Take on a wardrobe challenge and seven other ways to sort out your life in 2025
TO thrive in 2025, start as you mean to go on by overhauling your lifestyle.
This JanYOUary, put your well-being first so you’re fit to face whatever challenges come your way.
Living well on a budget can be difficult, but these top tips will help you overhaul your lifestyle and make the most of every penny.
1. TAKE ON THE WARDROBE CHALLENGE: Only keep the clothes you love.
It will make getting dressed each day easier and less stressful.
Whenever you wear an item, turn its hanger around so you can tell it’s been worn.
At the end of the year, sell any items you haven’t used.
2. MAX YOUR STORAGE SPACE: We’d all like a bigger home, but few of us can afford it.
Instead, make the most of what you’ve got by incorporating extra storage.
From clearing away the kids’ toys to keeping paperwork organised, a tidy house means a tidy mind and helps you feel more in control.
Try the Livarno Home Storage Ottoman from Lidl for just £29.99.
It’s in store from Sunday.
3. GET A SUPPORTIVE FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE: Having close pals is one of the best ways to boost your mental health.
Write a list of your best mates and form a friendship circle, where you get together regularly and maybe do little tasks to support each other.
You could hold a “swishing” session to swap old clothes and update your wardrobes; arrange babysitting nights — you look after a friend’s child, and vice versa, to give you both a break — or host a monthly “pot luck” supper, where you each bring a dish to a gathering.
4. TACKLE YOUR LIFE ADMIN: Is your “to do” list overflowing?
Struggling to keep on top of your emails?
Set aside 15 minutes each day to plough through the admin.
Create separate files within your personal email for responsibilities such as electricity bills, insurance or school messages, and make a paperwork box for any incoming letters.
Sync your phone’s diary to your email and online calendar, and set alerts so you don’t miss a thing.
Buy a basic blackboard planner so the whole family knows what’s on each day.
Try this chalkboard for £10 from Sass & Belle.
5. FOCUS ON FAMILY: The secret to successful parenting is not to be perfect, but just good enough.
Involve your kids in household chores, from cleaning to cooking, to win you some time back — and don’t stress if the house is a bit messy.
Instead, invest time in listening to your children, playing with them when you can and watching them learn and grow.
The days may feel long, but the years are short, so make some happy memories.
Get help and advice from professional health visitors at netmums.com/coffeehouse.
6. GROW YOUR OWN GRUB: Houseplants are trendy, but growing your own food is even better.
Plant basic seeds, such as salad leaves, cress and herbs, in pots on your inside windowsills.
They will brighten the room in winter, provide free food and are organic, too.
Try cress seeds, 49p, from The Range.
7. CURATE YOUR CUPBOARDS: There’s no need to have an Instagram-worthy posh pantry, but organising your cupboards will cut down what you spend on food and make meal planning easier.
Arrange tins and dry goods on to separate shelves, with the oldest items at the front so they get used first.
Pop spices and packets into a basic storage box so you can find them easily.
Make a list of everything in your freezer and pin it on the front with a magnet.
Cross off what you eat and add a note of what you buy.
That way, you’ll always know what you have stocked up.