The holidays are magical, but let’s face it—once they’re over, the leftover decorations, wrapping paper, and general chaos can make your home feel less cozy and more cluttered. Refreshing your space doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little strategy and effort, you can clear the holiday clutter and create a refreshed, inviting interior. Here’s how to do it.
1. Start with a Full Sweep of Holiday Decorations
Holiday decorations are the most obvious source of post-season clutter, so tackle them first.
- What to do:
- Go room by room and remove all holiday items, from wreaths and garlands to ornaments and lights.
- Check forgotten areas like mantels, shelves, and bathrooms for stray decor.
- Sort items into categories (e.g., tree decorations, outdoor lights) to make storage easier.
- Pro Tip: Create a “holiday clutter bin” for items you find throughout your cleanup that belong with the decorations but were missed initially.
- Why it works: Starting with decorations gives you an immediate sense of progress and clears visual distractions.
2. Declutter as You Pack
Instead of packing away every holiday decoration, take the opportunity to declutter.
- How to declutter holiday decor:
- Discard broken ornaments or lights that no longer work.
- Donate decorations you didn’t use this year or no longer love.
- Label storage bins for easy retrieval next year and invest in clear bins to quickly see what’s inside.
- Pro Tip: Wrap fragile items in tissue paper or leftover holiday wrapping paper for extra protection.
- Why it works: Decluttering now prevents you from dealing with unwanted items next year, keeping your storage organized.
3. Clean as You Go
Holiday decor often leaves behind glitter, pine needles, and dust. Cleaning as you remove decorations will help your space feel fresher instantly.
- What to do:
- Vacuum areas where the tree or garlands were displayed.
- Dust shelves, mantels, and surfaces where decorations were placed.
- Wipe down windows, mirrors, and furniture for a clean, polished look.
- Pro Tip: Use a lint roller to pick up glitter or stubborn debris.
- Why it works: A clean slate makes your home feel lighter and more inviting.
4. Sort and Store Gift Wrap Supplies
If your holiday clutter includes piles of wrapping paper, ribbons, and gift bags, it’s time to organize them.
- How to manage gift wrap:
- Keep rolls of wrapping paper in a vertical storage container or repurpose a tall laundry basket.
- Use a small bin or box to store ribbons, bows, and tags.
- Fold and stack reusable gift bags for compact storage.
- Pro Tip: Toss small scraps of wrapping paper or ribbons you didn’t use—chances are, you won’t use them next year either.
- Why it works: Organized gift wrap supplies are easier to access and store, saving space and stress.
5. Create a Decluttering Plan for Holiday Gifts
New gifts can create clutter, especially if you don’t have room for them yet. Be proactive about integrating them into your home.
- What to do:
- For every new item, consider donating or discarding an old one (e.g., one-in, one-out rule).
- Create designated storage spots for new items—don’t leave them in piles.
- Return or exchange items you don’t need or won’t use.
- Why it works: Managing gifts right away prevents them from becoming part of the clutter problem.
6. Rearrange and Refresh Your Space
Once the holiday decor is gone, your home may feel bare or unbalanced. Take this opportunity to rearrange and refresh your interior.
- How to refresh:
- Rearrange furniture for a new layout that feels open and functional.
- Swap out throw pillows, blankets, or curtains for a winter-neutral theme.
- Add plants, candles, or simple decor to fill empty spaces and make your home feel cozy.
- Pro Tip: Stick to a “less is more” approach to avoid reintroducing clutter.
- Why it works: Rearranging your space creates a sense of renewal and prevents the post-holiday “empty house” feeling.
7. Deep Clean High-Traffic Areas
The holidays bring extra guests, spills, and foot traffic, so it’s time to tackle the areas that saw the most action.
- Focus on:
- Carpets and rugs: Vacuum or shampoo to remove dirt and stains.
- Upholstery: Spot clean or use a fabric refresher to eliminate odors.
- Kitchen and dining areas: Clean countertops, appliances, and floors where holiday meals were prepped and served.
- Why it works: Deep cleaning high-traffic areas restores your home to its pre-holiday state and extends the life of your furnishings.
8. Streamline Your Storage Spaces
Holiday clutter often spills into closets, attics, or basements. Take time to organize these spaces for better storage.
- How to organize storage:
- Use labeled bins or baskets to group similar items.
- Store seasonal items in the back and everyday essentials in accessible spots.
- Declutter storage spaces by donating or discarding items you no longer use.
- Pro Tip: Consider adding shelving or hooks to maximize vertical space in storage areas.
- Why it works: Organized storage spaces make it easier to find what you need and prevent future clutter.
9. Reassess Your Home’s Decor
The post-holiday season is the perfect time to evaluate your everyday decor and remove anything that feels outdated or unnecessary.
- What to do:
- Take a minimalist approach by decluttering decor that no longer serves your style.
- Use neutral, winter-themed items like cozy throws, candles, or simple vases for a refreshed look.
- Create intentional focal points instead of cluttered surfaces.
- Why it works: Simplifying your decor keeps your home feeling clean and open after the visual overload of the holidays.
10. Set New Habits for a Clutter-Free Home
Avoid letting clutter build up again by establishing simple organizational habits.
- What to do:
- Dedicate 10-15 minutes a day to tidying up.
- Create a “clutter basket” for items that don’t belong in a room and sort it daily.
- Involve your family in maintaining shared spaces and putting away belongings.
- Why it works: Consistent habits keep clutter under control and make your home easier to manage year-round.
Final Thoughts: Welcome a Fresh Start
Removing holiday clutter and refreshing your home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By tackling decorations, organizing gifts and supplies, and giving your space a thoughtful refresh, you can create a clean, cozy environment that’s ready for the new year. Take it one step at a time, and enjoy the fresh, peaceful vibe of your post-holiday home!
