1. Start with a “Big Picture” Reset
Before you dive into junk drawers and closets, start with the areas that make the biggest visual difference.
Clear the surfaces
- Put away stray wrapping paper, bows, and gift bags.
- Recycle boxes and broken packaging.
- Collect all dishes, cups, and napkins from living areas and return them to the kitchen.
Do a quick whole-house sweep
Grab a laundry basket and walk through your main living spaces, tossing in anything that doesn’t belong: toys, socks, random decor, mail, etc. You’ll sort it later—this is about restoring basic order first.2. Tackle Holiday Decorations with a Plan
Instead of just stuffing everything into bins, use this as an opportunity to declutter and simplify for next year.
Sort decorations into categories
Lay everything out and group by type:- Tree ornaments
- Lights
- Garland and wreaths
- Mantel and tabletop decor
- Outdoor items
- Did I use this this year?
- Is it broken, damaged, or missing pieces?
- Does it still match my style?
Pack smarter for next year
A few simple tweaks can make next year’s decorating much easier:- Store ornaments by room or by tree (if you have more than one).
- Use clear bins with labels so you know what’s inside at a glance.
- Wind lights around cardboard or a cord reel to avoid tangles.
3. Make Room for New Gifts
New things came in. Now something has to go out.
This is the ideal time to do a quick, low-stress declutter focused on making room for gifts, especially in these areas:
Toys and kids’ items
- Have your kids help choose a few toys to donate or pass along to make space for new ones.
- Toss broken toys or anything with missing essential pieces.
- Use bins, baskets, or labeled cubbies so kids know where things belong.
Clothing and accessories
- For every new sweater, robe, or pair of shoes, choose an older item to donate or discard.
- Remove anything you didn’t wear all year, that doesn’t fit, or that you simply don’t like.
Kitchen and gadgets
- Got new small appliances or kitchen tools? Clear out duplicates and let go of gadgets you never reach for.
- Use drawer organizers or bins to keep like items together (baking tools, utensils, storage lids, etc.).
The goal is to avoid “overstuffing” and start the year with space to breathe.
4. Organize in Zones, Not All at Once
Post-holiday fatigue is real, so don’t expect yourself to declutter the whole house in one day.
Break it into zones:
- Day 1: Living room and main entryway
- Day 2: Kitchen and dining area
- Day 3: Kids’ rooms or playroom
- Day 4: Primary bedroom and bathroom
- Declutter (remove what doesn’t belong or you don’t want).
- Organize what stays.
- Do a quick clean (dust, vacuum, wipe surfaces).
5. Focus on “High-Impact” Organizing
You don’t have to go full minimalist. Instead, pick a few key areas that will make daily life easier in the New Year:
Entryway or drop zone
- Add hooks for coats and bags.
- Use a shoe rack or basket to control piles by the door.
- Set up a small tray or bowl for keys and mail.
Living room
- Use baskets for throws, toys, and remotes to quickly contain visual clutter.
- Keep a small bin or basket for “return to another room” items.
Kitchen counters
- Clear off anything you don’t use daily.
- Designate one “command center” spot for mail, school papers, and lists instead of letting them spread.
These small, focused changes can dramatically reduce day-to-day clutter.
6. Give Your Home a Fresh-Clean Start
Once the decor is stored and the clutter is under control, it’s time for a true reset clean (or even a full deep clean) to support a healthier home:
- Dust surfaces, shelves, and light fixtures.
- Vacuum and mop floors, especially around where the tree or main decor was.
- Wipe down doors, handles, and light switches (a lot of fingers have been around!).
- Deep clean bathrooms and the kitchen after all that holiday hosting.
A thorough deep clean helps remove dust, allergens, germs, and even hidden mold in damp areas, which can improve your indoor air quality and lower your chances of getting sick. A clean, well-organized home also reduces visual clutter and stress, making it easier to relax and recharge as you head into the New Year. You can learn more about the health benefits of a clean house here.
If the idea of doing all of that on your own feels overwhelming, this is an ideal time to bring in help. We offer one-time deep cleaning services designed specifically for these post-holiday reset projects so you can enjoy a cleaner, healthier home without the added stress.
7. Consider Starting the New Year with Recurring Cleaning
Decluttering and organizing are big wins—but keeping it all up is where routines matter.
That’s where recurring house cleaning comes in. It can:
- Help you maintain your fresh start long after the holidays.
- Free up your time for family, hobbies, or much-needed rest.
- Reduce stress and decision fatigue around “when” things will get cleaned.
- Ensure high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces stay consistently clean.
Whether you choose weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly visits, a recurring cleaning service can turn your New Year reset into an all-year reality instead of a January-only feeling. You can learn more about our recurring services here.
8. Set Simple Habits for the Year Ahead
Once your home feels lighter and more organized, protect that feeling with small, manageable habits:
- Do a 10-minute nightly reset (dishes, toys, counters).
- Keep a donation box in a closet and add to it regularly.
- Adopt a “one in, one out” rule for clothing, toys, or decor.
- Do a 15-minute tidy before guests arrive instead of panicking.
Step Into the New Year with a Home You Feel Good In
Post-Christmas clutter doesn’t have to linger for months. With a bit of intentional decluttering, smart organizing, and a fresh clean, your home can feel calm, welcoming, and ready for whatever the New Year brings.
And if you’d like help keeping it that way, Landers Cleaning is here to support you with professional, reliable house cleaning in Baltimore and the surrounding areas. Then you can spend less time digging out from holiday chaos and more time enjoying your home. You did the holidays. Let us help you handle the mess!
