6 Steps to Declutter Your Home After the Holidays

The holidays are a magical time, but let’s be real — they leave your house feeling like it’s been hit by a festive hurricane. Between the new toys, the holiday decorations, and the leftover wrapping paper, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the post-holiday chaos. The good news? Decluttering your home can be a fresh start to the new year. Here are some tips to help you organize toys, decorations, and everything else that comes with the holiday season.

Step 1: Take Inventory of Toys

The holiday season likely brought in an avalanche of new toys, which means it’s time to sort through the old ones. Here’s how to tackle it:

• If They’re Old Enough Involve Your Kids: Let them help decide which toys they’ve outgrown or no longer play with. This teaches them about giving back and valuing what they have. My sister had our niece put together a whole bin of toys to pass down to Wyatt – it made way for new toys in her room and she was SO proud to be sharing with her cousin!
• Create Three Piles: Sort toys into “keep,” “donate,” and “trash” piles. Be honest about what’s truly used and loved, toss/donate what you know hasn’t been used or played with in months.
• Rotate Toys: If you’re not ready to part with certain toys, consider a toy rotation system. Store some away and swap them out every couple of to keep things fresh. This also helps keep the babes from getting bored with toys they already own!

Step 2: Organize Holiday Decorations

Holiday decorations can quickly become an unmanageable mess if not stored properly. Use these tips to keep them organized:

• Invest in Storage Bins: Clear, labeled bins make it easy to find everything next year. Group items by type, like ornaments, lights, and wreaths. Ornament boxes and a rolling tree bag from Amazon have been serious life changers in keeping our holiday decor tidy!
• Wrap Lights and Garland: Avoid the dreaded tangle by wrapping lights and garlands around cardboard or spools. Use twist ties to keep the bundles together so they don’t tangle.
• Declutter as You Pack: Toss any decorations that are broken, outdated, or never used. If it didn’t make it out of the box this year, chances are it won’t next year either.

*Looking for a way to recoup some of the money you spent this holiday season? Try listing the decorations on marketplace as people are always looking to freshen up their decor for cheap!

Step 3: Deal with Wrapping Paper and Supplies

Gift wrapping supplies tend to multiply during the holidays. Streamline your collection with these tips:

• Create a Wrapping Station: Dedicate a bin or box for wrapping paper, ribbons, tape, and gift bags. Store it in a closet or under a bed for easy access. Add cards and bags for other occasions like birthdays/anniversaries to save you from having to run out last minute sometime in the future.
• Recycle: Recycle scraps of paper and reuse gift bags/boxes if they’re in good condition. If you’re drowning in tissue paper, donate the excess to your kids daycare or your church.
• Purge the Old: Toss out any crumpled, torn, or outdated wrapping supplies. You know the stuff I’m talking about!

Step 4: Declutter Common Areas

With guests gone and holiday celebrations over, it’s time to reclaim your peace and your space:

• Clear Surfaces: Remove holiday decor from countertops and tables. Return everyday items to their usual spots.
• Rearrange Furniture: If you moved furniture to make room for a tree or holiday activities, put everything back in its proper place!
• Deep Clean: Take the opportunity to dust, vacuum, and wipe down surfaces that may have been neglected during the holiday rush. Don’t forget your fans! 😉

Step 5: Adopt a “One In, One Out” Rule

For every new item your family received during the holidays, find one thing to donate or toss. This keeps your home from becoming overcrowded and encourages mindfulness about what you bring into your space.

Step 6: Plan for Next Year

Avoid future clutter and overwhelm by being proactive:

• Declutter Before Holidays: Next year, take time to declutter before the holidays so you have space for new items.
• Shop Smart: Be mindful about the gifts you give and receive. Opt for experiences or consumable gifts to minimize physical clutter.
• Take Notes: Jot down in your notes app what worked well this year and what didn’t, so you can be more organized next time.

A Fresh Start

Decluttering after the holidays may feel daunting, but it’s a great way to kick off the new year with a clean slate and a fresh space. By taking it one step at a time and involving the whole family, you can transform your space from holiday chaos to organized bliss.