As another magical holiday season wraps up, it’s hard to shake off the bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye to all the festive cheer. While things may not yet feel entirely “normal” in the holiday sense, I still found so much joy in decorating—from Halloween through Thanksgiving and into the grand finale of Christmas. The sparkle and color of holiday décor always bring a little extra joy, and I felt that was especially needed this year. But now, it’s time to pack up all the glitter and twinkle and tuck them away in the basement until next season.
As much as I look forward to a tidy house, there’s always a small sense of melancholy when the holiday decorations come down. The house never seems as vibrant as it did a few months ago when everything felt cozy and full of life. You’d think I’d be thrilled by the thought of a clean slate—finally, no more clutter!—but after all the festive displays, the rooms can feel just a bit empty. This little dilemma often sparks my desire for a fresh start, to breathe new life into my space and enter the new year with positive energy. And so, I turn to my trusty method, which I jokingly call “declutter, then re-clutter.”
Step 1: Declutter
The first part of this process is all about clearing the way. I pack away my seasonal décor—carefully sorting ornaments, vignettes, and room-specific pieces. I swap out holiday-themed pillow covers and dust the remnants of glitter from the mantel. But that’s just the beginning! Once the space feels emptier, I take a moment to assess it with a fresh perspective. Maybe the color scheme feels a little dated, or the walls could use a pop of something new. Perhaps there’s a hidden chip on a beloved vase, or the furniture layout isn’t quite working anymore. Now’s the time to remove anything that feels out of place, unnecessary, or no longer aligns with your vision for the year ahead.
And don’t forget: if you’ve been toying with the idea of moving the sofa or shifting furniture, this is the perfect opportunity. A simple rearrangement can make a room feel brand new.
Step 2: Re-Clutter (A.k.a. Refresh)
Once the space is decluttered, it’s time to “re-clutter” (with a little more intention this time!). This doesn’t mean filling the room with random items, but thoughtfully adding new pieces that will breathe fresh life into your home.
If your space feels a bit stale, sometimes a fresh coat of paint is all it takes to transform the room. A new wall color can revitalize everything from textiles to furniture, bringing out fresh tones that weren’t as noticeable before. If a full-on paint job feels like too much work, consider updating your fabrics. Changing pillow covers, throws, or curtains can inject a burst of energy into the room and completely change the vibe.
New art and accessories are also great ways to elevate a space. As we’re spending more time indoors during the colder months, it’s the perfect moment to refresh the walls with new artwork or add a few statement pieces. You could also rearrange your shelves for a fun, updated look—sometimes a small shift in display can create a completely new dynamic.
