I don’t know about you, but there is something magical to me about January. It is the month of hope and new beginnings. The perfect month for fresh starts, clean slates, and rebuilding routines, which makes it ideal to tackle all those things to do in January that set the tone for the year ahead.
This checklist is packed with simple and realistic ideas you can do at home to help you start the year refreshed.
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40 Things To Do In January
Home Reset & Decluttering
1. Daily Micro Decluttering Sessions
This is a great way to maintain a clutter-free environment without using too much energy. Spend 10 minutes each day and choose something to declutter, like your purse, cosmetic bag, car console, junk drawer, etc.
2. Do a digital declutter
You can also break down a complete digital declutter over a week. Delete unused apps, organize photos, clear your inbox, etc. You can see the full digital declutter checklist here.
3. Declutter and organize your car
Remove trash, wipe down surfaces, and restock essential items. Refill your car air freshener and take your car for a wash.
4. Clean Up Your Christmas Decor
It is time to take down your Christmas tree and other decorations. Sort items before packing, toss broken decor, and label bins for next year.
5. Deep Clean the House
Start the new year with fresh surroundings by focusing on high-touch areas, forgotten corners, and washing the windows. Consider a room-by-room schedule for easier cleaning.
6. Wash Curtains, Throws, Bedding, and Pillow Covers
Take some time to refresh all washable items in your house, like curtains, bedding, etc.Â
7. Refresh Your Medicine Cabinet
When was the last time you checked your meds cabinet? Use this time to check expiration dates, toss expired items, and group soon-to-expire meds together. Restock essentials and missing first aid items.
8. Do a Fridge Deep Clean
Reorganize and clean your fridge. Toss expired items and restock necessary supplies. Don’t forget to tackle your freezer, too.
9. Sort Through Your Wardrobe
Keep only what fits, feels good, and suits your lifestyle this year. Don’t hold on to clothes you haven’t worn in a while (I am guilty of this, lol).
10. Donate Unused Items
Now that your home feels fresh, donate items you no longer use, like clothes, electronics, or decor.
11. Do a New Year Home Swap
Add seasonal decor or do a full home refresh that matches your style for this year. Simple updates like changing scents, replacing dishcloths, and swapping hand soaps also work.
Personal Life & Reset
1. Have an ‘after the holidays’ recovery day
Everyone needs this! Holidays are wonderful but exhausting. Take a day at the start of January to relax and pamper yourself.
2. Create a Morning and Night Routine
Add habits to your morning routine that support your goals for the year – this sets you up for success. Develop a calming night routine to recharge you for another productive day.
3. Write a January Mission Statement
This is a new monthly habit I want to start – write one paragraph that defines the month’s theme, priorities, and intentions. This is a great envisioning exercise to keep your goals fresh in your mind.
4. Set Up a January Tracking System
Stay accountable by creating a tracking system, such as a habit tracker. Check out my habit tracker bundle here.
5. Start a Memory Jar
Save one happy moment each week to reflect on at the end of the year. It is a guaranteed dopamine boost brewing!
6. Schedule Self-Care Days
You are on the road to burnout without these. Add a weekly or bi-monthly self-care day to your calendar so they actually happen.
7. Book Your Beauty Appointments
I’m talking hair, nail, brows, facials, etc. If you do your own, pen them down in your calendar. You deserve to feel polished and refreshed all the time.
8. Revisit Your Skincare Routine
Check what’s working, swap expired products, and refine your skincare routine according to the season you are in.
Health & Wellness
1. Book Your Annual Health Check
This is one of those ‘things to do in January’ that I truly suck at (I tend to avoid all medical professions, oops). However, it is important to get your annual health check – dentist, doctor, optometrist, etc. You are never too young for these.
2. Start a Workout Routine or Join a Class
Try something new like pilates, walking groups, or strength training. Or if you are someone like me (a 29-year-old with unexplained back problems), focus on biokinetic assigned workouts.
3. Revise Your Dietary Habits
Add more whole foods, fiber, and hydration to your diet. And try to minimize comfort eating (I say to myself as I plan which bag of crisps I’ll demolish tonight, lol). However, the point is to reduce the holiday-era indulgences.
4. Cut Back on Sugar & Carbs
I am very pro-calorie counting when your goal is to lose weight, and cutting carbs and sugars is the easiest way to do so. Not to mention, it will do wonders for your skin.
5. Create a Weekly Meal Plan
Create a meal plan based on your annual health goals. It makes cooking that much easier, especially if you aren’t a natural cook (aka, me).
6. Refresh Vitamins & Supplements
Check on your supplies and restock anything low or empty. You can also ask your doctor which supplements they recommend during your annual health check.
7. Start a Hydration Challenge
It is a good idea to start a hydration challenge if one of your goals is to drink more water. Draw up a tracker or get a decent-sized water bottle to help with the challenge.
Annual Planning & Life Admin
1. Draw Up Your Annual Skeleton Calendar
Add birthdays, anniversaries, public holidays, bills, renewals, and school terms. That way, you can plan the rest of your life accordingly.
2. Plan Your January In Detail
Break your big goals into weekly action steps so the month feels more manageable. You can find my monthly and weekly planning guides here.
3. Schedule Quarterly Check-Ins
Add reminders on your phone for March, June, September, and December to do quarterly check-ins of your goals, finances, and habits.Â
4. Update Important Documents
Refresh your resume, end-of-life planner, and digital files. Also, print out important documents and file them.
5. Update & Cancel Subscriptions
Audit your entertainment subscriptions, gym memberships, and trial apps. Cancel all your unused subscriptions.
6. Book Your Annual Holiday
Planning early gives you better prices, dates, and something to look forward to.
Financial Refresh
1. Review Your Annual Financial Strategy
Look at your savings goals, debt payoff plans, investments, and income streams. Create trackers to help you stay on track and put target dates on your savings goals, etc.
2. Create Your January Budget
Align your spending with your goals rather than holiday habits. Use a budget and expenses tracker to stay on track.
3. Set Up Sinking Funds
These are funds dedicated to future major expenses, such as birthdays, car maintenance, holidays, and emergencies.
4. Do a No-Spend Week Challenge
A great way to reset spending habits and save quickly is to do a no-spend week challenge.
Lifestyle & Personal Growth
1. Start a New Hobby or Learn a New Skill
Start the year strong with a new hobby or skill, such as knitting, baking, coding, journaling, or learning a new language. You can find 40+ hobby ideas here.
2. Have Your First Solo Date of the Year
Reset by having a solo date. Go to a coffee shop, bookstore, or simply take a long scenic walk. You can check out my list of ultimate solo date ideas here.
3. Create a January Reading List
Align your January reading list to your annual reading goals and set up your monthly ‘to be read’ list.
4. Create a Mini January Vision Board
Base it on your annual vision board, but theme-focused for one month. Set it as your phone and desktop background.
Conclusion
That concludes the list of things to do in January for a fresh start. Think of it as your month to soft launch into better habits, calming routines, and goals that feel exciting instead of stressful.
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Have a great day wherever you are in the world!
Love, Steph ♥
