New Year, Fresh Start: How to Get Your Home Ready for 2025

20 Jan

The start of a new year always feels like a fresh chapter - a chance to hit reset and set new goals. And what better way to embrace this fresh start than by giving your home a little TLC? After all, our homes are sanctuaries, the places we relax, recharge, and create memories. When your home feels organised, refreshed, and ready for the year ahead, it’s amazing how much lighter and more motivated you’ll feel.

Whether you’re tackling clutter, adding a few decorative touches, or simply cleaning up from the holiday chaos, creating a home that feels calm and inviting can set the tone for the year to come. If you’re not sure where to begin, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! In this post, I’ll walk you through practical steps to get your home in tip-top shape, with tips to help you declutter, organize, and refresh your space.

To make things even easier, I’ve included links to two free resources:

My painting guide to help you choose the perfect colours for a fresh look.
My stress-free home guide to create a calming and functional space you’ll love.

Now, let’s get your home ready to start this year in the best way possible!

1. Declutter and purge

Clutter has a way of sneaking up on us. Before you know it, drawers are overflowing, closets are bursting, and those “I’ll deal with it later” piles seem to have taken on a life of their own. Decluttering is the perfect way to start fresh, creating a home that feels spacious, organised, and ready for the new year. Here’s how to tackle it without feeling overwhelmed:

Start small and stay focused

Begin with just one area—a single drawer, a shelf, or even your bedside table. By focusing on smaller tasks, you’ll avoid burnout and build momentum as you go. Set a timer for 15–20 minutes if you need a little extra motivation.

The one-year rule

If you haven’t used or worn something in the past year, it’s probably time to let it go. Will you really wear that sweater that’s been hanging in your closet untouched for two winters? It’s okay to say goodbye to things that no longer serve you—they might be exactly what someone else needs.

Create “Keep, Donate, Toss” piles

As you go through your items, sort them into three categories: Keep (items you use regularly and truly love), Donate (items in good condition that could find a new home), Toss (anything broken, expired, or beyond repair). Seeing the piles grow can be incredibly satisfying and motivating.

Declutter sentimental items carefully

We all have items we hold onto for sentimental reasons. If you’re not ready to let go, that’s okay! Consider storing them in a labelled box or taking photos to preserve the memory without keeping the physical item.

Tackle digital clutter too

Your home isn’t the only place that could use a good purge! Take some time to clear out old emails, organise photos and files on your phone or computer, and unsubscribe from newsletters or services you no longer need. A decluttered digital space can be just as refreshing as a tidy home.

2. Deep clean your home

Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and give your home the deep clean it deserves. A thorough cleaning not only makes your space look amazing but also helps create a healthier, more inviting environment.

Start with a room-by-room plan

Trying to clean your entire house in one day can feel overwhelming. Instead, focus on one room at a time. This way, you’ll see progress quickly, and the process will feel more manageable. You can even make a checklist for each room—because there’s nothing more satisfying than crossing things off as you go!

The kitchen works hard year-round, especially during the holidays, so it’s a great place to start! Clean out the fridge by tossing out expired items, wiping down shelves, and organising everything for easy access. In the pantry, sort out dry goods, check expiration dates, and group similar items together. Think about deep cleaning your appliances too (scrub the oven, run a cleaning cycle on the dishwasher, and don’t forget the microwave).

Freshen fabrics and bedding

Soft surfaces can hold onto dust and odours, so be sure to wash or dry-clean curtains, throw blankets, and pillow covers, vacuum mattresses and wash mattress protectors, and rotate your mattress for even wear.

Tidy up the nooks and crannies

Don’t forget about those hidden areas that often get overlooked and could use a wipe down and clean such as behind and under furniture, air vents and filters, light fixtures and ceiling fans, doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls.

3. Organise for functionality

Photo via Unsplash - by Uliana Kopanytsia

Next step, organising! This is my favourite part… When everything has its place, your daily routines become smoother, and your space feels more peaceful and efficient. Organising for functionality is all about creating systems that suit your lifestyle and your family.

Assess your needs

Before you start organising, think about how you use each space. Do you struggle to find your keys every morning? Is your pantry overflowing? Identifying pain points will help you create solutions tailored to your household.

Maximise storage spaces

If storage always feels like a challenge, it’s time to get creative. Install shelves, hooks, or over-the-door organisers, and group similar items in labelled baskets for easy access. Also think about investing in multipurpose furniture pieces like ottomans with hidden storage or beds with built-in drawers.

Tidy up your entryway

The entryway is the first thing you see when you come home, so keep it functional and clutter-free by adding a tray or bowl for keys, wallets, and small items, using hooks or a coat rack, and placing a small bench with storage underneath for shoes or seasonal accessories.

Label everything

Labels are your best friend when it comes to staying organized. Whether it’s a pantry jar, a storage bin, or a drawer divider, labels make it easy for everyone in your household to know where things belong.

