TL;DR: Find practical, step-by-step tips for post-holiday home organization, focusing on decluttering, investing in functional storage solutions, and creating sustainable systems to maintain an organized home year-round. With actionable advice tailored to everyday spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, and affordable storage solutions from Home Outlet, you can transform your home into clutter-free, functional, and inviting space.

The holidays may be the most wonderful time of the year, but when they’re over, the aftermath can leave your home feeling cluttered and chaotic. Between piles of new gifts, holiday décor to store, and the general busyness of the season, it’s easy for your space to feel overwhelming—especially in smaller rooms where every inch counts.

The post-holiday season is the perfect time to reset your home and reclaim your space. Decluttering, organizing, and refreshing your living areas can help you start the year with a clean slate and a more functional, comfortable environment. Keep reading for practical tips and solutions to tackle post-holiday clutter and create a home that feels fresh, organized, and ready for the year ahead.

Step 1: Assess your Space

Decluttering and organizing after the holidays might feel overwhelming, but breaking it into manageable steps makes the process much simpler. Start by assessing your space and prioritizing where to focus your efforts.

Ask yourself these key questions:

• What rooms do I use the most?

• Organize high-traffic areas, like the living room or kitchen, to maximize their functionality and comfort.

• How does this room impact my daily routine?

• Prioritize areas that directly affect how you start or end your day, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or entryways.

• Which area will make the biggest difference in how I feel about my home?

• Focus on spaces that will create a noticeable improvement in functionality or aesthetics.

• Which areas feel the most cluttered or overwhelming right now?

• Tackling the most overwhelming area first can bring an immediate sense of relief and accomplishment.

• How much time and energy can I realistically dedicate to organizing?

• If you’re feeling overwhelmed, choose a smaller, less cluttered space to build momentum before moving to larger areas.

• Are there seasonal items in this space that I can store away?

• Begin by packing away holiday decorations, winter clothing, or other seasonal items to create more room.

• What storage solutions do I already have available?

• Assess the functionality of your existing storage options to see if they meet your current needs.

Focus on decluttering the area that will have the biggest impact on your daily life. For example:

• Living Room: If this is your family’s favorite gathering spot, start by clearing away holiday gifts or general clutter to restore a relaxing atmosphere. If you have an empty nook - consider using cabinets to create a great built-in storage space or mini-bar setup.

• Kitchen: If you love cooking but feel overwhelmed by disorganized cabinets or leftover holiday baking supplies, this may be the ideal place to begin. The right storage solutions can make your kitchen feel brand new.

• Bathroom: Create a calm, peaceful environment and speed up your morning routine with a well-organized bathroom. Optimize your storage solutions with a new vanity or cabinet. This effort can also be extended to your closet and laundry room - Home Outlet carries a great selection of cabinets that can create beautiful storage solutions in any room.

Thorough home organization takes time, but prioritizing by room ensures the process feels more manageable and less daunting. Start with the space that will immediately lift your spirits and improve your daily routine when it’s clean and organized.

Step 2: Declutter with Purpose 

Once you’ve chosen where to start, the next step is tackling the clutter with a focused plan. Begin by sorting items into three categories: keep, donate, or trash.

A simple rule to guide your decluttering process is the “one in, one out” principle: For every new item brought into the space, remove one that no longer serves a purpose.

As you sort through your belongings, consider these questions:

• How often do I use this item?

• Is it broken, worn, or outdated?

• Do I have something new that can replace it?

• Does this item hold sentimental value?

• Would someone else benefit from this, or should it be recycled or trashed?

Pro Tip: If you have kids at home, decluttering may go more smoothly if done solo. I have found that my kids often show a newfound interest in items that land in the trash or donate piles, creating unnecessary battles and slowing down the progress.

Step 3: Invest in Storage Solutions

One of the most rewarding parts of decluttering after the holidays is creating an efficient organization system that works for your home. Post-holiday home organization has become a New Year tradition for many, and it’s the perfect time to take advantage of seasonal sales on storage solutions like bins, label makers, and more.

