January always feels a little tender to me.

There’s this collective energy at the beginning of the year, a desire for things to be different. Better. Lighter. And I love that energy… but I also know how quickly it can turn into overwhelm.

That’s why at Go Goddess Organizing, we don’t believe in ripping your whole house apart in a weekend and calling it a “fresh start.” That’s not sustainable. And honestly, it’s not kind.

So we start small.
And we start with the kitchen.

Your kitchen is one of the most lived-in spaces in your home. It’s where you nourish yourself, where routines happen, where you show care for yourself and others. When the kitchen feels heavy or cluttered, it affects everything else.

January is about touching things gently. Intentionally. One decision at a time.

There Is No Shame Here. Ever.

I say this all the time — and it’s written right on my website…..there is no shame and no guilt when it comes to clutter.

Something happens in a person’s life that causes them to get stuck. It might be an illness. The loss of a loved one. A divorce. A job change. A loss of identity. Clutter is often just the physical evidence of something much deeper.

I work with a lot of widows and widowers, and those are some of the most emotionally tender experiences of my work. Being invited into a loved one’s closet or office is an honor. It’s a space full of stories, memories, even scent. Decluttering in those moments isn’t about “getting rid of things” — it’s about honoring a life while helping the person who’s still here breathe again.

This work is never transactional for me. It becomes a relationship. A friendship. A quiet understanding of I’ve got you. We’ll get through this together.

The Go Goddess Way: Slow, Intentional, Human

One of the biggest misconceptions about professional organizing is that I’m going to come in and magically organize everything into pretty bins.

That’s not what I do.

I’m actually a professional declutterer.

The real work happens before the bins. The real magic is in letting go — and there are stories in the things we release. You don’t see that part on TV, but that’s where transformation happens.

That’s why we work in pockets of time, a few days a month. Not because you’re lazy — but because you’re human. Decluttering is emotional. It takes energy. And when we go slowly, your nervous system stays regulated and you don’t shut down.

Why We Start With the Kitchen

The kitchen is practical, yes — but it’s also emotional.

So in January, we break it down into small, manageable pieces so nothing feels overwhelming. You’re never decluttering “the whole kitchen.” You’re just deciding about one drawer. One shelf. One category.

And that builds trust — in yourself.

A Gentle Weekly Kitchen Reset

Week One: Starting Where It’s Easy

We begin with things that aren’t usually sentimental:

• Silverware

• Cooking utensils

• Plates and bowls

How many spatulas do you actually use? Do you have chipped dishes you’re holding onto out of habit? This is about choosing your favorites — not punishing yourself.

Week Two: Daily Use Items

Now we look at:

• Cups, mugs, glasses

• Pots and pans

• Cutting boards and baking sheets

• Spices

If it doesn’t fit comfortably in your cabinets, it’s time to downsize. Expired spices and warped pans are just taking up space — physically and energetically.

Your kitchen should support who you are right now.

Week Three: Food & Safety

This week can bring emotions:

• Refrigerator

• Freezer

• Pantry

• Emergency food

Food often represents safety. We hold onto things “just in case.” That’s okay. We approach this with gratitude, not judgment. We let go of what’s expired or freezer-burned and keep what truly supports you.

Week Four: The Forgotten Corners

These areas quietly hold a lot:

• Above the fridge

• Utility drawer

• Wraps and foils

• Cookbooks

That drawer everyone calls the “junk drawer”? It doesn’t have to be junk. It can be useful. And cookbooks? Keep the ones you love and actually use. Most recipes live online now — and that’s okay.

Week Five: Clearing the Surface Energy

We finish with:

• Small appliances

• Coffee and tea stations

• Counters and sink

• Linens and décor

Clear counters create mental calm. And when we align this week with the new moon or lunar new year, it becomes a beautiful reminder that you can always begin again.

When Everything Feels Sentimental

This is the part that stops so many people from ever starting.

When everything feels sentimental, we don’t start there. We start with underwear. Towels. Old paperwork. Low-emotion items.

And I always tell my clients this: you are allowed to keep everything. I will never force you to throw something away. That safety is what allows people to move forward.

Photos and jewelry come much later — if ever. And that’s okay.

What Success Really Looks Like

Success isn’t perfection.

It’s that moment when a client exhales. Shoulders drop. There’s a big breath and usually a smile as donation bags go into my car. There’s often a hug.

It’s relief. Lightness. A feeling of I can move forward now.

That’s what we’re really letting go of — emotional baggage.

If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

If you’re reading this and thinking, I want this, but I don’t know where to start — start by asking yourself what you do want.

What do you want to honor?
What do you want to call in?
What are you ready to release to make space?

And if you want support, I’m here.

At Go Goddess Organizing, I specialize in helping people who feel stuck — emotionally and physically. I’ll listen to the stories. I’ll help you get unstuck. I’ll sit with you in the messy parts and walk you through them.

No shame.
No guilt.
Just gentle, human support.

✨ Ready to begin?
Book a consultation with Go Goddess Organizing
Serving San Diego and surrounding areas.