Give Your Home the Reset It Needs Post-Holidays

The holidays are chock-full of joy, laughter, and memories—but they also leave behind a wreckage of clutter, glitter, and the unmistakable gut feeling that your home could use a refresh. 

Once the festivities fade and the decorations head back to the attic, it's the perfect time to focus on resetting your living space. Walk into the new year with a home that feels open, organized, and ready for whatever the next 12 months have in store. Let’s take a look at how to bring a sense of renewal to every corner of your home, today.  

Why a Post-Holiday Reset Matters  

After weeks of holiday hoopla, it’s easy for your home to feel messy, chaotic, and a little out of control. Decorations, gifts, and extra guests can leave behind more than you started with, making it harder to settle back into your daily routine. 

A post-holiday reset gives you the chance to restore order, clear out what’s no longer needed, and return to a space that’s fresh and functional. By decluttering and cleaning with a focused intention, you create a space that supports your well-being and makes your home feel like a place you actually want to be.

Step One: Declutter and Organize  

The first step to resetting your home is to clear out the clutter and create a more functional space.  

Begin with the Basics 

It all starts with the basics, like packing away holiday decorations. Instead of stuffing everything into random old Amazon boxes, take the time to store seasonal items properly. 

Use labeled bins or clear containers so you can easily find them next year (your future self will thank you later). And as you put things away, check for any broken or outdated decorations. Once the holiday items are out of sight, it’s time to shift your focus to the rest of your home. 

Go Room by Room 

Just as young Kris Kringle taught the Winter Warlock in Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, declutter by putting one foot in front of the other. 

Tackle one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Those high-traffic areas like the kitchen, living room, and entryway might deserve a little extra TLC since they impact your daily routine the most.  

Sort items into these three categories as you go, which makes it easier to see progress and avoid getting stuck. You’ll be surprised how much lighter and open a space can feel once you let go of things you no longer use or need. 

Sneaky Storage Solutions 

Consider how you store the items that you decide to keep. Smart storage solutions can make a big difference in how organized your home feels. Invest in bins, baskets, and storage containers that fit your space and style. Use labels to make everything easier to find and keep similar items grouped together. 

Or look for creative ways to maximize storage, like using vertical shelves and hidden storage in furniture.  

Step Two: Deep Clean Your Space 

Once the clutter is under control, it’s time to give your home the deep clean it so...deeply...deserves. 

Focus on the Forgotten 

While surface cleaning might get you through a regular week, a true reset means tackling those forgotten areas that don’t get as much attention. Dust shelves, wipe down baseboards, and clean behind furniture that usually stays inert. Wash soft surfaces like couches, rugs, and carpets to remove dirt, crumbs, and any remnants of the past few months.  

Kitchen Reset 

Our kitchens are another area that benefits from a deep reset after weeks of holiday cooking and baking. 

Start with the appliances—clean the oven, wipe down the fridge, and tackle the microwave to get rid of splatters and spills. Once the appliances are spotless, head over to the pantry. Check expiration dates, reorganize shelves, and restock essentials in a way that makes them easy to access.  

Bedrooms and Bathrooms 

Bedrooms and bathrooms also deserve some attention during your reset. Change out bed linens for a relaxed, crisp feel. Launder comforters, pillowcases, and blankets to create a space that feels clean and cozy. 

And in the bathroom, sanitize countertops, sinks, and touch-magnet surfaces like faucets and handles. Pay attention to areas that build up grime over time, like shower walls and tile grout. To clean these surfaces, mix white vinegar and warm water in equal proportions, spray the solution generously, allow it to soak for a few minutes, and then gently remove soap scum by scrubbing with a soft sponge or cloth.  

Step Three: Revamp Your Home’s Energy 

So now that your home is clean and organized, let’s turn our attention to creating an atmosphere that feels fresh, bright, and calming. 

Bring in Natural Light 

One simple way to shift the energy in your space is by letting in more natural light. Clean your windows—inside and out—to remove dust, smudges, and grime that block sunlight. Rearrange furniture if needed to ensure nothing is blocking the flow of natural light into your most-used spaces. A brighter home feels more open, airy, and inviting, which can certainly have a positive effect on your overall mood. 

Add Plants and Greenery 

Houseplants bring life and color to a space while also improving air quality. If you’re not a seasoned plant parent, start with low-maintenance options like pothos, snake plants, or peace lilies. These plants are hardy and easy to care for, even if you don’t have a green thumb.

Scent and Ambience Upgrades 

Swap out stale or lingering holiday aromas with fresh, calming scents. Use candles, diffusers, or incense to introduce warm, soothing and popular notes like lavender, eucalyptus, or vanilla. These scents have a way of resetting your mindset and creating a cozy, welcoming environment. Combined with natural light and greenery, they help create a home that feels balanced and ready for a brand-new year. 

Step Four: Set a Maintenance Routine 

After putting in SO much effort to declutter, clean, and refresh your home, the key to keeping it that way is having a simple maintenance routine. 

Create Daily and Weekly Habits 

Instead of waiting for messes to build up, establish daily and weekly habits to stay on top of it all. Small daily tasks—like tidying up surfaces, washing dishes, and putting away clothes—can prevent clutter from taking over. Weekly routines, like vacuuming, dusting, and wiping down high-traffic areas, keep your home polished without requiring a full weekend cleaning spree.  

Never begin a system that feels overwhelming or impossible to stick with. 

Enlist the “Fam” 

And maintenance doesn’t have to be a solo effort, especially if you live with family or roommates. 

Getting everyone involved makes it easier—and faster—to keep your home in order. Delegate age-appropriate tasks to kids or assign specific chores to family members so that no one feels like they’re going at it alone. Turn it into a group effort by setting a timer for a quick cleanup or playing music to make the time move faster.  

So, This is the New Year... 

Reset your home and get the sense of calm, clarity, and readiness your family deserves for the year ahead. By clearing out clutter, deep cleaning overlooked areas, or adding thoughtful touches, you’ll create a living environment that feels fresh, yet functional. 

And while you focus on your home, you might take a moment to reflect on your mortgage as well. A quick, no-cost review with your Mortgage Banker could uncover opportunities to save or better align your loan with your financial goals. Reach out to the Atlantic Bay team today to schedule a mortgage review and ensure your home—and your finances—are on the best path for year-round success!