To determine the best storage options for your space, consider these tips:

1. Maximize Your Space

Whether you’re organizing a small apartment or a home with spacious closets, finding the right storage solutions can make all the difference.

• For Small Spaces: Look for under-bed storage containers, stackable bins, or vertical storage solutions to make the most of limited space.

• For Larger Storage Areas: Opt for clearly labeled bins, shelves, and containers that make it easy to find items in the future. Consider transparent bins or color-coded systems for quick identification when you need the items.

2. Organize by Season

Grouping items by season is an effective way to keep your belongings organized and easy to find.

• Examples: Store holiday décor, seasonal clothing, shoes, and bedding in separate bins labeled with their corresponding season.

• Pro Tip: Invest in specialty storage solutions designed for holiday items, like ornament containers, wrapping paper organizers, or light storage reels to keep everything protected and neatly stored.

3. Organize by Use

Keep your home functional by grouping items based on how and when they’re used.

• For Kids’ Toys: Use small, stackable bins to organize toys with lots of pieces, like Legos, puzzles, or doll accessories. Label each bin by category for quick cleanup.

• For Shared Items: Create common storage areas for items like board games, electronics, tools, or household essentials to make them easy for everyone to locate.

4. Choose Functional Solutions

The key to maintaining an organized home is investing in storage solutions that are both practical and efficient.

• Ease of Access: Ensure your system makes it simple to store and retrieve items, encouraging long-term adherence to your organization plan.

• Durability: Select high-quality bins or containers that will stand up to frequent use, especially for heavier items.

Bonus Tips for Finding Great Storage Deals

• Shop post-holiday sales for discounted storage solutions.

• Look for multi-use options like stackable bins, modular shelves, and collapsible containers to maximize versatility.

• Consider online resources or local stores for customizable options tailored to your specific needs.

By investing in the right storage solutions, you can create a system that keeps your home organized year-round. A functional and well-thought-out system will make it easy to maintain order and enjoy your space to the fullest.

Step 4: Freshen Up Everyday Spaces

Decluttering after the holidays is a perfect opportunity to breathe new life into your everyday spaces, like your kitchen and bathrooms. When I’m in an organizing state of mind, I capitalize on the opportunity to freshen up the storage and organization in these other areas of my home. By reorganizing, deep cleaning, and adding functional storage solutions, you can create a more efficient and enjoyable environment for daily use throughout the year.

A few organization tips you can use to freshen up these spaces:

1. Declutter and Deep Clean

Start by tackling areas that often accumulate unused or expired items:

• Kitchen Cabinets and Refrigerator: Sort through and discard expired food, outdated spices, and rarely used kitchen gadgets.

• Bathroom Drawers: Clear out old makeup, toiletries, or items you no longer use. Now is also a great time to deep clean these spaces to start fresh.

2. Organize Your Pantry

An organized pantry makes meal prep easier and maximizes your space:

• Use Bins and Baskets: Group similar items, such as snacks, canned goods, or condiments, in labeled bins or baskets for quick access.

• Storage for Staples: Invest in airtight storage containers for essentials like flour, sugar, or cereal. These keep items fresh and reduce clutter.

• Adapt to Your Space: Whether you have a small cabinet pantry or a walk-in, there are storage solutions to fit every size. 

• Get Creative: We suggest the Hardware Resources Door Mounted Pantry Organizer to maximize storage in a small space. Remember that game closet you dread opening? This organizer can serve so many purposes and spaces!

3. Assess and Improve Your Space

While freshening up, consider small updates that can make your everyday spaces more functional:

• Quick Fixes: Install butcher block floating shelves, spice organizers, or lid organizers to better utilize vertical and cabinet space. 

