6 Organizing Principles From Martha for the New Year

Every January, I find myself taking stock, resetting routines, and reimagining what my days can look like moving forward. Some years, this may mean spending far too many hours deciding on the perfect planner; while others have seen new alarm clocks, storage systems, and decluttering binges. But as I was paging through one of Martha’s many (101 to be exact!) books this season, decorvow’s Organizing, her always-apt advice seemed ideal for shaping my New Year reset.

Below, I’m sharing the six lessons from Organizing that I’m folding into my daily life in the new year. Martha Girl 2026, here I come.

01 of 06

Do a Little Everyday

clean sweaters after washing,stacks of clean knitted clothes at home on bed Concept of cozy home and house work. Cope space — Getty Images

Before anything else, I’m embracing Martha’s most forgiving, most sustainable rule: "Do a little every day."

“In addition to devoting entire weekends to deeper organizational dives," she says, "make an effort to take quick and easy steps throughout the week. This will keep matters from getting too out of hand.” Short-order tasks, like unloading my dishwasher while my French press steeps and folding laundry as soon as it’s dry, are actions that ripple outward.

This is key to a home that stays functional even during the busiest seasons (and the antidote to feeling overwhelmed by constant clutter). “Don't leave organizing to chance,” Martha adds. “Block off time in your planner for daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal, and annual to-dos. Set reminders to stave off procrastination.”

02 of 06

Cut Down on Synthetic Household Chemicals

This year, I’m paring down the clutter—not just visually or physically, but ingredient-wise, too. "I never use pre-scented laundry supplies," Martha says. "Instead, I add a few drops of organic essential oils—lavender, lemongrass, or eucalyptus—to unscented laundry detergent and dryer sheets."

It’s a good reminder to cut down on the extra (and potentially harmful) additives in our cleaning routines—homemade alternatives often feel more luxurious anyway.

03 of 06

Make Sleep Sacred

A modern bedroom with a bed featuring a colorful quilted wall hanging as a headboard backdrop and a nightstand with decor — Lennart Weibull

I used to treat sleep as flexible. This year, it’s a non-negotiable. As Martha says, “Make sleep a priority. Seven to eight hours is enough for most adults.” And the stakes are higher than we admit: “Too little and you hazard more than just crankiness. Insufficient sleep is also associated with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, depression, and cognitive decline.”

New year, new bedtime routine—and one that's sans screen time, too. "Give yourself a daily limit—and then stick to it," Martha suggests. "Avoid technology for the first half hour you are awake and last hour before bed."

Review Financial Plans

Financial organization is part of home organization—and our founder knows it. "Review your financial plan for the year. Prioritize this now, before other distractions set in," says Martha.

Come January, Martha suggests scheduling annual reviews with your financial planner (if you have one), setting some short- and long-term savings goals for the year, and reviewing credit reports, retirement plans, and your 401(k).

Block out a Saturday afternoon and tackle it all, step by step.

05 of 06

Keep Counters Clear—for Real This Time

A stylish kitchen with blue cabinets a central island and modern appliances featuring a double sink and open shelving — Sara Tramp

Waking up to clear counters every morning is just plain calming and should always be prioritized. "Keep counters clear," Martha encourages. "Resist the urge to let stuff pile up on every surface."

Turn this task into a ritual by adding it to your morning or nighttime routine. "Spend a few minutes at the beginning or end of each day clearing away what doesn't belong from coffee and end tables," says Martha. "Give everything a home. Stowing objects in attractive vessels, hanging items on hooks or peg rails, and even having handy catchall baskets and bins will make for a pulled-together dwelling."

06 of 06

Practice Acceptance (Instead of Self-Critique)

With resolutions looming, January can feel like a month-long performance review. Martha suggests a kinder, realistic path: "Instead of aiming to put your entire home in order in just two months, spread out the tasks over the year," she says. "Similarly, don't expect sudden shifts in your everyday routine; recognize that any long-lasting change will take persistence."

This year, I’m choosing gentler metrics. "Self-criticism drains energy," says Martha. "Focus on your successes—even small ones." That freshly organized junk drawer definitely calls for a treat.