The Ultimate Winter Refresh Guide:

HOME ORGANIZATION

12/23/20255 min read

photo of gel candle on board beside pillow
photo of gel candle on board beside pillow

The Ultimate Winter Refresh Guide:

Simple Organization Projects to Reset Your Home

Winter is the perfect season for a home refresh. With shorter days, colder temperatures, and more time spent indoors, this season offers a natural pause—a chance to reset your space, simplify your systems, and create a home that feels calm, cozy, and functional.

A winter refresh isn’t about a massive decluttering overhaul or deep spring cleaning. Instead, it’s about intentional organization projects that support daily life, reduce stress, and help your home work better during the colder months.

This Winter Refresh Guide will walk you through easy, realistic organization projects you can tackle one space at a time—without overwhelm.

Why Winter Is the Best Time to Refresh Your Home

Many people wait until spring to organize, but winter is actually one of the most effective times to reset your space.

Here’s why:

  • You’re spending more time indoors and noticing friction points

  • Seasonal clutter (coats, boots, blankets) needs better systems

  • Post-holiday cleanup creates a natural reset moment

  • Organized spaces reduce winter stress and decision fatigue

A winter refresh focuses on comfort, accessibility, and simplicity—all things we crave this time of year.

Start with a Winter Mindset Reset

Before diving into bins and labels, start with a mindset shift. The goal of a winter refresh is not perfection—it’s function.

Ask yourself:

  • What feels messy or frustrating daily?

  • What items do I reach for most in winter?

  • Where does clutter naturally collect?

Use your answers to guide which projects matter most. Even one organized space can create momentum.

Entryway Organization: Tame the Winter Drop Zone

The entryway works overtime during winter. Coats, boots, scarves, bags, and wet gear can quickly create chaos.

Winter Refresh Tips for Entryways:

  • Edit coats and shoes down to what’s actually worn

  • Create separate zones for everyday vs. occasional items

  • Add labeled bins or baskets - Make it easy with the NIImbot Label Maker. Download the app and print the labels on one of the many patterns and colors. (*paid link)

  • Use a boot tray to contain snow and salt

  • Goodpick Cube Storage Bins- are great for keeping hats, gloves, and scarves contained but easy to grab before you head out the door.

  • Keep a small basket like the Natural Cozy Woven baskets for winter essentials like lip balm and hand warmers.

    A well-organized entryway instantly makes your home feel calmer the moment you walk in.

Closet Reset Without the Full Declutter

Winter is not the time for an exhausting closet overhaul. Instead, focus on strategic resets that improve daily routines.

Easy Winter Closet Projects:

  • Rotate winter clothing to the front

  • Group sweaters by weight or color

  • Add Cedar Blocks to your wool and cashmere sweater drawer or box to help protect against moths (*paid link)

  • Store your cashmere in a breathable Cashmere Sweater Bag with zipper

  • Add shelf dividers to prevent leaning stacks

  • Store summer items in clear, labeled bins

  • Create a “winter capsule” section of your most-worn pieces

These small changes reduce decision fatigue and make getting dressed easier on cold mornings.

Linen Closet & Blanket Organization

Winter brings extra blankets, throws, and heavier bedding—which can easily overtake closets.

Winter Linen Refresh Ideas:

  • Declutter unused or worn blankets

  • Roll blankets vertically for easy access

  • Store throws in baskets near seating areas

  • Store each bedding set together (sheets + pillowcases) in compact SpaceAid Bed Sheet Organizer - label what size and or bedroom they belong to making it easy to find in the closet (*paid link)

  • Keep one extra blanket per room, not multiples

An organized linen closet ensures everything you need feels accessible—not stuffed and overwhelming.

Kitchen & Pantry Winter Reset

Comfort food season means your kitchen should work efficiently.

