Once the holiday season ends, most Michigan families are left with the same question: Where do I even start? Between new gifts, extra décor, wrapping supplies, and the shuffle of hosting, clutter builds up fast. And if you’re anything like me, you can’t declutter until everything is organized first. I need to see what I have before I can confidently let things go.

Below is the simple, stress-free system I use each January to reset our home—and it works beautifully for families who want clean, cozy spaces without the overwhelm.

Step 1: Organize First, Declutter Second

Most organizing guides tell you to purge before sorting. But for many families (especially in Michigan, where we rotate seasonal items constantly), that’s backwards.I always start with organizing first, because:

• You can finally see what you own

• You stop buying duplicates

• You identify what has a “home” and what doesn’t

• You make clearer decisions once everything is grouped

  
  

Create simple piles: décor, kitchen items, toys, winter gear, clothes, papers, and sentimental items.

Step 2: Ask These 3 Questions When Decluttering

Once everything is organized, it’s time to decide what stays and what goes. I use these three questions every single time:

1. Have I used or looked at this in the last year?

If it has sat untouched… collecting dust… stuffed in a closet somewhere… It’s usually an automatic “no.”This applies to holiday décor, duplicate kitchen gadgets, extra blankets, toys, and forgotten hobby supplies.

2. Does it bring me joy—or anxiety?

Some items make you smile. Others make you feel guilty, overwhelmed, or stressed when you see them. Let the joyful items stay. Let the stressful items go.

3. For clothes: Do I love it, and is it me?

Michigan winters make us hold onto clothes “just in case,” but if it doesn’t fit your style or lifestyle anymore, it’s taking up precious space. Ask yourself:

• Do I feel good wearing this?

• Is this who I am today?

• Would I buy it again?

  
  

If not, donate it.

Step 3: Donate, Recycle, or Store Smart

Once you’ve decided what to keep:

• Donate gently used items to local Michigan shelters or thrift stores

• Recycle old paper, broken toys, packaging, and electronics

• Store smart by labeling bins, using clear containers, and grouping items by season

  
  

Step 4: Create “Holiday Storage Zones” for Next Year

This makes next December WAY easier:

• A bin labeled “Décor – Indoors.”

• A tote for “Outdoor Lights & Extension Cords.”

• A small box for “Wrapping Supplies.”

• A folder for “Holiday Cards & Keepsakes.”

  
  

Your future self will thank you.