12 WAYS TO DECLUTTER AFTER THE HOLIDAYS
(And No, Throwing It All in the Closet Doesn’t Count)
The holidays are over, and it's time to reset for the new year. While the season brings joy and celebrations, it can also leave behind a trail of clutter—new gifts, decorations, and holiday memories. Now is the perfect opportunity to declutter your space, make room for fresh energy, and start the year with a clean slate. In this guide, we'll share simple, actionable tips to help you clear out the excess and transform your home into a calm, organized sanctuary.
01.
TAKE IT STEP-BY-STEP
Don’t try to declutter everything at once. Break the task into manageable chunks:
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Start small with a single room, drawer, or area of your home.
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Set a timer (e.g., 20-30 minutes) to work in focused bursts. This prevents feeling overwhelmed and helps you maintain your energy and motivation.
SEEK GUIDANCE FROM A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER
We know that decluttering any space can feel like a big task, and it’s completely okay to ask for help. When you connect with one of our professional organizers, you'll have the chance to discuss your space with someone who truly understands and is committed to making the process easier for you. Together, we’ll create a simple, achievable plan, help you navigate decisions, and find practical solutions to keep things organized. Our goal is to take the pressure off with a supportive, uplifting approach. When you're ready, we’re here to guide you every step of the way!
02.
SORT GIFTS & HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
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Gifts: Immediately evaluate new items you’ve received. Set aside things you don’t need or can’t use. Consider donating, re-gifting, or returning them.
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Holiday Decorations: Take down decorations as soon as possible to avoid the temptation to keep things up longer than necessary. Store them properly in labeled bins for next year.
03.
TACKLE PAPER CLUTTER
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Holiday Cards: Keep only the ones you truly want to remember (e.g., from close family or friends). Recycle the rest.
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Receipts & Packaging: Go through receipts, return tags, and packaging. Recycle or shred anything you no longer need.
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Emails & Digital Clutter: Unsubscribe from unwanted holiday-related emails and organize photos from events or trips into folders.
05.
REVIEW YOUR WARDROBE
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Holiday Clothes: If you bought new clothing during the holidays, take a moment to review your current wardrobe. Get rid of items you no longer wear, or that are damaged.
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Winter Gear: Go through coats, scarves, and gloves. Donate any items you no longer use or are in poor condition.
06.
REORGANIZE STORAGE SPACES
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Gifts & Toys: If you’ve accumulated toys or gifts for kids, make sure they have a designated storage space. Donate any toys or games that no longer serve a purpose.
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Bags & Bins: If you have bins, bags, or boxes that hold holiday items or seasonal decorations, sort through them. Ensure they’re properly labeled and stacked for easy access next year.
07.
RECYCLE & DONATE
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Donate items you don’t need—clothes, kitchen gadgets, home decor, and even gifts you won’t use. This can free up space and create a sense of accomplishment.
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Recycle packaging materials like wrapping paper, boxes, and shipping materials. Keep in mind what can be recycled in your local area.
08.
REEVALUATE YOUR HOME'S LAYOUT
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After the holiday chaos, take a look at your space and consider how it’s functioning. If the influx of new items has caused your space to feel cluttered, think about rearranging or creating new storage solutions.
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Use this opportunity to optimize your space—perhaps moving some items to storage or creating a “donate box” that you can gradually fill throughout the year.
09.
START A NEW SYSTEM
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Create a donation box: Keep a box or bag near the door for items you no longer use, so it’s easier to clear out clutter throughout the year.
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One-in, One-out Rule: For every new item that enters your home, make a habit of getting rid of something old. This helps keep your space from accumulating excess over time.
10.
MIND THE EMOTIONAL CLUTTER
The holidays often bring a lot of emotional baggage—memories tied to gifts, events, or expectations. Be gentle with yourself if letting go of certain items feels hard. Take time to reflect, but also recognize that your space will feel better and more peaceful when it’s clear of things that no longer serve you.
12.
DEEP DETAILED CLEANING
After decluttering, a professional deep cleaning is the perfect way to refresh your home. We’ll focus on the areas often overlooked, leaving your space spotless and organized. This thorough clean enhances both the look and function of your home, creating a more inviting environment and setting the stage for a fresh start to the new year.