Your fresh start

13 tasks 5–6 hours Summer

Whether you've just moved into a new home or you're simply resetting after the busy holiday season, January is the perfect time to get organised. A few simple jobs now will help your home feel cleaner, calmer and ready for everything the year has in store.

Your January checklist

Post-holiday kitchen reset

After weeks of entertaining and festive meals, your kitchen deserves a fresh start. Clear the clutter, wipe down cupboards and benchtops, and get everything back in order for everyday cooking.

Clean the fridge and freezer

Start the year by clearing out leftovers, expired food and anything that's past its best. Give shelves and drawers a thorough clean so your fridge is fresh, organised and ready to be restocked.

Deep clean bathrooms

Give showers, basins, toilets and tiles a little extra attention to wash away holiday grime. A thorough clean now will keep your bathrooms feeling fresh and make regular upkeep much easier.

Declutter bathroom and beauty products

Check cupboards and drawers for expired medications, cosmetics and toiletries that are no longer needed. Freeing up space makes it easier to find what you use every day.

Clean the oven before it becomes overwhelming

After a busy festive season, your oven has probably earned a good scrub. Tackling built-up grease now will make cooking easier and save you a much bigger job later.

Clean heat pump filters

Dust and debris can build up over summer, reducing your heat pump's efficiency. A quick clean helps it run better and keeps the air in your home fresher.

Clean ceiling and pedestal fans

Fans work hard over the warmer months and can quickly collect dust. Wipe down the blades and housings to keep them running efficiently and stop dust circulating through your home.

Test smoke alarm batteries

The new year is the perfect reminder to test every smoke alarm in your home. Replace batteries if needed so your family stays protected all year round.

Restock your cleaning essentials

Check your cupboards and top up everyday essentials like cleaning sprays, cloths, sponges and rubbish bags. Having everything on hand makes staying on top of household jobs much easier.

Organise cleaning cupboards

A tidy cleaning cupboard makes every job quicker and easier. Group similar products together, safely dispose of anything you no longer use and make sure frequently used items are easy to reach.

Set up a simple weekly cleaning routine

A little regular maintenance goes a long way. Creating a realistic weekly routine helps spread the workload and keeps your home feeling tidy without becoming overwhelming.

Declutter household hotspots

Kitchen benches, entryways and dining tables often become catch-alls for everyday clutter. Spend a few minutes clearing these high-traffic areas to make your home feel instantly calmer and more organised.

Reorganise storage areas

Whether it's the pantry, linen cupboard, garage or wardrobes, January is a great time to rethink your storage. Sort what you have, donate what you no longer need and create practical systems that are easy to maintain.

Get it done