January Refresh: 7 Day Challenge
January is the perfect time for a fresh start. After the whirlwind of the holiday season, taking time to refresh your home can help you feel more organised, calm, and ready to take on the new year. That’s why I created the 7-Day January Refresh Challenge: a manageable, step-by-step approach to tackling those areas of your home that often get overlooked but make a big difference when sorted.
If you’re ready to create a calmer, more functional space, join me as I guide you through the challenge. Each day, we’ll tackle a specific area of your home, keeping it simple and achievable.
Day 1: Car
Let’s kick off the challenge by clearing out and refreshing your car. With winter weather making school runs and commutes more hectic, a tidy, prepared car can make all the difference.
Here’s how to do it:
Clear It Out: Remove any rubbish, receipts, or forgotten items from the car. Don’t forget to check under seats and in the boot.
Clean It Up: Give the dashboard and surfaces a quick wipe-down to freshen things up.
Winter Prep: Assemble a small emergency kit for the boot with essentials like a blanket, torch, water, and de-icer. You’ll thank yourself during bad weather!
In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a car that feels clean, functional, and ready for anything.
Day 2: Junk Drawer
Ah, the junk drawer—every home has one. It’s where random bits and bobs go to hide, often turning into a chaotic mess. Today, we’re bringing order to that drawer.
Here’s what to do:
Empty It Out: Lay everything out on a table or counter so you can see what’s inside.
Sort and Simplify: Group similar items together (batteries, rubber bands, spare keys) and get rid of anything broken or no longer useful.
Contain the Chaos: Use small containers, jars, or dividers to keep everything organised and easy to find.
Transforming your junk drawer into a useful space feels so satisfying and takes less time than you’d think.
Day 3: Handbag
Whether you use one bag for everything or switch between a collection, handbags can quickly become a catch-all for receipts, snacks, and other random items. Let’s declutter yours today.
Steps to refresh your bag:
Empty It Out: Tip everything out so you can see what’s been lurking at the bottom.
Sort Essentials: Keep only what you need daily (keys, wallet, phone) and ditch the rest.
Go Digital: Scan loyalty cards into a phone wallet app and recycle old receipts.
A tidy handbag feels lighter, more organised, and makes every outing a little less stressful.
Day 4: Kids’ Toys
Toys seem to have a magical ability to multiply, often leaving play areas cluttered and overwhelming. Today, we’ll streamline the toy collection and create a space that’s easy to manage.
Here’s how:
Gather Everything: Bring all the toys into one area so you can see what you’re working with.
Sort Together: Involve your kids if they’re old enough. Decide what to keep, donate, or pass on to friends.
Organise by Category: Use bins or boxes to group similar toys together, and label them for easy tidying.
By the end of the day, you’ll have a more manageable collection and a playroom that’s ready for action.
Day 5: Kids’ Memory Boxes
Memory boxes are a wonderful way to preserve special moments, but they can also fill up fast. Today, let’s revisit those keepsakes and ensure they reflect the memories that matter most.
Steps for refreshing memory boxes:
Take a Trip Down Memory Lane: Go through the box piece by piece. Relive the memories and decide what truly deserves a spot. Involving your kids can make this a fun and meaningful activity.
Set Limits: If the box is overflowing, let go of duplicates or items without a strong emotional connection.
Protect and Label: Store fragile items in envelopes or zip-top bags, and label artwork or certificates for future reference.
Curating these treasures together creates a memory box that’s both meaningful and manageable.
Day 6: Clothes
Wardrobes are notorious for holding onto clothes we no longer wear or love. Today, we’ll tackle yours and make space for the items that truly work for you.
Steps to declutter your wardrobe:
Work in Sections: Start small—with tops, trousers, or accessories—to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Ask Yourself: Does it fit? Do I wear it? Does it make me feel good? If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go.
Sort Responsibly: Donate or recycle items in good condition and discard anything beyond repair.
A streamlined wardrobe not only saves you time but also brings a sense of calm to your mornings.
Day 7: Entrance Way
Your entrance way sets the tone for your home, so let’s make it a clutter-free, welcoming space to wrap up the challenge.
Here’s what to do:
Clear It Out: Remove shoes, coats, bags, and anything else that doesn’t belong.
Edit and Organise: Keep only essentials here—like a coat, shoes, and a basket for keys or post. Store seasonal items elsewhere.
Add a Touch of Style: A small rug, mirror, or basket can add both function and flair.
A tidy entrance way makes every return home feel a little calmer.
Congratulations!
Well done for completing the 7-Day January Refresh Challenge! By tackling these key areas, you’ve taken meaningful steps towards creating a calmer, more organised home. Remember, it’s not about achieving perfection—it’s about making progress and creating a space that works for you.
Which day was your favourite? I’d love to hear how the challenge went for you and see your progress. Let me know in the comments or share your journey on social media—tag me so I can celebrate with you! Here’s to a refreshed and intentional start to 2025!