New Year's Clean Up

The winter holidays bring light, celebration, and often a little bit of chaos! After the last songs have been sung and the candles have burned low, clearing out the tinsel and trinkets helps make space for the season ahead. A quick clean-up can refresh your home and your mindset. Here are a few simple steps to clear up the holiday clutter!

Taking Down Decor

Holiday cards, lights and ornaments help make the season bright, but they start to look sad by January. Keep your seasonal spirit fresh by putting all the holiday mementos away:

• Take down all of the decor, from lights and ornaments to cards, candles and themed decorations.

• Cards can be recycled. Save only those with deep sentimental value, in a memorabilia box dedicated for photos and letters. Check return addresses on cards and note updates before recycling.

• Sort through each item, discarding things that are broken or used up. If you’re holding onto items you don’t use, donate them.

• Sort and categorize items and store them in labeled, airtight bins. They’ll be easier to find next year.

Gather Gifts & Gifting Supplies

In the excitement of wrapping presents, it’s easy to lose track of which wrapping paper is on its last scrap and which ribbon is on its last curl. Now’s the time to take inventory and tidy up so your gift wrap station is clear of clutter.

Recycle the last strip of paper and toss the final bit of ribbon. If there’s enough paper, ribbon or tape in good condition left to wrap up a small gift, keep it-but organize scraps and pieces of ribbon into bags or bins to prevent clutter! For all the rest—let it go.

Among the gifts you’ve received, you inevitably get some that are not for you, despite the gift-giver's best intentions. Sort through what you’ll actually use and want to keep, and make a plan for the rest. Untouched items can be returned and exchanged, donated, or re-gifted to someone who would truly use them.

Remember, you’re the gatekeeper of your home. You get to decide what stays and what goes.

Kitchen Cleanup

The holidays mean entertainment. Entertainment means cooking, and cooking means kitchen clutter! Now that the holiday season is over, take back your kitchen.

• Return specialty baking items to their usual spots.

• If you’ve brought down special serving platters or dishes, put them back up on their shelf.

• Did guests bring over a dish? Return items to their owners.

• Wash and store seasonal table linens.

• If you’re feeling ambitious, inventory and toss expired dressings, condiments, and sauces from the fridge!

• Find more tips on clearing holiday clutter here.

Clearing Out Intentions

Clearing your space is a way to give yourself room to breathe and peace of mind. Once you’ve put your holiday things away, enjoy your home and spend some quiet time reflecting on the past year and setting your intentions for the year to come.

Best,