Resetting your homes after the holidays
While the holidays bring warmth and memories into our homes, they also leave traces behind often in the form of wrapping, boxes, decor, and a little more mess than we’d like to admit.
The days between Christmas and New Year’s are the perfect chance to slow down and reset. But they’re also a great opportunity to refresh our homes and get them ready for the year ahead.
Begin with a “reset clean”
Before any serious organizing happens, do a quick home reset.
Clear out visible clutter like wrapping paper, opened boxes, disposable decor, and party leftovers. Wipe down high-use areas such as countertops, dining tables, and living spaces.
This immediate reset makes your home feel calmer and reduces that overwhelming “where do I even start?” feeling. Separate trash, recyclables, and reusable gift bags.
Store holiday decor thoughtfully, not hastily
Instead of stuffing ornaments and garlands back into storage, take the time to sort holiday decor with mindfulness.
Keep pieces you truly love and used this year; repair sentimental items if they’re worth saving; and let go of anything broken, outdated, or unused. Invest in sturdy storage bins or clear boxes and label them properly. Use airtight storage for delicate items because humidity can damage decor if stored carelessly.
Make room for new gifts
Receiving gifts also means finding a special place in your home to store them.
Assign each new item a proper place right away so they don’t end up sitting around the house. If you received something that replaces an old item, consider donating or passing the old one on instead of letting it accumulate in drawers or cabinets.
Deep clean most used spaces
Family visits and food spreads can leave lots of surfaces and countertops worn out.
The living room deserves a refresh, from vacuuming to changing pillow covers or washing throws. The kitchen benefits from a more thorough cleanup, especially refrigerators filled with leftovers and containers stacked everywhere. Dining spaces also need a good wipe-down, while guest rooms used by relatives or friends should be reset by washing linens and airing out the space.
Set up a new organizational system for the new year
More than just cleaning up, post-holiday decluttering is a good opportunity to build better habits at home.
Keep a small donation box where family members can drop items they no longer use. Use clear storage so everyone can easily find where things belong. Label containers when possible, especially in households with extended family members. Even scheduling small declutter days each month helps.
