Streamline Storage
If last-year-you left a pile of mangled garland and lights in a bin like a booby trap, this is your reset button. Take time now to store it right so you’re not wrestling it next December. Wrap your string lights around a plastic reel so they don’t fuse into a single knot. Store fragile ornaments in divided containers or individually wrapped to protect them from bumps and moisture. Use sturdy, sealable bins that keep out pests and humidity. Think of this as sending a care package to future you, which you’ll appreciate when the next holiday season rolls back around.
Sweep Up
When the reindeer statues, stockings and candles come down, your house can suddenly feel strangely empty and reveal a season’s worth of dust and pine needles. Use this lull to clean the areas your decor hid: bookshelves, windowsills, doorways, and mantels. The more clutter you remove, the fewer places dust has to gather, so give the high-traffic and high-display spots a little extra attention. And if sweeping, vacuuming and wiping everything down feels overwhelming after a busy season, bring in a trusted local cleaning crew to help restore order.
Deep Clean Trouble Spots
Between the cookie crumbs, cocoa spills, and muddy boots, the holidays leave their mark, especially if you hosted guests. Start the new year off clean by deep-washing carpets, steam-cleaning rugs, and tending to upholstery. Kitchens and bathrooms deserve extra attention after heavy use, too. If there’s a piece of furniture you’ve been meaning to refresh, repaint, or reupholster, winter is a great time to make it a project. It’s amazing how much a small upgrade can reset the feel of a room.
Choose a Winter Palette
Just because the holiday décor is packed away doesn’t mean your home can’t stay warm, inviting, and seasonal. Winter is a great time to play with soft, calming hues or bold, dramatic accents. Start by picking two or three colors you want to anchor the space. You can keep things neutral or add a vibrant accent shade that gives your room some personality. Popular winter color pairings include gray, pale blue, and white; warm earth tones with gold; or deep purple and metallics. If you’re unsure what direction to take, a professional interior decorator can help you sort through options before you make any purchases.
Refresh the Exterior
Even without the giant inflatable snowmen or a big holiday light display, your exterior can still feel friendly and wintry. Extend your indoor palette outdoors through porch décor, planters and subtle lighting. Use natural materials such as birchwood, pinecones, winter branches, or touches of red berries. Neutral hues like white, gray, and icy blue offer a calm, seasonal look that pairs well with snowy landscapes.
Light It Up
Winter may slowly be crawling back toward longer days, but sunlight is still in short supply. Maximize natural light by using sheer curtains, keeping windows clean and adding reflective surfaces like mirrors or metallic accents. You can keep some of that holiday brightness alive with soft white string lights or winter-scented candles. And if you really want to brighten things up, consider repainting a room. A fresh wall color can completely shift the mood.
