Day 2-10:59 pm: The holidays have been wonderful. I love having the tree up in the living room and keeping the glittering lights on at night. But, alas, the holidays are behind us once again and that beautiful tree in the living room was beginning to feel a little….well….tight. We don’t have the largest living room and with the addition of a ton of new toys, it felt even smaller. So, it was time to declutter.

Decluttering allows me to feel like we have a fresh start.

So, as we took down the tree and put away the ornaments and holiday decorations, we reflected on the good times we had over the holiday and started thinking of all the exciting possibilities the new year brings. It felt so good once that tree was out of the living room and I felt like we had so much space back! My toddler was no longer tripping on toys or stepping on pine needles. We moved the play table back in front of the window and opened up our entryway. It was so nice.

Have you taken the time to declutter and put away the holidays?

I know for a lot of people they like to leave the decorations up and hold on to the feeling of the holidays for as long as they can. That used to be me. But, this year I was really looking forward to having my space back again. I think it’s really important to close one chapter before beginning a new and exciting one. Putting the holiday decorations away was my way of doing that.

I feel a sense of freedom and renewal. It signals to me that it’s time to get to work on my goals and resolutions. And, I think it’s important to have a clean space where you can work and live. This allows your mind to be clear and your focus improves.

Here are some easy steps you can do today to declutter and organize your home after the holidays:

Take down the tree

I know, we all love the tree. It smells good, it casts a beautiful glow on the room, and all those ornaments bring back nostalgic memories. But let’s get real, the pine needles poke into your feet when you are walking, the tree is seriously drying out, and you have no room for anything around it. It’s time to take it down, and trust me, you will feel so much better when you do!

Put away the holiday decorations

I love my little snowmen, and the elves, and since my family celebrates Hanukkah too, the menorah. Give them a little kiss, put them in a box, and look at your room. You will be amazed at how much space you have! The room will instantly feel bigger and less cluttered. And, if it’s looking a little bare, you can always put up some soft white winter decorations. Just something new to bring in the new year.

Put away the old toys

I’m not talking about your child’s favorite stuffed teddy, but any toys that you think they are bored with you should do one of three things: store, re-gift, or donate. I like to do the rotating toys method where you put some toys in boxes and leave others out. Then when they start to get bored with those toys, bring out the stored toys and switch them out. They will seem brand new to your kid and they will have a whole “new” set of toys to play with. And, you won’t have a million toys everywhere in your house. Win-win!

After you do all of this, you will be ready for a new adventure. This was the first step I have taken towards my Journey to Harmony and already I’m feeling better and more motivated! I know you can do it too!

Ok, my toddler is up so I need to go! Best of luck!