January always invites a fresh start—but for us, that doesn’t mean overhauling everything at once. It’s about simplifying what already works and creating systems that make daily life feel lighter. In today’s blog post, we’re sharing small, practical ways we organize our homes and workspaces, along with tips for helping us stay focused and grounded. This edition is all about removing friction and starting the year with clarity.
Let’s kick off 2026 with our What We…: Reset Edition!
What We Do to Reset Our Homes
When it comes to getting organized, the first step is often decluttering. It’s not the New Year if you haven’t already made at least one run to Goodwill! Here are six tips that our team swears by as we simplify our spaces and streamline our routines:
- Clear surfaces first. These areas are in your line of sight, making it hard to focus when they feel out of control. By clearing your desk, kitchen counters, and nightstand, you can create an instant sense of calm and then build on that momentum. Try to limit the things that “live” in these spaces too. Keep out only what you use daily and relegate everything else to a drawer, cabinet, or closet.
- Pick one small area to focus on each day. Instead of committing to organizing your entire kitchen, start with a single drawer or cabinet. As you reorganize the items, think about how you actually use them. If your coffee cups are on the opposite side of the kitchen as your coffee maker, consider moving them to a different cabinet or shelf.
- Follow the “one in, one out” rule. When you grab a fresh notebook for the year, toss your old one (or file it away if you may need to refer to it later). Did you get a new coffee mug for Christmas? Get rid of one that you don’t reach for anymore. This rule works wonders in your closet too: If you buy a new style of jeans, put an older pair in the giveaway pile.
- Create a “maybe” bin. If it feels too challenging to purge things immediately, give yourself permission to decide later. Set a date to revisit it, though, so you don’t forget about it until next January.
- Give everything a home that makes sense. Decision fatigue immediately disappears when items always go back to the same place. Remember: Your systems should be simple enough to maintain even on the busiest of days. If it only works when you’re “on top of things,” it won’t last.
- Carve out time for a quick reset at the end of the day. We apply this rule to our work day and the actual day. At the end of each work day, take five minutes or so to reset your desk. This simple step will allow for a calmer morning and set the tone for a productive day. Similarly, before bedtime, take 10 minutes to walk through your house; pick up any lingering toys, chop your couch pillows, and push in dining room chairs.
What We Need to Reset Our Workspaces
If you’re in the mood to restock your work must-haves, here are some of our go-to items:
- Double-wall glass coffee mug for a boost of caffeine
- A new planner
- A pretty notebook from Rifle Paper Co.
- AirPods Pro for on-the-go calls
- A standing desk
- A 40-ounce Stanley tumbler for all-day hydration
- Reusable wall calendar to ensure year-round organization
What We Use to Reset Our Minds
Audiobooks
Here are two audiobooks that we recommend revisiting at the start of each year:
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown is a thoughtful, grounding reminder that doing more isn’t the same as doing what matters. Rather than chasing productivity for productivity’s sake, this bestselling book invites you to slow down, get intentional, and focus your time and energy on what’s truly essential. With clarity and compassion, it helps you cut through the noise, let go of what no longer serves you, and reclaim a sense of purpose and control.
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones is an encouraging, practical guide to meaningful change, one small step at a time. With warmth and clarity, James Clear reminds us that lasting progress doesn’t come from sheer willpower or lofty goals, but from building systems that support who we want to become. By breaking big transformations into tiny, achievable habits, this book shows how small, consistent actions can compound into remarkable results.
Cann Social Tonic
By the time Friday rolls around, we’re usually craving a moment to slow down—but that doesn’t always mean a glass of wine. Cann Social Tonic has become one of our favorite ways to unwind after a busy week. Lightly bubbly and refreshing, each can is infused with a gentle microdose of THC and CBD, just enough to help you relax without feeling foggy or out of control. Grab The Roadie Sampler or The Starter Pack to try all three flavors: Blood Orange Cardamom, Lemon Lavender, and Grapefruit Rosemary.
MasterClass
Using MasterClass can be a truly refreshing way to reset your mind by diving into subjects that spark your curiosity and stretch your thinking. At Carlisle & Co., our team has completed (and absolutely loved!) sessions with icons like Martha Stewart, Anna Wintour, Kim Kardashian, and Amy Poehler, each offering unique insights into creativity, leadership, and entrepreneurship. These lessons have not only broadened our perspectives but offered fresh ideas and motivation that help clear mental clutter and boost intentional thinking.
Remember: A reset doesn’t have to mean a total overhaul.
It’s often the small, intentional shifts that make the biggest difference. As you refresh your home, workspace, and mindset, give yourself permission to simplify, let go of what no longer serves you, and create space for what truly matters. Cheers to the year ahead!
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