Home Reset: Refresh Your Space on a Budget

For me, there’s always a bit of relief when it’s time to take down the Christmas decorations. Don’t get me wrong, I love the holiday season. But putting the Christmas decor back in storage signifies not only a home reset, but a feeling of new beginnings. Your home can look a bit empty at first once the tree, garlands, and wreaths are down. But that emptiness also provides some breathing room—a deep exhale.

That said, January (at least in Utah) can feel long, dark, cold, and uninspiring. And because our homes and environments have such an impact on our moods, it’s the perfect time to refresh your space. Here’s how you can give your home a reset, without spending much, or anything at all!

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Home Reset Tip #1: Declutter & Donate

There’s really nothing better than a space that’s been freshly organized. And a new year is the perfect time to evaluate what items to keep and which to toss.

This can feel intimidating, especially when there’s still lingering Christmas clutter everywhere. So just tackle a little bit at a time! You can set a timer for 30 minutes a day and choose one area of the home, like clothes, toys, or the pantry. Be honest with yourself while doing this—if you or your family hasn’t used it in the last six-ish months (excluding seasonal items), you probably don’t need it around.

There’s the saying that cleaning your house while your kids are home is like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos. But decluttering is still worth the effort! Because you’ll know that even when you’re tripping over little shoes or backpacks, at least the art cupboard is still a mess-free zone. It’s the little things. 😉

Here are some products that make organizing feel easier and look prettier! You can find a list of all my organization faves here.

Kitchen & Pantry

Bathroom

Closet

Toy Storage

Tip #2: Repurpose & Rearrange Items

Give something you’re not currently using a new function, like moving a decorative tray from the coffee table to the bathroom counter, or repurposing a pantry basket to hold office supplies or toys. Try layering books, plants, or small decor in unexpected ways to make a space feel refreshed. If you need some shelf-styling inspiration, check out my office decor blog post!

Rearranging what you already have is an easy, budget-friendly trick that can almost make you feel like you just came home with a HomeGoods haul.

Home Reset Tip #3: Swap Textiles

This tip goes along with the rearranging idea, but before you move pillows, rugs, or throw blankets to a new room, give them a good wash. (And be sure to remove any stains—this stain-removing spray and portable carpet/upholstery cleaner are incredible!) Freshly cleaned fabrics brighten a space and refresh the scent and feel.

Don’t be afraid to mix textures or colors in unexpected ways, like pairing a cozy knit throw from the bedroom with a sleek leather living room couch, to create an updated look without spending a dime. And if you’re up for a DIY, you could also try your hand at reupholstery (like I did with my kitchen bar stools!).

If you do want a low-cost update, swapping out your throw pillow covers is simple and inexpensive. I’ve rounded up some of my favorites below to inspire a little refresh.

Tip #4: Deep-Clean Forgotten Spots

You’re probably already inside anyway to avoid the frigid temperatures, so January’s a great time for some deep cleaning. Think baseboards, light fixtures, the top of cabinets, and other areas that are usually overlooked. Again, break this down so it doesn’t feel intimidating, and just think of how great your home will feel when it’s done!

These products make tackling hard-to-clean areas much easier!

Home Reset Tip #5: Update Light Fixtures

January is one of the darkest months of the year—why not upgrade your lighting to at least make it feel cozy? You can swap out the cool-toned bulbs in your lamps and overhead lights for softer, warmer vibes. Or choose new shades instead of springing for an entirely new lamp.

I also love finding affordable lighting on Amazon and Wayfair (head here for a list of all the lights in my home)! And when it comes to installing it, the process is much easier than you might think. I walk you through it step-by-step in this blog post!

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You truly don’t need a massive budget for a home reset. In my opinion, the most impactful things are nearly free.

What things do you do to reset your home in January and beyond? Leave a comment and let me know! 🙂

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