The Post-Holiday Declutter Checklist: Reset Your Home for the New Year

After the holidays, our homes often feel just a little fuller — more décor, more gifts, more wrapping, more everything. A gentle reset now creates the clarity and calm you want to carry into the New Year.

This refined, step-by-step checklist focuses on the spaces that make the biggest difference with the least overwhelm.

Add a mug of something warm, set a 20-minute timer, and begin wherever feels easiest.

1. Clear Out Gift Packaging and Holiday Wrapping

What to do:

• Flatten or recycle shipping boxes

• Reuse or discard torn tissue paper

• Keep only a small set of gift bags in excellent condition

• Replace broken or incomplete sets of wrapping supplies

Tip: Store wrapping in a single bin with dividers — a calm system you can revisit all year.

2. Edit the Decor Before Storing It Away

Holiday decor tends to grow every year. Editing before storing prevents clutter from returning next season.

What to do:

• Let go of decor you didn’t use this year

• Remove duplicates (only keep your favorites)

• Donate anything that doesn’t suit your current style

• Choose clear bins for easy visibility next year

Tip: Label bins by room or category to simplify decorating next season.

3. Refresh the Kitchen After Hosting

The kitchen carries so much holiday activity — now is the perfect moment to reset.

What to do:

• Clear out leftover specialty ingredients you won’t use again

• Recycle or donate unopened holiday foods

• Reset the pantry categories

• Edit mugs, serveware, and gadgets that showed their wear this season

Tip: A 10-minute fridge sweep keeps the whole space feeling lighter.

4. Streamline Kids’ Items After New Gifts Arrive

A thoughtful edit helps make room for new favorites and reduces visual overload.

What to do:

• Donate items children have outgrown

• Recycle broken or incomplete toys

• Keep only the pieces they truly love

• Store collections in labeled bins for easy rotation

Tip: Involve older kids in choosing what to “keep, donate, or rehome.” It builds calm habits early.

5. Reset the Entryway and Mudroom

These spaces carry the most traffic and visual weight during winter.

What to do:

• Put away holiday-specific items

• Edit coats, hats, and gloves for wear

• Rehome shoes that don’t belong in the entry

• Add baskets or trays for a cleaner daily flow

Tip: One calm entryway sets the tone for the entire home.

6. Refresh Your Living Room Surfaces

After gatherings, surfaces tend to collect items. A simple edit makes the room feel spacious again.

What to do:

• Clear coffee and side tables

• Edit seasonal pillows or throws

• Return items to their proper homes

• Re-style shelves lightly for January

Tip: Fewer objects equal more serenity.

7. Do a Gentle Wardrobe Edit

After dressing for events and the winter season, your wardrobe reveals what deserves to stay.

What to do:

• Remove items you didn’t reach for

• Donate or tailor anything that needs attention

• Simplify winter categories

• Refresh your hangers for a clean look

Tip: A small wardrobe reset makes January mornings feel much easier.

A New Year, Made Lighter

A calm home supports a calm mind.
Even one or two sections of this checklist will help lighten your routines as you transition into the New Year.

If you’d like expert support, All Sorted brings subtle luxury and refined systems to homes across Boston and MetroWest.

Subtle luxury, refined systems.
All Sorted — Greater Boston & MetroWest.

Holiday Home Prep: 7 Spaces That Make the Biggest Difference

The holiday season brings so much joy — and also, a little more of everything. More cooking, more guests, more movement, more gear.

A thoughtful edit of just a few key spaces can shift the energy of your home before the holiday rush begins. Small, intentional improvements create instant ease.

1. The Entryway

Your entry is the first and last touchpoint of your home. Coats, boots, bags, mail, packages — everything lands here.

A quick edit instantly reduces visual noise.

Tip: Keep only daily-use items here.

2. Kitchen Countertops

Holiday cooking brings out everything. Clearing countertops makes the entire kitchen feel more spacious and improves flow.

Tip: Hide appliances you don’t use daily.

3. The Pantry

Editing expired items, decanting essentials, and creating zones makes the holidays smoother from the first meal.

Tip: Prioritize clear containers and simple categories.

4. The Guest Room / Multipurpose Room

Clear surfaces, refresh linens, and remove stray items to create a calm landing space for guests.

Tip: One catch‑all basket is enough.

5. The Linen Closet

A streamlined linen closet helps you find what you need fast and makes hosting feel intentional.

Tip: Keep only linens you truly use.

6. The Living Room

Editing blankets, books, toys, and surfaces creates breathing room for gatherings.

Tip: Use the rule of three when styling surfaces.

7. The Primary Closet

Editing what no longer fits or supports your lifestyle frees up valuable space.

Tip: Keep only what you reach for.

A Small Edit Creates Big Ease

You don’t need to organize your entire home to feel ready for the holidays.
A focused edit in even one of these spaces shifts the tone of your season.

If you’d like support preparing your home, I’d be honored to help.

Subtle luxury, refined systems.
All Sorted — Greater Boston & MetroWest.