The holidays are over, and the clutter is real. Feeling overwhelmed? It’s time to hit the reset button! Decluttering and organizing creates a more peaceful and productive home. Today I’m sharing budget-friendly strategies, clever storage, and how to find amazing organizational items at thrift stores
Post-Holiday Declutter & Organize: A Fresh Start for Your Home
The holidays are over, the decorations are coming down, and… suddenly you’re faced with the aftermath: a mountain of wrapping paper, misplaced gifts, and a house that feels a little more cluttered than usual. Sound familiar? It’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed after the festive season. But don’t worry, you’re not alone!
This is the perfect time to hit the reset button and create a fresh, organized space. Not only will decluttering and organizing reduce stress and create a more peaceful home, but it can also boost your productivity and help you start the new year feeling refreshed. And the best part? You don’t have to spend a fortune to get organized.
Today we’ll explore budget-friendly decluttering strategies, clever storage solutions, and how to score amazing organizational finds to help. you get organized.
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Section 1: Decluttering Strategies
Decluttering can feel like a daunting task, especially after the holidays. But it doesn’t have to be! The key is to break it down into manageable steps and approach it with a clear strategy. Here are some proven decluttering techniques to help you get started:
The Four Box Method:
This simple yet effective method is a fantastic way to categorize your belongings and make decluttering less overwhelming. You’ll need four boxes or containers, labeled as follows:
- Keep: Items you use regularly, love, or need.
- Donate: Items in good condition that you no longer use but could benefit someone else.
- Trash: Items that are broken, damaged, or beyond repair.
- Relocate: Items that belong in a different room or area of your home.
As you go through your belongings, place each item into the appropriate box. This method provides a clear visual and helps you make decisions quickly. Once you’re finished, immediately take out the trash and donations. This prevents those items from creeping back into your living space.
Start Small:
One of the biggest mistakes people make when decluttering is trying to tackle everything at once. This can quickly lead to burnout and discouragement. Instead, start small.
As someone who is easily sidetracked when I’m cleaning and organizing this method works for me: choose one area, like a single drawer, a shelf, or a corner of a room. Once you’ve successfully decluttered that small area, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and be motivated to continue.
Gradually work your way through your home, one small space at a time. January is the perfect time to work on home organization at least here in New England where I hibernate anyways!
I am starting with my seasonal storage bins in the basement, right now I’m working through Christmas and then I will tackle my other seasonal bins to see what I can donate or toss.
Ask the Right Questions:
Deciding what to keep and what to let go of can be challenging. Asking yourself the right questions can help you make clear, objective decisions. Here are some helpful questions to consider:
- Have I used this in the past year? If the answer is no, it’s likely time to let it go.
- Does this bring me joy? (I learned this one from reading Marie Kondo’s book) If an item doesn’t spark joy or evoke positive feelings, it’s probably not worth keeping.
- Do I have multiples of this item? If you have several similar items, consider keeping only the best one or two.
- Is it damaged or broken? If an item is broken and you haven’t repaired it (or don’t plan to), it’s time to toss it.
- Would I buy this again today? This question helps you assess the item’s current value and relevance to your life.
Dealing with Sentimental Items:
Sentimental items can be the hardest to declutter. These items hold emotional value and memories, making it difficult to part with them. Here are some tips for handling sentimental items:
- Take photos: If you’re struggling to let go of a physical item, take a photo of it. This allows you to preserve the memory without keeping the clutter.
- Create a memory box: Choose a special box or container to store a few select sentimental items. This helps you curate your memories and avoid keeping everything.
- Repurpose items: Consider repurposing sentimental items into something new. For example, you could turn old t-shirts into a quilt or use fabric scraps from a loved one’s clothing to create a decorative pillow.
- Give yourself permission to let go: It’s okay to let go of sentimental items. Holding onto too many things can actually hinder your ability to cherish the memories they represent.
For my boys, I have a couple of large storage bins for each of them where I save their favorite sports jerseys, trophies, school memorabilia from when they were growing up, & a few pieces of their little baby clothes. I’ve let the rest go.
So I encourage you to try these techniques so you can create a more organized and peaceful home. Remember to take it one step at a time!
Section 2: Budget-Friendly Storage Solutions
Once you’ve decluttered, the next step is to find effective storage solutions to keep your belongings organized and prevent clutter from creeping back in. You don’t have to spend a fortune on fancy storage containers.
Here are some budget-friendly ideas to help you maximize your space:
Repurposing Existing Items:
Look around your home – you likely already have items that can be repurposed for storage! This is the most budget-friendly option, as it utilizes what you already own:
- Shoe/ boot boxes: These are perfect for organizing drawers, storing accessories like scarves or belts, or even creating dividers in larger storage bins. You can cover them with decorative paper or fabric for a more polished look.
- Glass jars and containers: Clean out empty food jars (like pasta sauce or jam jars) and use them for pantry storage, organizing craft supplies, or storing small items in the bathroom.
