Find Your Organising Style

And use it to see in the new year.

December is that lovely mix of chaos and reflection — juggling festive plans while quietly dreaming of a fresh start come January. It’s also the perfect time to pause and think about how you like to organise your life.

Because here’s the secret: there isn’t one “right” way to be organised. What works beautifully for your friend or your favourite influencer might leave you feeling more frazzled than focused. The key is understanding your own organising style, and then using it to set yourself up for success in the new year.

Step 1: Identify Your Organising Style

We all fall somewhere along the organising spectrum, but most people lean towards one (or a mix) of these four styles.

1. The Visual Organiser

You need to see things to remember them. You love open shelving, clear containers, and colour-coded planners. If something’s hidden away, it might as well not exist.

Tip: Use labels, transparent boxes, or wall calendars to keep your systems visible but tidy.

2. The Minimalist Organiser

Less is more. You feel calm when surfaces are clear, storage is closed, and only the essentials remain.

Tip: Make a habit of regular declutters — a 10-minute reset at the end of the day can keep chaos at bay.

3. The Sentimental Organiser

You attach meaning to your belongings — keepsakes, cards, your child’s artwork — and find it hard to part with things that tell a story.

Tip: Create “memory boxes” or digital photo albums to keep your treasures contained but accessible.

4. The Functional Organiser

Practicality first. You’re less concerned with how it looks and more with whether it works.

Tip: Prioritise convenience — hooks by the door, baskets for quick drop zones, and straightforward routines that anyone in the house can follow.

You might recognise yourself in more than one category — that’s completely normal. The point isn’t to box yourself in, but to understand what helps you feel in control versus what adds stress.

Step 2: Audit What’s Working (and What’s Not)

Once you’ve identified your style, take a gentle look around your home. Which areas flow well? Which always seem to unravel?

Ask yourself:

• Do my current systems suit my natural habits?

• Am I keeping things “just because,” or do they genuinely serve me?

• What small change would make this space easier to maintain?

For example, if you’re a visual organiser but everything’s tucked in opaque boxes, you might constantly lose track of things. Or if you’re a minimalist but your kitchen counters are full of gadgets, it’s time for a clear-out before the new year.

Step 3: Reset Before January

December is a great time to do small, focused resets — nothing too demanding, just gentle preparation so you can start the year feeling grounded rather than overwhelmed.

Try:

• One cupboard or drawer per day — short bursts keep momentum without burnout.

• Clearing your digital clutter — unsubscribe, delete, and tidy your phone or inbox.

• Refreshing your planner or calendar — get dates for birthdays, bills, and events ready for 2026 (yes, already!).

• Scheduling a “home reset weekend” between Christmas and New Year — focus on the areas that need attention most, and end the year with breathing space.

Remember: getting organised for the new year doesn’t have to mean a total overhaul. It’s about making space — mentally and physically — for what you truly want to invite in.

Step 4: Work With Your Style, Not Against It

Once you know your style, lean into it.

• If you love visuals, make your systems beautiful and inspiring — think colour, clear containers, and pretty planners.

• If you crave simplicity, focus on fewer, smarter systems.

• If you’re sentimental, allow space for memories — just in an intentional way.

• And if you’re functional, don’t waste time on perfection — keep it practical and consistent.

Your organising style isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about making life easier for yourself.

Step 5: Give Yourself Grace

Organisation is a journey, not a destination. Life shifts; homes change, routines evolve, families grow. What works this year might not work next year, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress.

So, as you close out the year, take a moment to celebrate how far you’ve come. Then, with a cup of tea in hand, set your sights on a calmer, more organised 2026.

Happy New Year!