• DIY Storage Projects: Home Outlet’s Unfinished Oak Cabinets are a versatile and affordable option for adding custom storage. These cabinets work well in hallways, living rooms, or offices and can be painted or stained to fit your home’s style.
  
  Discover all that Home Outlet offers in kitchen organization here.

4. Maximize Storage in Bathrooms and Kitchens

Create a system that works for your lifestyle and makes these spaces more efficient:

• Add drawer organizers for utensils, cosmetics, or small toiletries.

• Use over-the-door or wall-mounted racks for extra storage without taking up counter space.

• Label shelves or bins to ensure everything has a designated spot and is easy to find.

Pro Tip:  Storage solutions don’t have to be purely functional. Choose materials and colors that complement the style in your home for a more polished look. For example, woven baskets, leather bins, or clear acrylic containers add style to an organized space.

By decluttering, reorganizing, and making small updates, you can transform your everyday spaces into functional and inviting areas that make daily routines easier. Plus, with Home Outlet’s affordable storage and cabinet options, you can tackle these projects without breaking the bank.

Step 5: Create a System to Maintain Your Organized Home

The key to keeping your home organized after the holidays isn’t just decluttering—it’s creating a system that’s sustainable for the long term. A well-thought-out organization strategy will help you maintain order throughout the year and reduce the stress of seasonal clutter.

Here are a few home organization tips for long term success:

1. Invest in Functional Storage Solutions

This step is essential for long-term success. Choose storage options that:

• Fit Your Space: Make the most of your home’s layout, whether you have limited storage or ample room. There are storage solutions for every nook and cranny of your home, including commonly unused areas like under sinks and corner cabinets that are difficult to reach.

• Work with Your Lifestyle: Opt for solutions that are easy to access and use daily, so you’re more likely to stick to the system.

• Prioritize Durability: High-quality storage bins, shelves, and organizers will withstand regular use and save you from frequent replacements.

2. Clearly Label Everything

Labels are a simple yet essential tool for maintaining organization.

• Use labels on bins, baskets, and shelves to make it easy to locate and return items.

• For a polished look, try printed labels or chalkboard-style tags that are easy to update.

• Ensure everyone in the household understands the system and follows it, making it easier to maintain.

3. Tidy Up Regularly

Consistency is key to preventing clutter from piling up again.

• Set Regular Decluttering Sessions: Every few months, go through each room using the “keep, donate, trash” method to stay ahead of clutter.

• Adopt Daily Habits: Spend a few minutes tidying up each day by putting items back in their designated spots.

• Seasonal Refreshes: Use major holidays or seasonal changes as reminders to reassess your organization system and make updates if needed.

Pro Tip: An over complicated storage system can be difficult to maintain. Focus on solutions that are practical for your lifestyle and easy for everyone in the household to follow.

By creating a functional and sustainable organization system, you’ll set yourself up for a clutter-free home year-round. Whether it’s labeling bins, tidying up regularly, or using versatile storage solutions, these small steps can lead to big results. With Home Outlet’s affordable products, you can build an efficient system without overspending.

Post-Holiday Organization Made Easy!

The post-holiday clutter doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By following a few simple home organization tips, you can reclaim your space and start the New Year with a fresh, stress-free home. Focus on decluttering your most-used spaces, investing in functional storage solutions, and creating a system that works for your lifestyle. These small steps can lead to a more organized, enjoyable home all year long. Discover all that Home Outlet has to offer in organization solutions today and take the first step to creating a clutter-free home!

 

About the Author

With over 15 years of experience in marketing and sales, Danial R. specializes in crafting strategic content for both online and offline audiences, driving internal communications, and staying ahead of industry trends. For the past six years, she's focused on the building materials industry, attending national design shows annually to bring fresh insights and inspiration to her work. Having recently built her own home, she brings a hands-on perspective to home improvement projects and shares practical advice based on real-world experience. She holds a degree in Marketing Management and a Master of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing, blending academic expertise with industry know-how to help homeowners and professionals achieve their goals.