Organise papers and documents

Paper clutter can pile up fast, so take time to set up a system using a filing cabinet or folders for important documents like bills, warranties, and medical records or going digital when possible by scanning papers and saving them securely on your cloud service.

Use drawer dividers and inserts

For smaller items, dividers and inserts are a game-changer. They’re perfect for keeping utensils neat in the kitchen, organising makeup or jewellery in the bedroom, and sorting office supplies in your desk drawer.

4. Refresh your interior

Photo via Unsplash - by Stephanie Harvey

After decluttering, deep cleaning, and organising, it’s time for the fun part—refreshing your interior! This is your chance to breathe new life into your space and make it feel vibrant and welcoming for the new year. The best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune to give your home a fresh look.

Rearrange your furniture

Sometimes all it takes is a little reshuffling to make a room feel brand new. Try moving furniture to create a more open layout or swapping pieces between rooms. For example, that armchair from your bedroom might be the perfect addition to your living room. Experiment with different arrangements until you find one that feels just right.

Add a splash of colour

Even small pops of colour can transform your space. For example, swap out your current throw blankets for cosy, colourful options, hang new artwork on your walls, or add a vase with flowers and potted plants to instantly brighten up any room.

Update soft furnishings

Textiles play a big role in the overall feel of your home. Consider changing your curtains for lighter, airier ones for a fresh start or for richer tones if you want a cosier vibe, adding a new rug to anchor a space and add texture, or treating yourself to crisp new bed sheets in a style that makes your bedroom feel like a retreat!

Create a feature area

Highlighting one area can make a room feel intentionally styled. Think about painting or adding wallpaper to a single wall to create a stunning focal point, styling a shelf with a mix of books, plants, and decorative objects, or arranging a cosy corner with a chair, blanket, and side table for reading or relaxing.

Embrace your personal style

Refreshing your interior is a chance to reflect your personality. Incorporate items that make you happy, whether it’s a vintage find, a family heirloom, or something you’ve made yourself.

5. Create a calming environment

Life can be hectic, and your home should be the one place where you can truly relax and recharge. Creating a calming environment doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s about small, intentional changes that make a big difference.

Choose soothing colours

The colours in your home play a significant role in how you feel. Soft, neutral tones like beige, sage green, pale blue, or warm white create a serene atmosphere. If repainting isn’t an option, add these colours through throw pillows, blankets, or artwork.

Declutter your visual space

A clutter-free space is a stress-free space. Keep surfaces clear and limit the number of decorative items in each room. Focus on a few meaningful pieces rather than trying to display everything at once. Less really is more when it comes to creating a sense of calm.

Layer in textures for comfort

Make your home a cosy sanctuary with soft, inviting textures. Add plush throws and cushions to your sofa or bed, use rugs to make hard floors feel warmer and more comfortable, and incorporate natural materials like linen, cotton, or wool for a grounded, organic feel.

Let in natural light

Natural light can work wonders for your mood and the overall vibe of your space. During the day, pull back heavy curtains or blinds to let the sunlight pour in. If privacy is a concern, use sheer curtains that allow light while maintaining coverage.

Incorporate plants and nature

Bring the calming energy of the outdoors inside with a few low-maintenance plants like peace lilies or snake plants, and natural elements like wooden accents, stone decor, or dried flowers. Place a small vase of fresh flowers on your dining table or desk for an instant lift.

6. Plan for the year ahead

Now that your home is sparkling clean, beautifully organised, and feeling like a haven, it’s the perfect time to think about how you want to use your space in the coming year. Planning ahead helps you stay intentional about your home and life, setting you up for success and less stress.

Set goals for your home

Take a moment to reflect on how you want your home to support your life this year. Do you want to host more dinner parties or family gatherings? Are you planning any renovations or DIY projects? Is there a room or corner you’d love to refresh or redecorate?

Create a household schedule

Routines help keep your home running smoothly. Consider a cleaning schedule to break down tasks into daily, weekly, or monthly lists so you never feel overwhelmed, or a family calendar to track important dates, events, and appointments.

Organise your paperwork

Keep important documents, bills, and warranties in one place so they’re easy to access. Use a filing cabinet, binder, or digital system to stay on top of things, label everything clearly and create folders for categories like “Home Maintenance,” “Bills,” and “Receipts.”

Incorporate self-care and lifestyle goals

Your home is where your life happens, so let it reflect your personal aspirations. Create a dedicated space for hobbies, like crafting, reading, or yoga. Set up a meal prep station or organise your pantry to support healthy eating habits. Prioritise areas that bring you joy and comfort, whether that’s a cosy bedroom or a well-stocked kitchen.

By planning ahead, you can turn your home into a space that supports your dreams and goals for the year. Start small, take it step by step, and enjoy the process of shaping a home and life you love. The new year is full of possibilities—let’s make it one to remember!

Thank you for reading and happy decorating!

Manon xx

Manon Scelles