January 2026 - The New Year, and the New You
- Judy Granlee Gates
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Newsletter Topic of the Month
The New Year, and the New You
Very recently, I realized why I buy some things. I look at these things and think “why did I buy this”. And the answer became VERY clear to me. I buy things often for the person I want to be, not the person I am. Confused? Let me explain. I want to be a better cook, so I buy cooking gadgets. But I often don’t use them, and truthfully, cooking is just not my thing. I buy a lot (yes, a lot) of art supplies, because I love creating and I imagine myself spending loads of time doing it. But I don’t have loads of time. I have enough supplies to last me a lifetime. I want to dress up for fancy things, but I rarely have the option for dressy events. It’s called Fantasy Clutter, and I am not here for it anymore.
This was a mind-blowing revelation. I thought on it a lot, and I am sharing it with you because it has changed the way I think and how I want to use my money in 2026. And I think a lot of people do this, and feel this way, so this entire year, I will give this a monthly focus.
I am also changing the format a little on my newsletter. Most of my clients are decluttering and organizing. But I still offer and have lots of clients for Home Editing, and Short-Term Rentals. I’m going to be reducing the content on those categories to focus more on the biggest part of my work.
So back to the plan. I lack impulse control (hello, ADHD) and often buy things I don’t end up using. I’ve created a list you print out and post to remind you about how to delay your purchases, how to satisfy the dopamine hit other ways and more. Print this baby out and refer to it OFTEN.
I have a free guide, the Year of Less, grab it here!
Decluttering and Organizing:
Identify what you already own in excess.
Do a “pause inventory” before buying anything new (raising my hand to admit I have a problem here!).
Clear visible clutter first. Entryway, countertops, nightstands, end tables.
January is about awareness, noticing what is already there. Paying attention to the difference between wanting and needing.
Home Edits:
A room can often feel wrong because there is too much competing for attention. Editing is most often a subtraction.
People feel calmer in spaces that are not over furnished.
Short Term Rentals:
The same rules apply as home editing. There is a happy medium between cozy and minimalism.
Have a topic idea? Area of struggle? A fun tip? Send it in and I may make it the topic of the month. Email me at hello@judygranleegates.com
Join in the conversation at Home Elevated on Facebook or Home_Elevated_WA on Instagram!
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