Just like our bodies, Christmas plays havoc with our homes, too. Once the festive decorations have been put away for another year, cards have been recycled and presents have been played with, homes can be left looking lacklustre and in need of some love.
But the new year provides the ideal opportunity to give your home a January detox as well as your body – but how should you go about it?
Look at what you have
If you’re a prize hoarder, you may need to do this room by room. Make a list – be it mental or physical – of all your belongings. Everything from kitchen utensils to clothing and ornaments needs to be included – believe us, you’ll be surprised at what you’ve actually got!
Consider what you can get rid of
Once you’ve got a list of everything, it’s time to think about what you actually need and what you’re just holding on to for, well, no real reason. Ornaments are often one of the first things to bite the dust as they offer up no real value, while furniture can also be got rid of to help make room. If you’ve got a chair you don’t really like, a desk you never use or even a stack of glassware and plates that have seen better days, it’s time to get rid.
Give it a good clean
With all the will in the world, Christmas will leave its mark. Whether it be on your floors, on surfaces or in the kitchen, your home will usually end up looking a bit grubbier as you head into the new year. And just after you’ve decluttered is the best time to give it a spruce. Spend the day moving furniture and cleaning behind it, wiping out cupboards and even giving your dishwasher a scrub. That glorious clean smell will lift your house and make it feel new again.
Look at storage options
Unless you’re exceptionally ruthless, it’s doubtful you’ll end up with a place for everything straight away. Look at replacing that useless chair with something infinitely more practical like a bookshelf or a sideboard to keep all your things in one place. If you’re short on space, browse Pinterest for some ingenious ideas for keeping your things hidden even in a small space.
Keep it light
There’s no denying that winter can be miserable; short days and long nights can leave homes looking dark and drab. But winter is the perfect time to inject some light into your house. Pin curtains back with tie-backs and pull up blinds to let the sunshine in. We guarantee you’ll feel better about your home in no time.
Do you have any tips for making your home feel more like home in January?
If you’ve just spruced up your house ready for a sale, why not shout about it and advertise online? We are the UK’s biggest online estate agent and as a result can help you get that fast sale!
