With Christmas done and dusted, there's only one thing on my mind: getting my home decluttered ahead of 2026. There's no better way to start a fresh year than in a tidy, organised house, and this limbo period is the perfect opportunity to clear the decks (both literally and figuratively).
I'll be using this time to let go of unused items that are just clogging up space and to apply these Christmas decoration storage hacks to keep everything in tip-top condition for next year's festivities.
Dealing with the post-Christmas mess can feel like a mega-mission, so to find out the easiest ways to tackle it – and how to involve the whole family in the process – I spoke with a professional organiser and psychotherapist. To discover their top tips for getting your house in order, keep on reading!
How to declutter your home after Christmas
Feeling exhausted at just the idea of decluttering? Don’t worry – Becky Purchas, founder of White Space, has broken it down into five simple steps:
1. Understand your reasoning
"Before you start, get clear on why you’re decluttering. Keeping your reason in mind will help you stay focused when decision fatigue sets in," she says.
Ask yourself the following: "Is it to start the new year feeling calm and in control, to prepare for a move, or to make space for a growing family?"
2. Tackle the Christmas decorations first
It's easy to feel overwhelmed when looking at the big picture, but starting with your Christmas decorations is the best approach. Before you pack items into storage, reflect on whether any pieces didn’t make it into the display, and ask yourself why.
If your tastes have changed or you have too many, Becky says it’s the perfect time to remove and donate them.
3. Put away your gifts
If you find yourself with too many gifts and not enough space, Becky recommends using the one-in, one-out method. "If your jumper drawer is full but you received a new one, remove the one that’s itchy, too small or rarely worn. This one-in, one-out method can be applied throughout the home."
There’s nothing worse than pulling everything out of your bedroom storage and losing motivation halfway through, but this handy tip makes decluttering simple and achievable.
4. Pay attention to high-traffic areas
"Focus on high-traffic areas, such as the living room or kitchen, to see quick results that boost motivation." Tidy that built-in storage space in your living room, or give your kitchen storage ideas an overhaul and you'll be amazed at the difference it makes.
5. Donate within 24 hours of decluttering
Once you’ve finished decluttering, don’t leave your unwanted items in a bin bag by the door for weeks on end (or hidden in your car boot, like me!). Becky recommends getting donations out of your house within 24 hours to keep the momentum going and prevent any backtracking.
If you're in need of some extra motivation, it's worth remembering that decluttering can also help with damp problems.
Shop these decluttering essentials
Perfect for organising bed sheets, towels, and clothing, this six-pack of storage boxes makes it easy to see what you have.
Sick of loose cables taking up your drawers? This acrylic box will keep them neatly organised.
Protect your Christmas decorations from damage with this stackable bauble storage box.
Becky Purchas is a professional organiser and declutter coach, and the founder of White Space. With a warm and encouraging approach, Becky cuts through the physical and mental clutter, to create clarity and functional space that supports wellbeing.
What to do with unwanted Christmas gifts
The Christmas period causes a significant surge in waste, so to keep things as environmentally friendly as possible, Becky Purchas says to rehome, repurpose, or recycle unwanted items.
Rehome: It might feel difficult or rude to part ways with unwanted gifts, but Becky says you shouldn't feel obliged to keep anything. "The gift was a gesture of affection, so you can keep that sentiment without keeping the item. Could someone else appreciate it more? Consider re-gifting, selling, or donating if it’s in great condition."
Repurpose: "Get creative. That novelty mug that’s awkward to drink from could become a pen holder or a plant pot. Look for ways that you will definitely repurpose items, but don’t keep them just in case you ‘might have a use for it one day’."
Recycle: If it's not possible to rehome or repurpose, try to recycle as much as you can instead of throwing it in the bin – just remember to check your local guidelines first.
How to involve the whole family in decluttering
It might be easier to crack on independently, but it’s important to involve the whole family in the process. Not only will this reduce later conflict about what gets thrown out, but it will also build shared responsibility and pride in keeping the house tidy.
"Lasting results come from the emotions and habits we associate with decluttering," says Becky Purchas. "Try to make it fun, especially for children. Turn it into a game, such as the first person to find 10 items to let go of wins a small treat (ideally not another ‘thing’)."
"You could even make the donation box a bit of target practice, or set a timer for 15 or 30 minutes and do what you can in that time! Encourage the family to think about the people or charities who’ll benefit from their donations. Find ways to attach positive feelings to the task."
"Nagging or pushing others often backfires, so lead by example instead. Show how decluttering and organising your own things makes life better for you. Acknowledge any effort they make, no matter how small. These positive influences might take time to show, but they’ll create lasting change."
Overcoming guilt or indecision when decluttering
Decluttering can bring up uncomfortable emotions – especially when your possessions hold fond memories.
While she notes that this is a deeply personal decision, Eloise Skinner, author and psychotherapist, suggests asking yourself the following questions if you're unsure about what to let go of:
- Does the item continue to bring a feeling of meaning, happiness and fulfilment into the space? Is it associated with positive or meaningful memories, or does it no longer hold these associations?
- Is the item being retained purely out of guilt for not wanting to discard it, or does it have a stronger personal connection?
- Would the item have better use if it were to be donated, or is it an item that carries most of its value in the sentimental connection?
- Would the item be missed if it were gone?
This helpful book explains the emotional connection we have to our stuff, with practical advice on how to let go. Also available as an audiobook.
Eloise Skinner is a London-based psychotherapist and author.
Becky concludes, "The period after Christmas is the perfect time to reset your home. With new gifts to put away and decorations coming down, it’s an opportunity to create space and start the year feeling calm and organised. The key to decluttering, without the overwhelm, is to approach the task with a plan."
If you're looking for more ways to reset your home in the new year, our favourite living room storage ideas and loft storage ideas are a great place to start.
