The holiday season has filled our homes with festive cheer, twinkling lights, and cherished memories. But as the festivities wind down, it’s time to pack up the decor and start the New Year on an organized note. At ABODE, we’re here to help you make this transition smooth and stress-free. Here are our top tips for efficiently taking down your holiday decorations—plus, check out ABODE's instagram to get discounts on Christmas storage bins to keep all your ornaments, lights, and decor in perfect condition until next season. 1. Sort and Categorize Before you begin packing, separate your décor into categories such as wreaths, ornaments, lights, and table settings. This will make it easier to find what you need next year. Pro Tip: Label each category with a color-coded sticker or tag to speed up unpacking next holiday season. 2. Inspect and Discard As you remove decorations, check for broken or worn items. Dispose of anything that’s beyond repair, and consider donating pieces you no longer love to make space for future finds. Reducing clutter now means less stress and more enjoyment later. 3. Wrap and Protect To avoid tangled lights and scratched ornaments, wrap each item securely. Use left over tissue paper, bubble wrap, or even old gift wrap for fragile pieces. Storing string lights on a cardboard wrap or spool will prevent them from becoming a knotted mess. 4. Store Smart with Discounted Bins A messy storage area can create headaches next year. Invest in high-quality, labeled storage bins—and enjoy our special discount on Christmas storage bins this month! Sturdy, stackable containers will keep your décor safe from dust, moisture, and accidental damage. 5. Plan for Next Year As you pack away each item, note any decorating ideas or improvements you want to make next time around. Keep a small notebook in one of your storage bins, or add notes to your phone, so you’ll remember exactly what worked (and what didn’t) when the holidays roll around again. Ready to Tidy Up and Save? Check out ABODE’s instagram for exclusive discount on Christmas storage bins and make next year’s decorating a breeze. If you need a helping hand, reach out to ABODE for personalized home organization solutions. Let’s make the post-holiday clean-up a joy—and set the stage for an organized, clutter-free year ahead!

A new year brings a clean slate and endless possibilities. It's the perfect time to set intentions and create habits that lead to a more organized and stress-free life. Staying organized doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it’s all about making small, consistent changes that add up over time. Here are ABODE’s top tips for staying organized all year long: 1. Start with a Clean Sweep Declutter your home to start the year off right. Go room by room and decide what to keep, donate, or toss. By eliminating what you no longer need, you’ll free up space and create a sense of clarity. Pro Tip: Use the “12-month rule.” If you haven’t used it or worn it in the past year, it’s time to let it go. 2. Create a Yearly Organization Plan Break your organization goals into monthly tasks. For example, tackle your pantry in January, organize your closet in February, and declutter your garage in March. Spreading tasks out makes them more manageable and keeps you motivated. Pro Tip: Set reminders on your calendar to stay on track. 3. Establish Daily Habits Small daily habits can have a big impact over time. Commit to spending just 10-15 minutes each day tidying up, putting items back where they belong, and dealing with mail or paperwork. Pro Tip: Make your bed every morning. It sets the tone for an organized day! 4. Use the One-In, One-Out Rule Prevent clutter from creeping back in by adopting the “one-in, one-out” rule. For every new item you bring into your home, remove an old one. This works for clothes, toys, kitchen gadgets, and more. Pro Tip: Keep a donation bin in a convenient spot so it’s easy to drop items off regularly. 5. Maximize Storage Spaces Take advantage of storage solutions to keep your home neat and tidy. Use bins, baskets, and dividers to create designated spaces for items, and label everything for easy access. Pro Tip: Invest in clear storage bins so you can see what’s inside without rummaging through them. 6. Create Zones for Everyday Activities Designate specific areas in your home for different activities. Create a drop zone near the entrance for keys, bags, and shoes. Set up a homework station for kids and a workspace for yourself. Pro Tip: Use trays or containers to corral small items and keep surfaces clear. 7. Digitize When Possible Cut down on paper clutter by going digital. Use apps to manage your calendar, pay bills, and store important documents. Scan receipts and keep them organized in folders on your computer. Pro Tip: Schedule time each month to delete or organize digital files and emails. 8. Make Organizing Fun Turn organizing into an enjoyable activity. Play your favorite music or listen to a podcast while you declutter. Celebrate small wins along the way, like an organized junk drawer or a tidy closet. Pro Tip: Involve the whole family by turning organizing into a game for the kids. 9. Reassess Quarterly Life changes, and so do your organization needs. Schedule quarterly check-ins to evaluate your systems and make adjustments as necessary. This ensures your organization methods continue to serve you well. Pro Tip: Use the changing seasons as a natural reminder to reassess and reset. 10. Know When to Ask for Help Sometimes, staying organized requires a little extra support. Whether you’re tackling a major decluttering project or need help creating systems that stick, ABODE is here for you. Our tailored organization services are designed to help you achieve lasting results. Staying organized is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. By incorporating these tips into your daily, monthly, and yearly routines, you can create a home that feels calm, functional, and inspiring all year long. Ready to make this your most organized year yet? Contact ABODE today to schedule a consultation and let us help you create a space that works for you.