January Reset: Five ADHD-Friendly Family Organisation Tips

January carries a unique energy — a blend of fresh-start optimism, back‑to‑school preparation, and a natural desire to simplify after the fullness of the festive season. Instead of diving into big resolutions or overwhelming decluttering projects, this is the perfect moment for small, thoughtful actions that set the tone for a calm and joyful year ahead.

In this month's Blog, I provide you with five practical tips to help you reset your home, your routines, and your mindset.

1. A 10‑Day Kickstart for a Calmer Home

Instead of tackling the whole house, choose small, high‑impact areas. These quick wins build momentum and reduce mental load.

Try these impactful tasks:

• Clear the kitchen bench

• Declutter the bathroom vanity

• Refresh the entryway

• Sort one drawer

• Recycle/shred old paperwork

• Clean out the car

• Tidy the bedside table

• Donate 10 items

• Review your calendar and commitments (its ok to say no)

• Put away 1 load of washing

  
  

These mini‑resets are especially helpful for ADHD brains — they’re achievable, satisfying, and build confidence.

2. Get the Kids Ready for the School Year (Without the Chaos)

Preparing for the school year doesn’t need to feel frantic. A few simple systems can transform your mornings and help your kids feel more confident and independent.

Practical ideas that work:

• Create a school organisation station: A dedicated spot for bags, hats, shoes, and lunchboxes. This can be as simple as a series of hooks on the wall or a complete command centre. Read this Blog for tips and ideas.

School organisation station blog

• Refresh uniforms: Check sizes, repair what you can, donate what no longer fits.

• Use visual systems: 

  • Weekly timetables

  • Morning/evening checklists

• Involve the kids: Even small choices help build ownership and reduce resistance.

For neurodivergent kids (and adults), visual cues and predictable routines make a world of difference.

3. Reflect on What You Want This Year to Feel Like

January is a beautiful time to pause and gently check in with yourself. Instead of focusing on what you “should” do, reflect on what genuinely supports your wellbeing and your family’s rhythm.

Reflection prompts to guide you:

• What felt heavy last year?

• What felt light?

• Where did your home support you?

• Where did it create friction?

• What routines helped your family thrive?

• What would make daily life easier?

And from the festive season:

• What truly sparked joy for you?

• What drained your energy?

• Which traditions felt meaningful?

• What would you like to simplify or change next year?

These insights become your compass — helping you design a year that aligns with your values, energy, and capacity.

4. Set Up Simple Maintenance Habits

Once school prep is underway and the festive season is behind you, a few small habits will keep your home feeling calm.

Try these low‑effort systems:

• The 10‑minute tidy: Everyone comes together and tidies for 10 minutes. Remember to set a timer.

• The Sunday Sweep: Choose an area that matters most and do a quick declutter or reset.

• One‑in, one‑out: Especially for toys, clothes, and kitchen items.

• Weekly donation box: Keep a labelled box somewhere visible and add to it throughout the week.

5. Choose One Area to Improve — Not Ten

January can tempt us into overcommitting. Instead, choose one space or routine to improve this month.

Some ideas:

• The pantry

• The linen cupboard

• Your email inbox

• The kids’ art supplies

• Your wardrobe

• The family calendar system

Small, focused changes create lasting transformation.

A Fresh Start That Feels Like You

January isn’t about reinventing yourself. It’s about gently realigning your home and routines with the life you want to live.

By preparing for the school year with intention, choosing small resets, and reflecting on what truly sparked joy, you’re creating a foundation for a year filled with clarity, ease, and joy.