Reconsidering your space after the Christmas clutter

Firstly, if you haven’t done already done so, it’s time to pack away all those Christmas decorations. 

You can do yourself a big favour by packing them away carefully. Wrap each decoration individually, so they won’t get broken, and then box them up – remembering to label each container - rather than stuffing them into a carrier bag. If you have an artificial tree, consider buying a Christmas tree bag for storing it rather than squeezing it into a box.

Your life will be easier when it comes to getting out your decs and tree again next Christmas, as distant as that might seem.

Christmas often tends to overstay its welcome in your fridge. You may have all sorts of odds and ends left over, and some of those leftovers are now long past it.

So, after you’ve used up all of your leftovers, use the opportunity to give your fridge a proper clean out. Once it’s looking spick and span, why not plan to make better use of it in 2022? Make this the year where you throw away less food, by planning your food shopping more carefully, storing fruit and veg with care, and designating a section of your fridge that is kept for foods that need to be eaten soon.

If you’ve received Christmas gifts that you’re never likely to actually use, then don’t just leave them to gather dust. Instead, swap them, or plan to re-gift them. You might feel guilty for passing on gifts, but bear in mind that this is far better than leaving something unused and wasted, so regift with a clear conscience. 

Also, if you have young children, now is the perfect time to clear out any old toys, games, books or clothes that they’ve outgrown, to make space for their new bounty. If you do it now, they’ll be too distracted by their exciting new presents to notice too much. 

Of course, don’t just bin these pre-loved gems - pass them onto to someone else, sell them or donate them.

Once you're decluttered from Christmas, you might find yourself firmly in the zone. So, keep going!

Try going from room to room and asking yourself: if you haven’t used something for several months, do you really need it? 

Be sure to donate anything you don’t need to charity or sell it on eBay or Facebook Marketplace.

Yes, it’s time to reduce clutter. But sometimes you miss the bright, warming presence of your Christmas tree. So why not fill the gap with a nice vibrant plant? 

If you want something low maintenance, succulents don’t require watering as frequently and come in a range of sizes and colours.

House plants have also been shown to improve wellbeing, so this could be a lovely way to start the New Year.

Another great way to fill the gap left by your Christmas decorations is to replace them with things that carry happy memories, be that a keepsake from a holiday, or happy framed photos of your family and friends. 

Alternatively, if it’s a good spot with lots of natural light, you could assert your domestic authority and claim the space left by your Christmas tree all for yourself. 

Maybe it could be your haven for relaxing with a book or coffee at the end of a busy day. 

This is a great time to re-think how you use the space in your home. Look around you and consider how else your rooms could be organized. 

Switching round furniture can really make your home feel new and refreshed. And besides, it doesn’t cost a penny.

Also, take some simple steps to freshen up your home and make it feel new and exciting. 

You could, for example, upcycle old furniture, paint a wall a new colour or rearrange your living room.

Don’t wait for spring for a big clean. After all, the New Year is all about fresh starts, so this is a great time to give your home a thorough clean and start the year as you mean to go on.

You’ll be glad you did. When your home is nice and tidy, it really can make you feel less stressed and distracted; creating a place you can enjoy and spend a happy 2022.