The January Home Reset: Two Ways to Get Your Space Under Control

Can we talk about January for a second? There's something about this month that makes me want to sort my life out. Maybe it's the post-Christmas chaos (why do we have so many new toys and nowhere to put them?), or maybe it's just that fresh-start energy that comes with a new year. Either way, I've decided this is the year I actually get our home organised properly.

Not in a “complete lifestyle overhaul” kind of way. I've tried that before and it lasted approximately four days. This time I'm being realistic about what will actually make a difference.

I've been chatting to my friend Ester about this too, and it turns out she's on the same mission. We've both invested in a couple of key pieces this January, and I wanted to share what's working for us. Two different homes, two different needs, but the same goal: getting things under control without losing our minds.

My Post-Christmas Reality Check

Let's be honest. By the time January rolls around, our house looks like a bomb has hit it. There are toys everywhere, mysterious sticky patches on the kitchen floor that I've been pretending not to see, and a general sense of chaos that makes me feel a bit twitchy every time I walk through the door.

I'm not someone who needs a show-home (I have small children, that ship has sailed), but I do need cleaning to be quick and easy because I simply don't have hours to spend scrubbing floors. So this January, I've finally got myself a proper steam cleaner, and I think it might be a game-changer.

Why I've Gone All In On Steam Cleaning

I'll admit I was sceptical at first. Another gadget? More stuff to store? But after doing some research, I went for the Vax Steam Fresh Total Home, and I'm genuinely excited to put it through its paces.

What sold me is how versatile it is. It works as a full-sized steam mop for floors, but it also converts into a handheld device for all those awkward spots like the hob, bathroom tiles, and around the base of the toilet (glamorous, I know, but someone's got to clean them). No chemicals needed, just steam that cuts through grime.

I've already used it on the hallway and kitchen floors and honestly? The difference is ridiculous. After weeks of Christmas cooking, dropped food, and general foot traffic, our tiles were looking pretty sorry for themselves. I'd been avoiding looking at the bit under the table, if I'm being completely honest with you. The steam mop heated up quickly and glided across the floor, and I could actually see it lifting away the grimness. Very therapeutic. Much better than using my trusty old £8 Tesco mop.

The handheld mode is brilliant for the bathroom too. I've got my eye on the grout around our bath, which has been my nemesis for years. The fact that it's completely chemical-free is a big bonus with little ones in the house. No residues on the floors they play on, just water heated to a temperature that sanitises as it cleans.

If you're thinking about trying steam cleaners this January, I really think they're worth considering. I'll report back once I've been using mine for a few months, but first impressions are very positive.

Storage That Works For Entertaining

While I've been battling sticky floors and toy mountains, my friend Ester has been tackling a different kind of January reset. She lives in a lovely flat with her fiance, and loves hosting friends for dinner, but storage has always been tricky. She needed somewhere to keep books, cookbooks, candles, all those bits and pieces that make a space feel like home. The problem? She didn't want anything that would overwhelm her dining area or restrict space around the table.

She found this gorgeous geometric display bookshelf from Very and it's absolutely perfect for her space. It's got lovely oak-effect shelves with dark contrasting panels, and it adds so much visual interest without dominating the room. It fits neatly against the wall, so there's still plenty of space for guests to move around when she's entertaining.

What I love about it is how versatile it is. The different sized cubbies mean she can mix books with plants, candles with photo frames, practical storage with decorative pieces. It looks properly Scandi stylish (very Ester) while actually being useful. She's got her cookbooks on one shelf, a space to store her wine glasses, and plenty of space for plants (because Ester has a LOT of plants).

It's the kind of piece that makes you think “oh, this flat just looks really put together” without being able to pinpoint exactly why. That's good storage, isn't it? It does the job without shouting about it.

If you're looking for a kids storage unit or display shelving that works in shared living spaces, Very have loads of lovely options. Whether you need something for a family home like mine or a more grown-up, versatile entertaining space like Ester's, there's something to suit.

Our January Reset Plans

We've both agreed to keep things simple this year. No colour-coded cleaning rotas (I made one once and it lasted precisely one week before I shoved it in a drawer and never looked at it again). Just small, sustainable changes that actually stick.

For me, that means using the steam cleaner regularly to keep on top of the floors, and bathrooms, rather than letting things build up until I can't ignore them anymore. Maybe twenty minutes at the weekend, Spotify on, done. Achievable. Not going to make me cry.

For Ester, it's about finally having a proper home for all her bits and pieces. No more piles of books across multiple units or candles balanced precariously on the windowsill. Everything has a spot now, which means tidying before guests come over takes minutes.

Progress Over Perfection

If there's one thing I want you to take from this post, it's that getting your home under control doesn't have to be overwhelming. Neither of us is aiming for perfection here. I'm aiming for “floors that don't stick to my feet” and Ester's aiming for “can actually find the nice wine glasses when people come for dinner.”

Having the right tools makes such a difference. A steam cleaner that makes cleaning faster and actually effective. Storage that looks good and means everything has a home. These things matter.

Start small if you need to. Maybe your January reset is just one corner of one room. That's fine. It's all progress.

What are your January reset plans? I'd love to hear what's working for you.

The post is brought to you by Very