Make Room for the New: How to Start a Post-Holiday Decluttering Routine

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You made it through the holidays, but even though we’re well into the new year, you notice lingering signs of clutter. From decorations still proudly displayed on the mantel to opened gifts that have no place to be stored, post-holiday clutter has an uncanny way of staying around even as we try to get our homes under control. 

If you’re ready to organize your space, but aren’t sure where to start, we have some tips and tricks for you. We reached out to decluttering experts across North America, from San Diego, CA, to Toronto, ON, to help us create a post-holiday decluttering routine to conquer the last remnants of holiday clutter. Read on for their tips on how to start decluttering in the new year. 

Take small steps

1) Don’t sweat the small stuff 

Focus on the important things so that you can have at least one Zen space in your home. The post-holiday season can leave us feeling down or anxious as we are left to deal with new clutter (gifts), decorations to store, and the hopes and challenges that a new year brings when we vow to get organized once and for all. To avoid falling into the pit of endless clutter, discard two items from your home for every new one received over the holidays. This will lighten your space and allow you to focus and appreciate the things you really like. –Zensational Organizing

How to start decluttering post-holiday kitchen clutter

2) Manage your countertop space

Utilize the deep countertop corner under your cabinets by placing your coffee maker on an appliance rolling tray. When making coffee, simply slide the tray out, then when finished, you can effortlessly slide it out of the way. Keep coffee cups, filters, etc., in the cupboard above allowing you to create a coffee corner while freeing up valuable counter space. –All Seasons Organizing

3) Simplify your pantry

Put the food items you use all the time at eye level in your pantry, and contain those opened bags of pasta, chips, or grains into bins to better utilize the space on your shelves. Labeling those bins is a bonus step to help anyone who’s unpacking the groceries, cleaning up the kitchen after cooking, or taking inventory for the next trip to the grocery store. –WOW! Organized!

4) Give yourself permission to let things go

Give yourself permission to get rid of things you’re “supposed to have.” With each item, ask yourself, “when was the last time I used this?” If the answer is “not once last year,” let it go. If the answer is “someday,” get rid of it. You won’t miss it, and your kitchen space will thank you for it. –UnClutterCO

How to start decluttering post-holiday bedroom and closet clutter

5) Do the two-minute bedroom blitz 

Before leaving your bedroom every morning, take two minutes to make your bed, put away stray items from surfaces, and close the closet door. You’ll return to an uncluttered room that’s conducive to rest and relaxation. –Boomer Eco Crusader

6) Start by organizing before decluttering 

We actually offer an opposite approach to decluttering, especially in the closet. We encourage our clients to organize their items before they declutter and color code them. That way, they can see what colors and items “spark joy” in the closet. Also, when you see a huge section of black dresses; or 20 Pairs of black leggings, it’s easier to say goodbye because you know you have so many of them. Also, count your shoes – unless you’re committed to a shoe collection. If you have more and aren’t a shoe lover, donate or toss them. Shoes take up the most valuable space in a closet. –Lady Lanes

7) Edit your closet

Before finding a home for new gifts and purchases, take 15 minutes to edit your interior spaces such as closets, drawers, or cabinets in order to make room. Maximizing your interior spaces allows your furniture, such as tables and countertops, to have more breathing room. In regards to gifts, if you don’t like them, you’re not gonna use them and you are not obligated to keep them (even if the person asks you if you are enjoying the gift). –Control the Chaos Organizing

8) Have an easy-to-use system in place

Make it as easy as possible to put away clothing. For many items, it’s unnecessary to fold. Use baskets in drawers to toss in underwear, socks, and bras right out of the laundry basket. Baskets are also a great way to help kids put their own laundry away. –It’s Sorted Organizing

9) Maximize closet space by switching to thinner hangers

Get a headstart on the new year and have fun organizing your closet. Use thin hangers to maximize hanging space and make room for new items. If you’re looking for a clean, crisp look, use a linen-colored hanger. –Simply Spacial Professional Organizing

How to start decluttering post-holiday office clutter

10) Declutter as you go

Start a new mindset regarding office clutter. Instead of moving a pile of paper from one side of your desk to the other, remind yourself that “Clutter is postponed decisions®.” and “If it takes 60 seconds or less to do it, then do it now. If it takes longer than 60 seconds, then schedule a time to do it.” Choose to take action at the moment and watch how you can move from overwhelmed to optimized in a very short time. –Productive Environment Institute

How to start decluttering your living room after the holidays

11) Don’t let junk mail pile up

Open mail over the trash can so you can immediately get rid of junk mail. Put an inbox somewhere by the front door where you can drop mail and other things so they don’t pile up on the counter. Go through your inbox every few days so this is only a temporary drop spot. File what needs to be filed and respond to things that need to be addressed. –Crosswell Organizing 

12) Get crafty and make your own personalized storage solution

Elevate a basic storage piece with furniture legs and decorative bins. If your living area needs to pull double duty to store toys, books, office supplies, etc., add furniture legs to basic cube shelving to instantly elevate the look. Use coordinating bins inside the cubes to conceal the items you are storing. A cube shelf works great as a TV stand or console table. –Neatly Done

Decluttering with kids

13) Out with the old, in with the new

We know that the holidays bring in lots of new things, especially toys for the little ones. To help you make space for the new toys:

  1. Set an intention of being realistic and not letting your emotions control your decisions before decluttering. If the toy is broken or your kids no longer play with it, toss it or donate it.
  2. Keep only toys that are developmentally appropriate for your children’s age(s).
  3. Less is more. Having too many toys can be overstimulating for children, so make sure to have a system where you can rotate the toys every month. –Mind Your Mess

14) Use a system of clear bins

A few weeks back, I bought and labeled a number of clear plastic bins for our kid’s crafting and toy closet. Now that every item in there has a dedicated place, the kids can see what’s available to use without emptying the closet first. As an added bonus, new items go right in their respective bins, cutting down on clutter before it even starts to build up. –ivetriedthat

How to start decluttering your holiday decor

15) Don’t rush to stash your holiday decor

Carefully put everything back in order and toss what you don’t plan to use. Next year when it’s time to decorate, you will enjoy the process with way less stress. –No Moore Clutter

16) Take stock of what you have before un-decorating

Holiday un-decorating is the perfect time to check in with seasonal decor to ensure it’s still in good shape and holds meaning for you. However, what may be even more valuable to consider, are the spaces where holiday decor had been. Before replacing pre-holiday trinkets:

  1. Take advantage of this opportunity to look at these spaces with fresh eyes.
  2. Consider possible rearrangements that could provide space for new organizing systems.
  3. Get clear on the intended purposes of these spaces and ask yourself if they’re working well for those purposes.

A change as small as adding a new tray for your lotion and sanitizer set could be just enough to add a new year, new energy feeling to your space. –Sweet Home Professional Organizing

Hannah is part of the content marketing team and covers topics related to home trends, personal finance, decor, and more. She particularly enjoys writing about real estate trends and home improvement.
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