The holiday season is over, and let’s face it—your home is probably feeling a little... chaotic. Between the wrapping paper remnants, the new gifts you haven’t found space for, and the decorations still lingering in the corner, it’s time to reset. Winter is the perfect time to declutter and create a cozy, organized space you’ll actually want to hibernate in. Let’s dive into these easy, practical tips to help you clear out the clutter and start the year fresh.
1. Start Small, Stay Warm
Decluttering your entire home sounds great in theory—until you actually start. Instead, focus on small, manageable areas, especially the spaces you use the most in winter, like the living room or kitchen.
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Tips:
- Declutter spaces like your coffee table or blanket basket to make the room more inviting.
- Toss or donate holiday items you didn’t use this year to avoid storing unnecessary clutter.
- Benefit: A cleaner, cozier home you can enjoy while bingeing your favorite shows with a cup of hot cocoa... or wine!
2. Tackle Holiday-Related Clutter First
Holiday decor and gifts are often the biggest sources of post-season mess, so why not start there?
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Tips:
- Pack decorations in labeled, clear bins for easy storage.
- If you got new gifts this year that replaced old ones, donate, sell, or trash the items you no longer need. Holding onto them “just in case” only creates unnecessary clutter.
- Organize leftover wrapping paper, ribbons, and gift bags in a bin or hanger system.
- Benefit: You’ll start the new year with a clean slate, minus the pile of “stuff” you don’t need.
3. Focus on Winter Gear
Winter gear tends to multiply—and somehow vanish—if not properly organized.
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Tips:
- Sort through coats, hats, gloves, and boots, and donate anything outgrown or unused.
- Use labeled bins or baskets by the entryway to keep winter accessories in check.
- Create a “lost and found” spot for stray mittens or scarves.
- Benefit: Streamlined mornings without the chaos of searching for that one missing glove.
4. Declutter Hidden Areas (Perfect for Cold Days)
Winter is the ideal time to tackle those hidden clutter magnets, like junk drawers, closets, or under-the-sink spaces.
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Tips:
- Dedicate 20 minutes to one area at a time. Small bursts are easier to commit to.
- Toss expired pantry items, makeup, and cleaning supplies. If it hasn’t been used in a year, it’s time to let it go.
- Benefit: A sense of accomplishment every time you open a drawer or cabinet and see an organized, clutter-free space.
5. Make Decluttering a Family Affair
Don’t go it alone—get the family involved!
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Tips:
- Turn it into a game for kids: “How many toys can we donate today?” or “Who can clean their room the fastest?”
- Let kids choose a few items to keep while parting with the rest. Empower them to declutter their own space.
- Benefit: A decluttered home and a family that feels proud of their contributions.
6. Keep Your Decluttered Space Clutter-Free
You’ve done the hard part—now let’s make sure it stays that way.
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Tips:
- Adopt a one-in, one-out rule: For every new item you bring into your home, something old has to go.
- Schedule 15-minute weekly touch-ups to maintain your progress.
- Keep a donation box in a central spot and make it a habit to fill it regularly.
- Benefit: A clutter-free space becomes second nature, leaving your home calm and inviting all year long.
Happy Holidays!
Winter is the perfect season to cozy up and clear out. With just a few small steps, you can reclaim your space and set the tone for a calmer, more organized year ahead. Remember, decluttering isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a home that works for you and your family.
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