Rolling over into a new year isn’t just about leaving behind the old one. It’s looking forward. Now that you’re settling into your new apartment at 1133 Hope, it’s time to get organized. We’re all still doing everything from home — working, exercising, dining and Zooming — but there are ways of keeping everything compartmentalized and in its place. Mostly so your life doesn’t feel like one giant blob of time. Here are a few tips, idea and (mostly) DTLA places to start a fresh new year.

For the Office

Telecommuting and remote working were already on the rise, and life staying in pandemic mode for the foreseeable future, this will be an ongoing trend. If you don’t already have a great desk (or dining room table) and chair, find design-forward options at A+R at the Row complex. Sleek, round, rectangular, square, with drawers or not — there’s one for every taste. While there, Hightide, a stationary brand founded in Fukuoka, Japan, has the most stylish calendars and planners, plus other office supplies like pens, greeting cards, and desk accessories. When it comes to storage, more doesn’t need to mean more money. Take something inexpensive and plain like Ikea’s Ivar cabinets, add a splash of paint and some gold legs, and you can create a personalized credenza, bookshelf or bar.

For the Kitchen

With an open kitchen flowing right into the main space, making sure it’s in tip-top shape is key. With proper storage, like these lidded containers from Hawkins New York, there’s more room for a vase of flowers or other countertop accents. You can outfit the entire room with gorgeous larder crocks, gorgeous solid oak wooden bowls, utensil holders and so much more. The location at Row DTLA is open by appointment only during the pandemic, but everything is still accessible online. For everything from simple everyday kitchen knick knacks to the best Japanese chef knives, a visit to Anzen Hardware is the best call. Utensils, drawer spacers, pots and pans — you’ll find it all in the tiny Little Tokyo space.

For the Bedroom and Closet

Whether you’re living in a studio or three-bedroom castle in the sky, a structured bedroom will help you sleep better. At West Elm (there’s a location on Broadway), keeping everything in its place is easy with things like these woven lidded baskets, soft closet storage bins, and a floor mirror that does double duty with shelves. And this Mid Century-inspired shoe rack is too lovely for the closet; put it front and center by the door. A good hamper can also be stylish enough to keep out in the open. Any of these woven hampers will lighten up a room, even if full with dirty laundry. 

Featured photo by Slava Keyzman/Unsplash