- Cardboard boxes: Sturdy cardboard boxes can be used for storing larger items in closets or attics. Label them clearly to easily identify their contents.
- Old baskets and bins: If you have any old baskets or bins that you’re not currently using, give them a new purpose by using them for storage in different areas of your home.
Cardboard boxes make great storage containers and most of us have them, especially after the holidays! What can be more budget-friendly than not having to spend an extra dime on something new from the store!
Budget Finds:
Dollar stores are a treasure trove of affordable storage solutions. Here are some common finds:
- Plastic bins and baskets: These come in various sizes and are perfect for organizing everything from toys and clothing to pantry items and cleaning supplies.
- Drawer organizers: These inexpensive organizers can transform cluttered drawers into neat and tidy spaces.
- Storage caddies: These are great for organizing items under the sink, in the bathroom, or in a craft room.
- Adhesive hooks and organizers: These are perfect for maximizing vertical space and creating extra storage on walls or inside cabinets.
Thrifting for Storage:
Thrift stores are a fantastic place for finding unique and affordable storage items. You can often find:
- Baskets and bins: Wicker baskets, metal bins, and other storage containers can often be found at a fraction of the price of new ones.
- Trays and platters: These can be used to organize items on countertops or dressers.
- Shelving units and small furniture: Occasionally, you can find small shelving units, nightstands, or other furniture pieces that can be repurposed for storage.
Our quest for a clutter-free home doesn’t mean we have to spend a lot of money. Remember to be creative and think outside the box – you might be surprised at what you can repurpose for storage!
Section 3: Decluttering and Organizing Holiday Decorations
Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to pack away the festive decorations. But before you simply toss everything into boxes, take some time to declutter and organize your holiday décor. This will make it much easier to decorate next year and prevent damage to your precious items.
Sorting and Assessing:
Start by gathering all your holiday decorations in one place. This will allow you to see everything you have and assess its condition. As you go through each item, ask yourself these questions:
- Is it broken or damaged? Discard any broken ornaments, frayed ribbons, or damaged lights.
- Did I use it this year? If you didn’t use it this year, chances are you won’t miss it next year. Consider donating it to a local charity or thrift store.
- Do I still love it? Our tastes can change over time. If you no longer love a particular decoration, it’s okay to let it go.
This is what I have been doing this week! I’ve been going through all of my Christmas bins now that I am trying to pack this year’s decorations away.
My decorating tastes have changed over the past 5 years so I am boxing up all of the ornaments and Christmas decorations that I haven’t used for the past couple of years to donate to my local thrift store.
Proper Storage:
Proper storage is key to preserving your holiday decorations and preventing damage.
Here are some tips:
- Use Clear Storage Bins Invest in sturdy plastic storage bins to protect your decorations from dust, moisture, and pests. For solid bins that you can’t see through label clearly with its contents (e.g., “Ornaments,” “Garland,” “Lights”).
- Wrap Delicate Ornaments: Wrap delicate ornaments individually in tissue paper, bubble wrap, or old t-shirts to prevent them from breaking. You can also use ornament storage boxes with individual compartments.
- Store Lights Properly: Wind light strands around a cardboard tube or a piece of sturdy cardboard to prevent tangling. Or use a specialty light storage bin
- Use Original Packaging When Possible: If you still have the original packaging for some of your decorations, use it for storage. This will provide extra protection and keep items organized.
- Store Similar Items Together: Group similar items together in the same bin. For example, store all your tree ornaments in one bin, all your garland in another, and so on.
Space-Saving Storage Ideas:
If you’re short on storage space, here are some tips for maximizing your space:
- Vacuum Storage Bags: Use vacuum storage bags to compress bulky items like wreaths, garlands, and fabric decorations. This can significantly reduce their storage volume.
- Storage Containers: Utilize the space under your beds for storing flatter items like wrapping paper, tablecloths, and tree skirts.
- Hanging Organizers: Use hanging organizers in closets or on the back of doors to store smaller decorations like ribbons, bows, and ornaments.
- Utilize Vertical Space: Store bins on shelves or in the attic to maximize vertical space.
I stack my seasonal storage bins against the wall in my basement, out of the way and I maximize the space by stacking the bins 3 high.
Now that you’re armed with these budget-friendly decluttering strategies and smart storage ideas, it’s time to take action! Don’t let the post-holiday clutter linger. Choose one area to tackle today, and start experiencing the positive impact of a decluttered space. Remember, even small steps can make a big difference. Here’s to a fresh start and a clutter-free new year!
xo, Jennifer
shop storage:
My brother is coming to visit this week and I was trying to find a recipe of a cookie he loved as a child in MA. I googled Hermits and up came your recipe. Thank you so much….it’s just like what we ate as a child.
I am thrilled!!! My Nana had such a sweet tooth when I was little and I was lucky to always have treats like hermits, gingerbread men, and frosted spice cake from the Yum Yum shop (they used to be in Demoulas/Market Basket). Enjoy!!