How to Reset Your Home After the Holiday Chaos

If December is a time for excess, January is the time to simplify and reset. Many people experience a big let-down after the festivities end, but if you reframe your thinking, you can learn to enjoy the simpler and quieter post-holiday season.

Instead of feeling like your house is bare after you've packed up the lights and decorations, freshen up your living space and make it your sanctuary. We've got some tips to help you reset your home after the holidays, and by doing so, it may also help you calm your mind.

Declutter

Does an organized home make you feel calmer? If so, it's not just in your imagination. Research has shown that cluttered, unorganized spaces correlate with lower levels of well-being. Many of us find that our houses explode with a vast amount of new toys and gifts over the holidays. If you're struggling with finding places for all of your new stuff, it helps to first clear out the old.

Your kids can help with this one, and it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Have them go through their toy box or a drawer to pick out items they have stopped playing with. You can donate or give away gently used toys and clothing. Or make some extra money by selling them at a consignment shop, or store them to sell at a kids' resale event near you.

Schools and churches often hold these events in the spring, and they are a great way to find gently used items at low cost while making money from items you no longer need. Once you've decluttered and all your newly acquired items have a place to go, your space will feel much more organized and peaceful.

Deep Clean

Once you've made extra space by clearing out things you don't need, you now have room to clean. You don't have to do this all in one day. If you set your expectations too high, you may find yourself overwhelmed and tempted to quit. Even taking it one room or one big task at a time can help break it down into more manageable steps.

Now is the time to dust, clean floors, and wipe surfaces (especially in the kitchen and bathroom). This is also a good time to consider a deeper cleaning of your home. Clean out your refrigerator by throwing out expired items and wiping down all surfaces. Don't neglect pulling out your fridge and vacuuming behind it, including the condenser coils. This can help with cooling performance and reduce energy bills. You may also want to look for any areas that have been neglected, such as dusty ceiling fans, light fixtures, lamp shades, and windows.

Change Up Your Decor

Even little changes in your home can make it feel fresh. Simple things like updating scents or making a dried flower arrangement can help you reset your home. Here are some simple ways to change up the decor after the holidays.

Add in Seasonal Greenery or Flowers

Your home is clean and decluttered, but you may still feel like it's missing something with all of those beautiful holiday decorations packed up. You can help your space feel more cheerful by adding some greenery or flowers. There are fake flowers and greenery displays for all budgets. However, if you'd like to save money with some beautiful items, head outside to look for items in nature.

Although it's easier to find flowers and blooms in the spring and summer, winter offers some gorgeous choices with clippings of evergreen, dried grasses or other perennials, and pinecones. Another idea is growing spring bulbs indoors to bring vibrant color into your home this winter. Some that do well indoors include daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths.

Update the Scents in Your Home

This is a small one, but changing out your candles or diffusers can make a big difference. We tend to associate smells like cinnamon, peppermint, and cloves with Christmas. For post-holidays, consider bright and fresh scents such as lemon, jasmine, grapefruit, or pine.

Rearrange Decor

Rearranging your usual decor and putting it in a new space can also make it feel new. This is also a good time to look around your kitchen and remove things from the counter that you don't use. Consider adding something functional, like a coffee bar or cutting boards.

Update Your Walls

You can also update your artwork without spending a dime. Art becomes part of the public domain after the artist has been dead for 70 years. There are hundreds of free images in the public domain, which you can download and print from sites such as The Met.

If you want to stick to a budget, you can print them at low cost at places like FedEx or Walgreens. Next, look for beautiful, but inexpensive frames at thrift stores or estate sales.

Don't Neglect Self-Care

For a true reset after the holidays, don't forget to take care of yourself. While you're freshening up your home, consider making a cozy space for yourself to relax, read, or meditate. Add plants, throw blankets, pillows, soft lighting, and aromatherapy to make things as comfy as possible.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Trzykropy/Shutterstock.com