There’s a specific moment every January where I stand in the hallway, surrounded by shoes that definitely weren’t there in November, and think, Right… we need a system. Christmas is lovely, but when the kids unwrap clothes, coats, and trainers, the aftermath doesn’t stay hidden for long. The house feels more cramped, the floor space feel smaller, and suddenly storage becomes the priority rather than a “someday” project.
I always see the new year as a chance to gently reset — nothing drastic, just a bit of breathing room. Decluttering doesn’t mean getting rid of everything; sometimes it just means giving things a proper place to live and why not do it in style?
OHS Heavy Duty Clothes Rail With Rack - Black/Wood
The hallway is usually where I start, because when that space is disorganised, mornings feel more rushed and coming home feels less calm. I like storage that looks intentional rather than hidden away — it encourages everyone to actually use it, which is half the battle in a family home.
OHS Ribbed 6-Drawer Unit - Natural
Once coats are under control, it’s the bedrooms that feel the impact next. Christmas clothes are wonderful, but they don’t magically organise themselves. Extra drawers are one of those things you don’t think about until you really need them, and suddenly the room feels calmer just because everything isn’t piled on a chair anymore.
OHS Manhattan Multi Purpose 4-Tier Shoe Rack - Light Wood
Shoes are a nightmare in my house. It feels like everyone has five different pairs and somehow they all end up in the middle of the hallway for me to deal with. Between school shoes, weekend trainers, and the “special” pair that only gets worn occasionally, it all adds up quickly. Having a simple rack near the door doesn’t solve everything, but it does stop the daily hunt for matching pairs five minutes before leaving the house.
OHS Ribbed Accent Chair – Cream
Once the clutter’s under control, I always think it’s worth investing in atleast one good chair. Ours came about out of necessity rather than style, if I’m honest. Over Christmas, we hosted the whole family and had to drag out every chair we own — kitchen chairs, bedroom chairs, that one fold-up chair that lives in the cupboard and should probably have been retired years ago. Somewhere between serving pudding and refilling drinks, one of them very quietly gave up. No drama, just a sudden realisation that it was no longer doing its job.
That little moment made me realise we needed a reliable, comfortable chair that didn’t rely on luck or good posture. Something sturdy, stylish, and nice enough to leave out all the time. Now it’s tucked into the living room as a cosy spot for reading, coffee breaks, or just sitting down for a minute once everyone else is sorted — and it feels like a well-earned upgrade rather than an impulse buy.
OHS Ribbed Radiator Cover – Natural
And then there are those finishing touches that quietly make a space feel more grown-up. Covering a radiator, adding a surface for a candle or plant — small changes, but they make the room feel considered rather than cluttered.
For me, a new year refresh isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about making the house work better for the stage of life we’re in right now. Storage that fits real families. Furniture that earns its keep. And a home that feels calmer, even if it’s still a little noisy.
If January is making you itch for a reset, start small. One area, one problem, one solution. Then put the kettle on and enjoy the feeling of space — while it lasts.