With the festive season packed away for another year and a fresh calendar stretching ahead, January is the perfect time to reset – especially if you’re planning to put your home on the market.

Before you dive into valuations and home reports, there’s one essential (and oddly satisfying, once you get into it) job to do first: decluttering.

The post-Christmas period is ideal for clearing out and refreshing your home. And whether you’re selling soon or simply dreaming of a change, a good declutter can help your space feel lighter, brighter, and far more appealing to buyers.

Here’s your post-holiday checklist to get things moving:

Make Space After the Season

Christmas often comes with a fair few extras – decorations, wrapping paper, boxes and, of course, an influx of new children’s toys. Take a little time to carefully pack away anything you’d like to keep (labelled boxes will be a blessing later on), and donate, pass on or recycle anything that’s broken, outgrown or no longer to your taste.

Clear the Worktops & Surfaces

Kitchens and living areas often bear the brunt of festive clutter. Take time to tidy away appliances you don’t use daily, stray items, and anything that’s ended up without a proper place over the festive period. Buyers love clean, open worktops – it helps them imagine their own lives there.

Edit the Extras

New gifts, sale buys, and “just in case” food stocks can lead to clutter creeping in. Go through each room and be honest about what you actually use.

Look out for:

• Duplicate kitchen items
• Outgrown children’s toys
• Wardrobes full of “maybes”
• Overflowing linen cupboards

Split things into three piles: Keep, Donate, and Recycle. Be firm, and remember, you’re making room for your next chapter.

Spruce Up the Hallway

First impressions matter. During the winter months, hallways can become drop zones for shoes, coats, scarves and gloves. Try to keep this area tidy and welcoming, a clear floor, neat coat hooks, and perhaps a mirror to help reflect light and brighten the area.

Refresh the Key Rooms

Once the clutter is gone, a quick refresh can make all the difference.

• Change bed linen to something clean and neutral
• Fold towels neatly or add fresh ones in the bathroom
• Accessorise with a reed diffuser, candle or house plant

It doesn’t have to be expensive – small touches go a long way in creating a calm, ready-to-move-into vibe.

Get Clever with Storage

Running out of space? Pack away anything you won’t need in the next few months and store it neatly in the loft, garage or a storage unit. Stylish baskets and ottomans can also help keep everyday bits hidden during viewings.

Why Decluttering Matters

A tidy, clutter-free home helps buyers see the property itself – not your belongings. It makes rooms feel bigger, brighter, and easier to imagine living in. Plus, it gives you a head start when it comes to packing up for your move.

Best of luck in your decluttering journey – here’s to a lighter, brighter home and a fresh start for the year ahead!

Thinking of selling in 2026? Start the year with a clear-out and you’ll thank yourself later. Not only will your home look its best, but you’ll also feel ready to make the most of the next opportunity that comes your way.