A fresh start, our guide to post-holiday decluttering

After the excitement of Christmas and New Year, January offers the perfect opportunity to reset and refresh your home. Whether you're packing away holiday decorations, tackling leftover clutter, or simply looking to start the year feeling organised, now is the time to give your space some attention.

As an estate agent in London, we know how transformative even small changes can be. With a bit of effort, you can create a more inviting, functional home to carry you through the year ahead. Here are our top tips for post-holiday decluttering.

1. A fresh start begins with a plan. Create a realistic checklist of tasks room by room, focusing on manageable goals. Prioritise areas that need the most attention, like your living room or kitchen, and break tasks into smaller steps to stay motivated.

2. Concentrate on the most-used areas of your home—spaces that see the most clutter during the holidays:

• Living Room: Clear away gift packaging, organise electronics, and tidy shelves.
• Kitchen: Sort through cupboards and group similar items together. Dispose of expired food and make space for new supplies.
• Hallway: Tidy up coats, shoes, and any stray post to make the space welcoming and functional.

3. As you pack away your festive décor, use this time to reassess what you want to keep. Get rid of broken ornaments or decorations you no longer use and neatly organise the rest for easy access next year.

4. Return items to their homes. Post-Christmas clutter can make your home feel chaotic. Go room by room and return misplaced items to their proper places—books, toys, mugs, and anything left out over the festive break. This quick task can instantly refresh your space.

5. Declutter the Fridge and Freezer. After the indulgence of the holiday season, clear out leftovers, expired items, and spills in your fridge and freezer. Wipe down shelves and organise food into categories to keep everything tidy. This small effort can make your kitchen feel instantly cleaner and more functional.

6. Donate Unused Items. With new gifts now part of your home, it’s the perfect time to donate items you no longer need. Toys, books, clothes, or household items can go to a good home and make space for what you truly use and enjoy.

7. Review your winter wardrobe and assess what you’ve worn over the past few months. Donate items that no longer fit or haven’t been touched, and store away Christmas jumpers or party outfits you’ll use again next year.

8. Refresh Your Finances. The New Year is a great time to declutter your budget. Review bank statements, cancel unused subscriptions, and plan ways to save after Christmas and New Year spending. This step ensures your finances start the year on a solid footing.

Starting the New Year with a decluttered, organised home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By focusing on these simple steps, you’ll create a space that’s not only functional but also welcoming—setting the stage for a fresh, productive year ahead.

If you’re planning to sell or let, now or in the future, a free valuation by Portico is the key to your next move. Book your free valuation today.