The day the decorations come down is always a bit flat. The room looks bare, the corners where the tree stood seem empty, and January stretches ahead. A little thought as you pack away turns it into a fresh start rather than a let-down.
Pack away properly
Five minutes of care now saves a swearing match next December. Wind fairy lights around a piece of card so they do not knot, wrap fragile baubles in tissue, and group decorations by type in labelled boxes.
- Throw out anything broken rather than packing it away to disappoint you next year.
- Keep a small bag of spare bulbs and hooks with the lights.
- Note anything you ran short of, ready for the sales.
Fill the gaps
A room can look oddly empty once the tree and cards have gone. Move a lamp or a large plant into the space, bring a few books or a bowl of fruit onto the now-clear surfaces, and the room settles again.
A proper clean
With the clutter gone it is the ideal moment to vacuum behind the sofa, wipe down the skirting and clean the windows. The low winter light shows every smear, and a clean room lifts the whole flat mood of early January.
Bring in some life
A cheap bunch of supermarket tulips or a flowering houseplant on the table carries the eye through to spring. It is a small thing, but a little living colour does more for a grey January room than almost anything else.