your bed! Can I ask where you found it?
Hi Stacy, Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. Here’s a link for the bed and I hope this helps!
https://rstyle.me/+Gn6aVI97gNuChWpGDLlIYQ