January can be a very difficult month. The excitement of New Year is over, everyone has gone back to work and bank accounts are stretched to the limit waiting for payday. No wonder people get the ‘winter blues’ this time of year! Especially when trying not to spend too much money at the beginning of a new year.

However, rather than sit and mope, thinking how awful January is, why not use it to spend some time getting organised for the year ahead.

Take a look at some of our ideas on how to get organised this January…

Sort through your gifts – Although you’re grateful for everything you received at Christmas. Most people will receive at least one gift that someone else could make better use of. That bedspread that doesn’t match your colour scheme or that dining set that wasn’t your style that could be perfect for someone else. Why not spend an afternoon sorting through your presents. And take the things you don’t really need to your local charity shop?

Clean out the fridge – All those opened containers of sauces, dips and marinades you used at Christmas will probably have passed their best-before date. Do you really need to keep the almost empty bottles of olives, pickles and other garnishes you only use for special occasions? Organize your fridge and throw out anything you don’t plan on using within the next week.

Sort out your closet – Now is the time to get rid of all the clothes you never wear. Look online for new items as they’re likely to be on sale throughout January. Many people accumulate a huge amount of clothes throughout the year that they never wear! Now is the perfect time to get rid of any items that don’t sever you anymore. You’ll feel great when your closet space is much more concise and a lot tidier.

Say thank you – Majority of people really appreciate receiving a ‘thank you’ note after Christmas. It shows that their gifts were noticed and appreciated. Keeping on top of these notes can be hard during the holiday season when everyone is really busy. But now life has slowed back down again why not spend some time getting on top of it. ‘Thank you’ cards don’t cost much, or you could make your own, and your friends and family will love them.

Although January may not be your favourite month – there are lots of things you can do to keep yourself organized without having to spend any money…