10 Simple Steps to Declutter Your Home After the Holidays This Year
Overwhelmed by post-holiday mess? Learn 7 easy steps to organize and refresh your home today.
You shop, cook, clean, decorate, and prepare for the holidays for weeks and then in the blink of an eye have a big mess to clean up!
After the festivities often leaves homes looking and feeling chaotic. Wrapping paper, unused gifts, and overused decorations can crowd your living space.
Decluttering isn’t just about just getting rod of unused things and aesthetics; it’s a chance to feel lighter, more organized, and mentally clear. A clean home sets the tone for the new year, helping you focus on what truly matters.
Evaluate Holiday Items: What to Keep and What to Let Go
Start by asking yourself, “What items did I genuinely use or love this holiday season?” Keeping things just because they’re new or festive can weigh you down. Here’s how to sort through everything:
Identify Unused Gifts and Decorations
Did you receive gifts that don’t match your lifestyle? While it’s the thought that counts, unused items often take up precious storage space. Consider donating perfectly good items to local charities or shelters. It’s a win-win: your home stays organized, and someone else benefits from your generosity.
Do not waste a minute feeling guilty about passing along things you do not like or need. Your relationships are hopefully far more than transactional. You can love the friend and not like the gift. As a friend I would never want to burden others by keeping gifts they want to discard.
Assess Holiday Decorations
Take a close look at those lights, ornaments, and festive garlands. Are there decorations you haven’t used in years? Broken or outdated items you didn’t use this season are things you almost certainly decorate with next year. Keep only what you will be excited to display the next time the holidays roll around.
Create a Decluttering System
Without a plan, decluttering can quickly get overwhelming. Having a strategy ensures you stay focused and finish the task.
The Three-Bag System
Use three bags or boxes labeled “Trash,” “Donate,” and “Sell.”
- Trash: Items that are broken.
- Donate: Items in good condition but no longer serve you.
- Sell: Items that can fetch you some cash.
Don’t overthink each decision. If it doesn’t serve a purpose, consider letting it go.
Set Time Limits for Decluttering Sessions
Decluttering for hours on end can be exhausting. Break it into 15 or 30-minute to 1-hour sessions. Putting a timer on keeps you motivated and prevents burnout. Set a timer, turn on some music, and conquer the mess one item or section at a time.
Organize What Remains
Once you’ve sorted items, it’s time to organize the things you decided to keep. Organizational systems are necessary for a functional home.
Utilize Clear Storage Solutions
Transparent bins work wonders for seasonal decorations, clothes, or rarely-used items After you declutter. They allow you to see what’s inside without rummaging. Organize clutter is not decluttering.
Label Everything Clearly
Labels are your best friend. Use a label maker or a simple marker and tape to identify stored items quickly. Not only does this save time, but you’ll thank yourself next year when you can find what you need without digging through boxes.
Implement a Regular Decluttering Schedule
A one-time effort won’t keep your home in order. Consistency is key to avoiding clutter creep.
Monthly Decluttering Check-Ins
Set aside 15 to 20 minutes each month for a quick decluttering session. Focus on one area—your pantry, closets, or junk drawer. Short, targeted efforts help maintain the hard work you’ve done.
Seasonal Deep Cleaning Rituals
As seasons change, commit to a more thorough cleanout. Think about transitioning wardrobes, reviewing stored items, and refreshing your space. Aligning these sessions with the start of each season ensures clutter stays under control.
Wrap-Up: Create Calm and Clarity
Decluttering your home after the holidays doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By breaking it into manageable steps, using a system, and staying consistent, you’ll create a home that feels peaceful and organized year-round.
Remember, a clutter-free space isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about creating room for the things and people you truly value. Take the first step today!
