We put out a call for submissions not too long ago for our readers and friends to send us guest columns that they themselves might want to see on The Home. This is the first in our guest-columnist series, and it is on a subject near and dear to all our hearts — organization!

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Organizing After the Holidays: How to Turn Disarray into Tidiness

The family has left, the Christmas tree is dying, and the kitchen is still in shambles. Not knowing where to start can lead to procrastination while juggling work and other time-consuming tasks. But have no fear! You can tackle this messy holiday monster. Here are some tips for getting started:

1. Organize Your Décor
Sometimes it’s easiest to shove all the tinsel, ornaments, Christmas lights, and knick knacks into boxes. However, that creates a problem the following year when all your holiday things are mangled and tangled. A great way to keep your ornaments in line is to use an organizer specifically made for just that. Ornament organizers sell for around $15, and they will help keep your ornaments safe when they are stored away. Christmas lights are tricky as well. Cramming them into a box can ruin the lights and cause massive tangles. Use a cardboard paper towel roll or similar object to wrap your lights around neatly.

2. Clean, Clean, Clean!
A holiday mess can give new meaning to spring cleaning. This includes the refrigerator. Leftovers are only good for a few days, so toss out anything that seems “questionable.” You can also toss out ingredients used in your holiday cooking that will expire before you ever plan to use them again. If your family stayed over for the holidays, you probably have sheets to wash and tables to clean as well. Freshening up your living space with thorough cleaning is an important part of ending the holiday madness.

3. Replace the Holidays with Spring
Get excited about the coming season by replacing holiday décor with spring décor. For example, if you had a Christmas wreath on your front door, try replacing it with a spring-inspired wreath full of brightly colored flowers. Replace Christmas quilts with floral ones and trade in cinnamon potpourri for lavender. Even tie back heavy curtains and open the blinds. Adding spring-inspired elements to your home can revive your living space and get you out of a holiday rut.

The holidays are a blast, but transitioning into the New Year is essential. Prioritize these tasks and you’ll feel revived in no time!

Lisa is a proponent of organization and Brooklyn storage. She likes DIY projects, travel, and Home and Garden magazine.

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A big thanks to Lisa for this wonderful post. If you have an idea for a submission of your own, please shoot an e-mail over to contribute@thehome.com!