Mindful Post-Holiday Reset
This is the fourth blog post in my holiday series, created to inspire you and help you find more ease during this season. If you missed any earlier ones, here they are:
A KonMari-Inspired Approach to the Holidays
The rush of the holidays is winding down, and the new year is just around the corner. Whether you hosted gatherings, received gifts, made lots of arts and crafts, or relaxed in your pajamas, here are simple tips to help you reset your home. Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method® inspires them.
01. Set Aside Time
It’s easy to underestimate how long organizing can take, so setting aside a block of time will help you complete this process without feeling rushed. You can turn this into a fun end-of-the-season activity with your kids, partner, roommates, or other helpers. Making cozy, warm drinks and turning on music can set the mood.
02. Gather All Items
Gather all holiday decorations, gifts, and related items from around the house into one central area. Set up a designated work space, such as a table or clear surface, that is large enough for safe and comfortable movement. When handling fragile items, placing a towel or cloth underneath can be helpful.
03. Sort By Category
Once you’ve gathered everything, sort the items by category. Start with broad categories such as decor, gifts, food and beverages, and kitchenware. You can then break them down into smaller sub-categories such as cards, cookware, lights, and ornaments. This helps you see the amount in each category and simplifies the sorting process.
04. Decide What to Keep
Each person is responsible for checking their own items for joy and purpose. For younger children, parents can guide them. Broken items and things that neither spark joy nor serve a purpose can be responsibly donated or discarded with gratitude. If something needs to be repaired or cleaned, do so before storing it away.
05. Put Things Away
Gather bags, boxes, and containers. Reusable materials like tissue paper and gift packaging can be useful here. While it might be tempting to store everything in one big box and call it a day, it’s important to handle holiday items with care and thought.
Find a Home
Put the items you have chosen to keep back in their designated homes. If they don’t have one yet, decide on one.
Is there anything that can serve a dual purpose for year-round decor? If so, they don’t even need to be stored! It’s a win-win.
Choose the Right Containers
Since your holiday items are already sorted, it will be easy to see how much there is and find the right-sized container. Consider specific storage solutions that will keep them safe and secure, starting with what you already own.
For ornaments, containers with compartments are helpful, and using bubble wrap or tissue paper can protect the more delicate ones. Since ornament hooks tend to fall off, placing them in a jar or container will prevent them from being lost or stepped on by accident.
Labeling your containers will make it easier to find what you are looking for next year.
Storage Tips
Store items upright, whether in a container or directly on a shelf. Doing so prevents them from being crushed and is especially important for heavier or larger items.
To maximize vertical storage space, use stacking containers.
Consider the ideal type of environment for your items. Store everything in one easy-to-access area.
Pass on Donations
If someone is coming to the house to pick something up, set up a time with them.
Place remaining items to be donated in your car or in a designated area in the house as a reminder to drop them off.
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Following a process to reset your home after the holidays is great for many reasons. Having a clear plan of how it will happen and knowing what to expect lowers stress and anxiety. With practice and time, it will become a routine you can depend on to bring more calm before the new year.
I use this KonMari-inspired philosophy in every organizing session with clients who want more peace at home. You can learn more about Marie Kondo and her KonMari Method here.
