Holiday organization

Getting Organized After Christmas

The holiday season fills our homes and hearts with joy—along with a generous helping of clutter and potential stress. Once the decorations come down and the last of the wrapping paper is tossed away, many of us are left wondering: Where do I even begin? Today, I want to share a simple, stress-free approach to organizing after Christmas that helps you reset your space, restore your peace of mind, and step confidently into the new year.

First, start with what’s most visible. Gather your holiday décor, gifts, and leftover supplies into one central spot. Seeing everything in one place makes the task feel more manageable and helps you decide what to keep, what to store, and what to discard. Remember—organizing isn’t just about placing things in boxes; it’s about choosing what truly deserves a space in your home.

Next, focus on decorations. Before packing them up, take a few minutes to sort. Are there ornaments you never use? Lights that don’t work? Décor that no longer matches your style? Although there’s always that one decoration that spawns a sort of nostalgia for Xmas past that you’ll want to keep. If it brings you joy, as Marie Kondo says, keep it! No one can tell you what is important to you. 

Donate, recycle, or discard items that no longer serve you. This reduces future stress and helps you create a collection you actually love. Decide on a type of organization that suits your storage needs—a shoebox for Xmas balls, plastic bags, and tissue paper. Choose something that will protect your valuable and nostalgic decorations. 

When it comes to gifts, find each one a “home” right away. Whether it’s a kitchen gadget, a new sweater, or a stack of books, giving new items an immediate place prevents them from becoming long-term clutter. If you received duplicates or items you won’t use, don’t be afraid to exchange or donate them—guilt-free. Create gift-giving guidelines for family and friends this holiday season so you don’t end up with something you don’t want - clutter. Next year, establish a tradition in which children donate unused toys to thrift stores. Use that encouragement for yourself and donate items you have not used in the past year. Overall, reconsider the way you gift as well. Try giving experiences as gifts, instead of things. 

Wrapping supplies are another important area. Gather all your bags, tissue paper, ribbons, and tags into a single, easy-to-access container. You’ll thank yourself next year when holiday preparations start again. Label it clearly and store it in a spot where it won’t be forgotten. 

Finally, end with a quick home reset. Fluff the pillows, clear the surfaces, run a load of laundry, vacuum or sweep your floors, or light a fresh candle. Small touches help transform your space from holiday chaos back to everyday comfort.

 Organizing after Christmas need not feel overwhelming. With a little intention and a simple plan, you can turn this seasonal task into an opportunity—a fresh start, a cleaner space, and a calmer mind as you begin the new year.