The holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness—but they can also leave your home in complete disarray. Between festive decorations, leftover meals, and a flood of new gifts, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it’s time to restore order. Fortunately, with a little organization and effort, you can get your home back in shape and start the new year feeling refreshed. Here’s how:

1. Clear Out the Kitchen

The holiday feast may be over, but the leftovers often linger—sometimes longer than they should. Take a moment to sort through your fridge and toss anything older than the USDA-recommended three to four days. Not only will this free up valuable space, but it’ll also prevent food waste from becoming a health hazard.

Got unopened, shelf-stable items you didn’t use? Consider donating them to a local food pantry to give back to your community. After clearing out, take the time to wipe down all surfaces in your kitchen, including countertops, cabinets, and appliances. This will remove crumbs, grease, or any sticky remnants of your holiday cooking spree.

2. Organize Holiday Decorations

Don’t let next year’s decorating become a scavenger hunt. As you pack away this year’s holiday decor, take a few extra minutes to group similar items together—ornaments in one box, lights in another—and clearly label each container. This small step can save you hours of frustration when the next holiday season rolls around. Consider using sturdy, stackable storage bins to keep your decorations safe and easy to access.

3. Tackle Gift Clutter

The holidays often bring a wonderful influx of gifts, but without a plan, these new items can quickly contribute to clutter. Find a home for each gift right away, whether that’s a spot on a shelf, in a drawer, or in your closet.

To make room for your new items, consider donating things you no longer need or use. This not only helps reduce clutter but also spreads the holiday spirit to someone in need. By addressing gift clutter immediately, you can prevent it from snowballing into a bigger organizational headache.

4. Do a Post-Holiday Deep Clean

With decorations packed away and gifts sorted, it’s time for a deep clean to reset your home. Dust every surface, vacuum all floors, and pay extra attention to those hidden corners where glitter, tinsel, or pine needles might still be lurking.

Use this opportunity to reset your living spaces. Rearrange furniture and decor items that were moved to make room for holiday festivities, and return everyday items to their proper places. A clean, organized home can help you feel more energized and ready to tackle whatever the new year brings.

Start the New Year Clutter-Free

The post-holiday cleanup may feel daunting, but it’s a worthwhile effort that sets the tone for the months ahead. By clearing out the kitchen, organizing decor, addressing gift clutter, and giving your home a deep clean, you can create a peaceful and clutter-free environment to start the year on the right foot.

Remember, a little effort now can save you time and stress later. Here’s to a fresh, organized start to the new year!