As we turn the page on the calendar, many of us feel the pull toward a fresh start. The beginning of a new year often brings that spark of motivation to make positive changes in our lives and our homes. But as a professional organizer, I know it takes more than just resolutions to create meaningful, lasting improvements. This is where the power of setting intentions comes in—a subtle but impactful approach to starting the year with purpose and clarity.
Why Setting Intentions Matters
Setting intentions is about more than ticking off boxes on a checklist; it’s about defining how you want to feel and live in your space. Intentions ground you in purpose and direction, helping you make decisions that align with your vision for the year.
Here’s why intentions are so impactful:
Intentions Foster Mindful Change
Unlike resolutions, which can be rigid and outcome-focused, intentions are flexible and growth-oriented. They allow you to embrace the process of change rather than feeling pressured to achieve perfection.
They Help You Visualize Your Goals
When you set intentions, you clarify what you truly want from your environment. This visualization becomes your compass throughout the year.
Intentions Connect You to Purpose
Intentions remind you why you’re making changes, which provides motivation and resilience. When you hit a bump in the road (and let’s face it, life happens!), you’ll be able to reconnect with the deeper purpose behind your choices.
Ready to give it a try? Here’s how to set intentions that will guide you to a more organized and meaningful space in the year ahead.
5 Tips for Setting Intentions to Organize Your Space
1. Reflect on What You Want to Feel
Start by asking yourself what you want to feel in your home. Do you crave calm, creativity, energy, or comfort? Write these feelings down. They’ll serve as the foundation for your intentions and will help guide your organizing decisions.
2. Set Specific, Actionable Intentions
Once you know how you want to feel, think about what areas of your home might need some attention to support that feeling. Instead of “I want a cleaner home,” try “I intend to create a calming environment by simplifying the living room space.” This makes it clear where to focus and why it matters to you.
3. Keep It Manageable
You don’t have to tackle your entire home in January. Setting too many intentions can feel overwhelming, so choose one or two areas to focus on.Taking it one step at a time makes the process more enjoyable and sustainable.
4. Create a Routine to Support Your Intentions
Intentions are powerful when they’re part of your routine. If your intention is to maintain a clutter-free entryway, add a habit like taking 5 minutes each day to clear any items that don’t belong there. Small actions build up over time and support your intentions.
5. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Intentions are about the journey. Every small step you take to align your space with your vision is a success! Celebrate each step—no matter how small—because each one brings you closer to the calm, joy-filled home you deserve.
Start Your Year with Purpose
Setting intentions for your space helps you create a home that truly supports your well-being and goals. As you go through the organizing process, keep those intentions close. Whether you’re organizing a single closet or transforming an entire room, let each step bring you closer to the feelings and experiences you want to cultivate.
Here are some areas to consider when setting intentions for a fresh, organized start:
- Bedroom – Create a Restful Retreat
If your intention is to feel rested and rejuvenated in the new year, start by creating a bedroom space that supports relaxation. This might mean clearing out clutter from your bedside tables, limiting electronics, or organizing your closet to make mornings smoother. An intention like, “I want my bedroom to feel like a sanctuary for rest and self-care,” will guide you to make decisions that foster calm and relaxation.
- Home Office – Promote Focus and Productivity
Many of us are working from home, so setting an intention for your workspace can be incredibly beneficial. For example, if your intention is “I want my workspace to inspire focus and productivity,” you might decide to declutter your desk, organize your paperwork, or set up storage solutions to keep supplies at hand but out of sight. This helps you create a space where you can work efficiently and feel motivated every day.
- Bathroom – Encourage Self-Care and Simplicity
If one of your intentions for the year is to prioritize self-care, organizing the bathroom can be a great place to start. An intention like “I want my bathroom to feel clean, serene, and refreshing,” might lead you to declutter your bathroom cabinets, streamline your skincare routine, and only keep essentials on the counter. This way, your bathroom becomes a simple, calming place where you can easily access what you need.
- Living Room – Foster Connection and Comfort
Living rooms serve as gathering spaces, so if you want to create a welcoming atmosphere for family and friends, set an intention like, “I want my living room to feel inviting, comfortable, and clutter-free.” This could mean finding storage for items like games or blankets, creating designated spaces for remotes or electronics, or clearing surfaces so there’s room to relax and connect with loved ones.
- Garage or Storage Spaces – Embrace Efficiency and Accessibility
For many, garage or basement storage can quickly become cluttered with items that don’t have a clear home. If you’d like to create more order in these areas, try an intention like, “I want my storage spaces to be organized and easy to navigate.” This can guide you to sort through items, donate or discard things you no longer need, and set up labeled storage systems so you can easily access what you’re keeping.
- Closets – Simplify and Organize for Ease
Closets—whether bedroom, hallway, or linen closets—are often hotspots for clutter. An intention such as “I want my closet to be organized, accessible, and filled only with items I truly use or love,” can guide you to declutter clothing, shoes, and accessories. This might mean keeping only the items that align with your current style or lifestyle and organizing by category or season.
- Kids’ Rooms and Play Areas – Promote Creativity and Order
If you have kids, setting an intention for their spaces can encourage both fun and responsibility. An intention like “I want my kids’ play area to inspire creativity while staying organized” can help you find solutions for toy storage, like labeled bins or open shelving, and create dedicated spaces for different activities. In their rooms, you might focus on systems that allow them to clean up easily and take pride in their space.
Each area of your home holds potential for a fresh start. By setting specific intentions, you’re not just organizing your home—you’re creating an environment that supports and enhances your everyday life. Barnhart Home is here to support your journey to a more organized, intentional home. Here’s to new beginnings and creating a space that reflects the life you want to live this year. Happy New Year, and happy organizing!