Kitchen Organization Projects for Winter:

  • Edit expired spices and holiday baking supplies

  • Group soup, chili, and slow cooker staples together

  • Create a hot drink station with tea, coffee, and cocoa - Have the mugs ready with this Mug Holder Tree with 8 Hooks, it saves space on the counter and guest don't have to search your cabinets the coffee mugs. (*paid link)

  • Store bulky holiday serveware out of prime cabinet space

  • Use clear bins for snacks and baking essentials - IDesigns Stackable Bins are a favorite of mine for fridge and pantry storage

A winter-friendly kitchen setup saves time and supports cozy meals without clutter.

Freezer Organization for Cold Weather Cooking

Your freezer is one of the most valuable winter tools—when it’s organized.

Freezer Refresh Tips:

  • Sort items into labeled categories (meals, proteins, veggies)

  • Toss freezer-burned or expired food

  • Use Erasable Labels to identify what and when you put food in the freezer

  • Keep a simple freezer inventory list on the door or by your cookbooks

  • Group meal prep items for quick dinners

An organized freezer makes weeknight meals easier and reduces food waste.

Cozy Living Room Organization

Winter living rooms should feel inviting, not cluttered.

Living Room Winter Reset:

  • Store blankets in baskets instead of over furniture

  • Place a Decorative Tray on your coffee table for remotes and coasters (*paid link)

  • Edit holiday décor and store it by room for next year

  • Add a bin for puzzles, books, or games

  • Contain cords and electronics to one zone - Keep cords tidy with Cable Ties (*paid link)

This keeps the space cozy while still functional for everyday use.

Bedroom & Nightstand Refresh

Your bedroom should support rest—especially during darker winter months.

Winter Bedroom Organization:

  • Declutter nightstands to essentials only

  • Add a Small Decorative Bin for hand cream, lip balm, and lotion

  • Rotate heavier pajamas and bedding to easy reach

  • Store off-season accessories elsewhere

  • Keep surfaces clear to reduce visual clutter

A simplified bedroom encourages better sleep and calmer mornings.

Bathroom Organization for Winter Wellness

Winter often brings dry skin, colds, and guests.

Bathroom Winter Refresh Projects:

  • Declutter half-used products

  • Create a cold and flu kit (tissues, meds, thermometer)

  • Organize extra toiletries for overnight guests

  • Add baskets for rolled towels - Natural Cozy Woven baskets keep towels tidy

  • Group winter skincare products together

These small systems make daily routines smoother and more comfortable.

Paper & Digital Organization

(Often Overlooked!)

Winter is a great time to reset both physical and digital clutter.

Easy Paper & Digital Projects:

  • Sort receipts and warranties from holiday purchases

  • Create a new year file system

  • Shred outdated paperwork

  • Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails

  • Back up photos and organize them by month or event

These projects are low-energy but incredibly impactful.

Keep all things home related in one binder - The Home Organizer Binder comes with labeled tabs to keep receipts and other important documents regarding home improvement, furniture and appliances, vehicles and more. It also serves as an "in case of emergency" grab and go binder with templates for passwords and emergency phone numbers. (*paid link)

Low-Energy Winter Organizing Projects

Not every winter day calls for a big project. These ideas are perfect for cold afternoons when motivation is low:

  • Label existing bins and baskets

  • Replace broken or mismatched hangers

  • Wipe down drawer interiors

  • Create category lists without sorting yet

  • Move items closer to where they’re used

Progress doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing.

How to Maintain Your Winter Refresh

The key to maintaining your winter organization is simplicity.

  • Keep systems easy to reset

  • Store items near where they’re used

  • Avoid overfilling bins and shelves

  • Do quick weekly resets (10 minutes max)

Your home should support your life—not require constant upkeep.

Final Thoughts: A Winter Refresh That Lasts

A winter refresh is about creating a home that feels peaceful, practical, and cozy during the season you’re in. You don’t need to organize everything—just focus on the spaces that impact your daily routines the most.

Small, intentional changes can make winter feel calmer, more comfortable, and far less overwhelming.

If you’re ready to continue your winter refresh, start with one space today—and let momentum build from there.

Product Recap:

*article contains affiliate and paid links