The Post-Holiday Purge: Reclaim Your Home for the New Year

The holidays are magical, but they are also messy. Between the new gifts arriving and the old decorations being packed away, most Howard County homes feel a little "squeezed" right about now. If you're feeling the post-holiday bloat, you aren't alone.

At Grime To Dime, we call this the "limbo week"—that perfect time between Christmas and New Year's to reset your space. Here is our 3-day plan to purge the clutter and start 2026 with a clean slate.

Day 1: The 'One-In, One-Out' Rule

The simplest way to declutter is to match every new item that entered your home with an old one that leaves. Did you get a new set of pots and pans? The old ones go. New winter coat? That 5-year-old jacket in the back of the closet is ready for donation.

• Closet Check: If you got new clothes, clear out anything you haven't worn in 12 months.
• Kitchen Reset: Replace old gadgets with your new holiday upgrades.
• Toy Rotation: For every new toy the kids received, find one they've outgrown to donate.

Day 2: The Cardboard & Packaging Sweep

Nothing clutters a garage or basement faster than empty boxes. While some boxes are worth keeping for returns, most are just taking up valuable real estate. Spend Day 2 breaking down every piece of cardboard and bagging up non-recyclable packing peanuts or styrofoam.

Day 3: The Heavy Lifting

This is where real transformation happens. Look for the "big" items you've been putting off: the old recliner that was replaced by a new sofa, the outdated TV in the guest room, or the broken exercise equipment that's serving as a drying rack.

Why a Clean Home Means a Clean Start

Clutter isn't just a physical problem; it's a mental one. Starting the new year with an organized, open space allows you to focus on your 2026 goals instead of tripping over 2025's leftover junk. Whether you have one item or a whole garage full of "out with the old," we're here to help Howard County residents start fresh.