20 Post-Holiday Decluttering Tips That Make a Real Difference
Decluttering after the holidays is your chance to reclaim your space, refresh your mindset, and start the new year with a lighter, more joyful home! Here are 20 tips to help you declutter your home.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
Decluttering after the holidays is the ideal time to reset your home and heart for the new year. You can welcome more order and joy into your space by thoughtfully letting go of used gifts, worn-out decorations, and cluttered spaces. It’s not just about tidying up; it’s creating space for what matters.
1. Start Small and Build Momentum
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Begin with a single drawer, shelf, or corner. Completing one small task will boost your confidence and create momentum for tackling more significant areas. Celebrate these quick wins—they build up over time.
2. Assess Holiday Decorations
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Before you put away your decorations, take a moment to consider whether you used everything this year. Get rid of broken ornaments and those you no longer love. Next year, you will thank yourself for a streamlined, joyful collection.
3. Set Up a “Donation Station”
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Designate a box or bag for items you no longer need. Keep it accessible and commit to filling it as you declutter. Once it’s complete, promptly drop it off at a charity or donation center.
4. Get Rid of Unwanted Gifts
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Be honest about gifts you received but won’t use. Regifting, donating, or even selling them is perfectly okay. It’s the thought behind the gift that counts, not holding onto clutter.
5. Organize Gift Wrap Stocks
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Organize wrapping paper, ribbons, and gift bags; dispose of crumpled, torn, and outdated materials; and organize all reusable supplies for next year.
6. Filter Kids’ Toys
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It is perfect post-holidays to eliminate or filter the remaining toys that may have been growing out with kids. Get children involved in the selection for donations to educate them and make them unselfish while de-cluttering for the treasures they collect.
7. Update Your Closets
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For each new piece of clothing you bring home, take one (or two) old ones out of the closet. It is time to let go if a piece has not been worn in a year or is out of style. Bonus: Your closet will feel more spacious and organized.
8. Clear Out Your Kitchen
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Holiday cooking often highlights what’s unnecessary in your kitchen. Purge expired food, duplicate utensils, and underused gadgets. Enjoy a kitchen that’s efficient and easy to navigate.
9. Organize Holiday Photos
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Digital clutter counts, too! Sort through holiday photos, deleting duplicates and blurry shots. Create a curated album to enjoy memories without overwhelm.
10. Review Seasonal Gear
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Examine winter coats, boots, and gear like sleds or shovels. Discard broken or worn-out items and donate extras. Properly store what you’re keeping for easy access next year.
11. Declutter Sentimental Items
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Holiday cards, trinkets, and keepsakes tend to accumulate quickly. Hold on to the most special ones and let go of the rest. You could digitize many of these to preserve the emotion without the clutter.
12. Declutter Your Office
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Remain it if your office also serves as a gift wrapping or holiday storage area. Shred old papers, bag non-functional office supplies, and recycle them. A clear desk is a clear head.
13. Clean Your Bathroom
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Clean out toiletries, cosmetics, and holiday-scented products. Discard any that are past expiration dates, empty, or not used in months. Store the rest for a spa-like experience every day.
14. Check Your Subscriptions and Memberships
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After the holidays is a great time to review your unused subscriptions and services and cancel any that are not improving your life. Your wallet and mind will thank you.
15. Create a Home for New Things
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Everything you get must have a place. Find a place for new gifts immediately, or they will become cluttered. If you don’t have space, perhaps it is not necessary.
16. Use the “One In, One Out” Principle
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For every new item entering your home, remove one. This straightforward principle prevents clutter from building up. It’s an easy habit that ensures balance and order.
17. Declutter Digital Spaces
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Holiday sales often mean new gadgets—clean up your old devices. Delete unused apps, organize your files, and back up essential data. A tidy digital life feels just as refreshing as a clean home.
18. Plan a Decluttering Day
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Devote at least one whole day for decluttering. Use music, make it a family affair, or even incentivize the entire process to make it fun. Seeing all that can be accomplished in just one day is highly motivating.
19. Revise Storage Systems
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Check to see if all your storage systems are working. If not, invest in functional bins, dividers, or shelves. Better storage systems make staying organized much more straightforward.
20. Focus on Gratitude, Not Guilt
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Remember that decluttering is not about waste but creating a space you love. It allows you to eliminate items that don’t serve you, making way for joy and functionality. Enjoy the progress, and move forward!