New Year, Fresh Start: 5 Easy Spaces to Organize During the Holiday Break
The twinkle lights are still up, the leftovers are still in the fridge, and the kids are still in pajamas by 10 a.m. It’s that rare in-between week—post-holiday, pre-January rush—when time slows down just enough for you to catch your breath.
At Mello Spaces, we think this stretch is the perfect opportunity to set the tone for the new year—not with pressure, but with purpose. Instead of tackling an overwhelming resolution list, why not take on a few small organizing wins that will pay off big when real life kicks back in?
Here are 5 easy, high-impact areas you can organize during the holiday break to start January feeling lighter, calmer, and more in control:
1. The “Drop Zone”
Every home has one. That catch-all corner near the front door, kitchen island, or hallway table where keys, mail, backpacks, and mystery items seem to collect daily.
Do this:
Clear it completely.
Add a small tray for keys and a labeled basket for incoming mail.
Set up a system for what actually needs to live there—and remove the rest.
Bonus tip: Get the kids involved by assigning them a personal bin for gloves, hats, or after-school items so you’re not the only one keeping chaos in check.
2. Your Fridge + Pantry
Post-holiday food clutter is real. If your fridge is still holding five kinds of dip and three takeout boxes, now’s the time to clean and reset.
Quick wins:
Toss anything expired or questionable.
Group like items together (snacks, breakfast, sauces, etc.).
Wipe shelves and drawers before reloading.
A streamlined pantry will make that New Year meal planning a whole lot easier—especially after the indulgence of December.
3. The Bathroom Drawers
This one’s fast and incredibly satisfying. Clear the clutter from your bathroom drawers or vanity and breathe easier every time you brush your teeth.
Try this:
Toss expired products and sample-sized clutter.
Use small trays or drawer dividers to group everyday items.
Move seldom-used items to a labeled bin under the sink or in a linen closet.
You don’t need spa-level organization—just a system that doesn’t make mornings more stressful.
4. Your Kid’s Toy Stash
With new toys in and old ones forgotten, now is the ideal time to reset the toy zone.
How to do it without tears:
Frame it as “making room for our favourites.”
Set a timer and work together for 15-30 minutes.
Donate items they’ve outgrown, toss broken ones, and rotate the rest.
Use labeled bins for categories like puzzles, dolls, or building blocks so your kids can help maintain it after school starts again.
5. Your Calendar & Command Center
Whether you use a wall calendar, planner, or shared family app, getting your January in order can reduce that “back to reality” overwhelm.
Start with:
School and work start dates.
Meal plans for the first week back.
Activities, appointments, and any goals you want to prioritize.
Even spending 20 minutes getting a rough structure in place will help you feel centered and proactive when the holiday dust settles.
Start Small, Feel the Shift
You don’t need to organize your entire home to feel a sense of clarity going into the new year. Just a few intentional changes can help you trade chaos for calm and make space for what matters most in the months ahead.
At Mello Spaces, we believe the best organizing projects are the ones that work for your real life. If you’re ready to make 2026 your most peaceful, purposeful year yet, we’d love to help. Reach out for a free virtual consultation—we’ll help you find your flow, one space at a time.
Let’s clear the clutter and start fresh—without the pressure.