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Hey there, friend.
Take a look around. I’m guessing you’re seeing wrapping paper you forgot to throw away yesterday, new toys already scattered across the floor, boxes that need to be broken down, batteries that need to be found, assembly instructions that look terrifying, and maybe a few gift cards you’re trying not to lose.
And you’re tired. You hosted or traveled or managed excited kids through Christmas morning, and now you’re supposed to just… deal with all this?
Here’s what I want you to know: You don’t have to organize everything this weekend.
But there are a few things—simple things—that will make Monday morning feel a whole lot better. Let me show you.
The 15-Minute Post-Christmas Reset
This isn’t about putting everything in its perfect place. This is about getting your space back to functional so you can actually relax this weekend.
Set a timer for 15 minutes. Do these things in order, and stop when the timer goes off.
1. Get the Trash Out (5 Minutes)
All those trash bags you filled on Christmas morning? Get them out of your house. To the garage, to the curb, wherever—just out of your living space.
Break down the cardboard boxes and stack them. You don’t have to take them to recycling right this second. Just get them contained and out of the walkways.
That’s it. Your living room just got 50% less chaotic.
2. Sort the New Stuff into Piles (7 Minutes)
You don’t need to find a permanent home for everything today. You just need to sort it so it’s not all in one big overwhelming pile.
Create three zones:
Pile 1: Needs Batteries or Assembly
These are afternoon projects, not things you’re dealing with right now. Stack them together somewhere out of the main traffic flow.
Pile 2: Ready to Use
Books, games, toys that work out of the box, clothes—things that are actually ready to be enjoyed. Put these on a table, couch, or designated “new stuff” area.
Pile 3: Needs a Permanent Home
Items you know where they’ll eventually go, but you’re not putting them away right this second. Kitchen gadgets, home decor, whatever. Stack them together.
You’re not organizing. You’re just sorting so you can see what you’re working with.
3. Handle the Small, Valuable Items (3 Minutes)
Gift cards. Cash. Jewelry. Small electronics. Anything valuable that could easily get lost.
Put all of it in one safe spot right now. A specific drawer, a labeled envelope, a basket—somewhere you’ll remember.
You can organize it properly later. Right now you’re just making sure it doesn’t accidentally end up in the trash or lost under the couch.
What NOT to Do This Weekend
Listen, I’m a professional organizer. This is literally what I do for a living. And I’m telling you: Do not try to perfectly organize your entire house this weekend.
You’re tired. You might have guests still. You’re probably planning to use some of these new gifts over the weekend. This is not the time.
Here’s what you’re NOT doing:
- Finding the perfect permanent home for every new item
- Decluttering your existing stuff to make room for new things
- Reorganizing entire closets or rooms
- Assembling every toy that needs assembly
- Installing batteries in everything
- Putting up all the new decorations you received
Those are all January projects. Not December 26th projects.
What You CAN Do If You Have Energy
If you finished the 15-minute reset and you’re feeling motivated (or you just need a break from all that family togetherness), here are a few optional tasks that’ll set you up well for next week:
If you have 10 more minutes:
- Wash any new kitchen items before you use them
- Put new books on the bookshelf
- Fold new clothes and put them in drawers or closets
If you have 30 more minutes:
- Install batteries in a few priority toys
- Assemble one item that kids really want to use this weekend
- Create a list of what still needs batteries/assembly so you’re not trying to remember later
If you’re actually feeling ambitious:
- Start a donation bag for items you’re replacing with new gifts
- Take “before” photos of spaces you want to organize in January
- Make a list of organizing projects for the new year
But again—these are optional. If you did the 15-minute reset and then sat down with a cup of coffee? You’ve done enough.
The Thing Nobody Tells You About Post-Christmas Overwhelm
If you’re looking around your house right now feeling like the post-Christmas chaos is just highlighting every organizational problem you already had—you’re not alone.
The holidays have a way of showing us exactly where our systems aren’t working. The closets that were already too full. The toy storage that was already overwhelming. The kitchen cabinets that were already chaotic.
Christmas just added new stuff to spaces that were already struggling.
And that’s actually good information to have.
Because now you know exactly what needs to change in 2026.
Ready to Actually Fix It?
If you’re sitting here thinking “I don’t just need to reset from Christmas—I need to get my whole house under control,” that’s where I come in.
At Just Organized by Taya, I help Houston-area families create systems that work for real life. Not Instagram-perfect systems that fall apart in a week. Real, sustainable organization that makes your daily life easier.
We can tackle the playroom that’s overflowing with toys. The closet you’re afraid to open. The garage you can’t park in. The kitchen where you can never find anything. Whatever your home needs, we can help.
January is the perfect time to start fresh. Book a consultation or call 832-271-7608, and let’s make 2026 the year your home actually works for you.
Working with Taya and her team is easy. You can book an appointment easily on her website, or contact her directly at 832-271-7608
- The Post-Christmas Reset: What to Do (and What to Skip) This Weekend - December 26, 2025
- The Week-Before-Christmas Survival Guide: Last-Minute Gift Organization Tips - December 18, 2025
- 7 Things in Your Kitchen Right Now That Need to Go - December 16, 2025
