Smiling woman holds a moving box in a bright room. Text reads "New year, New Space. Start With One Small Win!"

January feels like a fresh page.

The holiday décor is packed away, routines start to return, and many people feel an itch for change. Not a full overhaul. Just a sense that something could feel lighter or easier at home.

If you are feeling that pull but also feeling overwhelmed, I want to offer a simple starting point. You do not need to tackle everything. You do not need a whole weekend. You just need one small win. Go for it!

A graphic titled 'January Declutter Challenge' featuring tidy images of an entryway, bathroom, pantry, and playroom, encouraging organization.

Start With One Drawer or One Shelf

When people think about decluttering, they often picture entire rooms or big projects. That can be enough to stop you before you even begin. Instead, choose one very small space.

It could be a single kitchen drawer, one bathroom cabinet, a shelf in your closet, or the spot where mail piles up. Empty it. Wipe it down. Decide what actually belongs there. Put back only what you use and need. If you want to clear the counter permanently, look for unused storage or things you can get rid of in nearby cupboards or shelves. Then transfer your every day items there.

That is it.

This kind of small reset creates momentum. It shows your brain that change is possible and manageable. One drawer can lead to one shelf. One shelf can lead to a corner. Progress builds naturally when it feels safe and doable.

Why This Works

Clutter is not just about stuff. It is about mental space. Visual noise can quietly add stress to our days, especially in winter when we spend more time indoors.

When you reduce visual clutter, even in one small area, your nervous system notices. A clear space sends a signal of calm and control. That feeling often matters more than how the space looks.

As someone with a background in social work, I see this all the time. When people feel supported and not rushed, they make better decisions and feel more confident moving forward.

A person standing putting a sweater and jeans into a box with the words "one small win at a time"

Try a 15 Minute Reset

If a drawer still feels like too much, try setting a timer for 5, 10 or 15 minutes. Choose one area and work until the timer goes off. When time is up, you stop. Even if you are not finished.

This is not about completing a project. It is about building a habit and reducing overwhelm. Many people are surprised by how much can be done in a short, focused window.

You can use this reset daily or a few times a week. Over time, those small efforts add up to meaningful change.

Join the January Declutter Challenge

This month, we are focusing on one space at a time in our Declutter Challenge. The goal is not perfection. The goal is progress.

We started with the entryway, the first space you see when you come home and the first impression of your home. From there, we moved into the bathroom, then the pantry, and we will continue moving through the home with small, realistic steps.

Each space is chosen because it impacts daily life. Clearing these areas helps routines feel smoother and homes feel more supportive.

You can follow along at your own pace. Missed a week? No problem. This challenge is meant to meet you where you are. Check out the challenge on our socials, @declutterwithdevon.