4 Tips for Loving Your Home After the Holiday Decor Comes Down
This happens every January. I took down Christmas decorations for a favorite client today, and she said, "Oh, I'm going to miss that Christmas tree with all the pretty lights." While taking away decorations can be sad, it's also the perfect time for a fresh start. Today, I'm sharing how you can reorganize your physical space as well as your brain space in the new year.
Tip #1: Be Diligent in Deep Cleaning Every Home Detail
Once all of the holiday decor is packed away, it's time to deep clean. Dust the blinds and baseboards, Vacuum those hard to reach spots and even your upholstered pieces. Wash the throw blankets and pillows that are machine washable. Consider hiring a window cleaner now that most of the leaves have fallen, so that more light will flood in during the winter months. More light and an organized space will allow your brain to rest and focus.
Tip #2: Be Really Honest When Redecorating Each Room
When it's time to bring back your everyday decor, be selective. Use the items the you still really love, and be open to change. If something doesn't bring you joy anymore, maybe it's time to donate it. Holding onto objects due to obligation is stressful and clutters your mind. Here's an interesting idea to continue that warm and cozy feeling that the holiday lights created - a designer that I follow suggests a lamp in every corner of the room to create ambiance. I tried this about a year ago in my small living room. Three of the lamps are on timers, and one is a floor reading lamp. Every night they are all on, and I couldn't love that room more. The most comfortable bulbs are 2500-3500 kelvin. Anything higher will not be soothing. Try this out for yourself, and let me know how you like it.
Tip #3: Be Open to Creating Order Through Organization
When each person in the family has a different tolerance of clutter, a good strategy is to have some rules for the common spaces in your home. Providing each person one bin/basket either in the entry or a corner of the room will encourage an easy "pick-up" session each day. Just like your family pet might have a toy basket, each person can corral their belongings. Have a certain time each day for everyone to declutter/organize, and schedule time to celebrate an organized house and good habits from time to time.
Tip #4: Be Mindful of Making Time for Little Moments
Years ago, I worked with a teacher who had three teenagers at home. The rule in her house was that the common areas had to stay organized each day, and on Fridays the teens had to clean their bedrooms before they could do anything with friends on the weekend. If the bedrooms were not cleaned on Friday, the teen had to stay home all weekend. The result? Every Friday, the house got cleaned, and everyone had time for friends and relaxation. What a great tip!
Want to love your home again in a brand new way? We can help! Let's organize your space with the things you love, and carefully choose any new additions you want to bring in.
Until next time,
Shana
