1-year-old baby playing with a wooden toy while wearing HARTS Bootees barefoot boots that stay on and support natural movement.

Minimalist Home Refresh: How to Reset Before the Holiday Rush

Halloween is around the corner, and before you know it, the season of family gatherings, cozy nights, and extra “stuff” will be here. This is the perfect moment to hit reset — to give your home a quick refresh before the swirl of the holidays begins. A minimalist reset doesn’t mean tossing everything out. It’s about lightening the load so your home feels calm, functional, and ready for what’s next.

Clear Surfaces, Clear Mind

Start with the spaces you see first. Clear the kitchen counters, coffee table, or entryway — those small wins make the biggest difference. If you’ve got a baby or toddler, it’s also a great time to sort through gear. Retire the outgrown pairs of shoes for a 7 month old or those tiny first size shoes you can’t quite part with. Keep a few sentimental pieces in a small box, then move on knowing you’ve made space for what actually fits right now.

Declutter by Category, Not by Room

Rather than cleaning room by room, declutter by type — shoes, toys, books, décor. When you pull everything from one category together, it’s easier to see what you have too much of. For your little one, focus on the pairs they actually wear: one everyday pair, one dress-up pair, and one for outdoor play. The best first walking shoes for infants or crawl to walk shoes should be comfortable, washable, and easy to slip on — not hidden under a pile of outgrown sizes.

Make Room to Breathe

A minimalist home doesn’t have to look bare — it should feel open. Take one item off each shelf or counter, and notice how much lighter your space feels. The fewer distractions you have, the calmer your home becomes — especially in a season that’s about to fill with color, candy, and activity.

Function Over Perfection

Choose storage that simplifies life: baskets for toys, hooks for coats, a small mat for shoes. Focus on practicality, not perfection. For your baby, one or two pairs of best infant shoes for crawlers that truly fit are better than five that don’t. Minimalism isn’t about having less — it’s about making room for what works.

Create a Calm Corner

Before the holidays hit full speed, carve out a cozy nook with a few favorite toys, books, or soft shoes by the door. When life feels busy, this little haven helps your child reset — and reminds you both that simplicity is enough.

Final Thought

A minimalist home refresh isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing less, on purpose. By making a few small edits now, you’ll glide through the season ahead with more space, more peace, and a home that feels ready for every sweet (and slightly spooky) moment to come.


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Need Help?

We’re here to help if you need advice on sizing first shoes or what style your baby might get the most use out of. You can see all of our washable first walkers here. Email us at hi@hartsbootees.com for help. Happy walking!