Let’s be honest — coming home after a wonderful vacation can feel… well, kind of blah. One day you’re strolling through Paris with a croissant in hand, and the next you’re staring down a pile of laundry, an empty fridge, and 87 unread emails.
It’s called the post-vacation blues, and it’s totally normal. But just because it’s common doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it. With a few intentional steps (before, during, and after your trip), you can actually make your homecoming feel peaceful, grounded, and dare I say — lovely.
Here’s how I like to soften the landing after a trip:
1. Prep Your Home Before You Leave
Trust me, your future self will thank you. A little effort on the front end makes a huge difference.
- Tidy up surface clutter. Wipe down counters, toss the trash, and clear the kitchen sink. No one wants to come home to last week’s dishes.
- Change the sheets. Crawling into fresh bedding after a day of travel? YES PLEASE.
- Do a quick fridge sweep. Toss anything that’s going to expire while you’re gone so you don’t come home to mysterious smells.
- Leave one “anchor spot” lovely. Maybe it’s your entryway, your nightstand, or your living room coffee table. Set it up with intention — a candle, a cozy throw, something to welcome you home.
2. Unpack Right Away (Even Just a Little)
I know, I know — it’s tempting to leave the suitcase for “tomorrow.” But here’s the thing: tomorrow gets busy.
- Empty the suitcase within 24 hours if you can. If that’s too much, just unpack your toiletries, dirty clothes, and souvenirs so they don’t hang over your head all week.
- Create an “arrival routine.” Light a candle, play calming music, and sip a favorite tea while you unpack. Make it part of the transition, not a chore.
3. Give Yourself a Buffer Day
If possible, avoid diving right back into work/life/obligations the second you get off the plane.
- Use your first day home to reset. Grocery shop, do laundry, get grounded.
- Plan a slow morning or early evening walk. It helps you reconnect with your space and your rhythm.
4. Reframe the Return
Instead of thinking vacation = freedom and home = grind, try to bring some of that vacation feeling back with you.
- What did you love about your trip? Was it leisurely breakfasts? Reading in the afternoon? Wandering new places without a plan? Look for ways to build a tiny version of that into your regular life.
- Create a vacation-inspired ritual. Maybe it’s a Saturday morning croissant from your local bakery, a 10-minute “patio sit” after dinner, or keeping your home just a little more clutter-free so it feels breezier.
5. Relive the Good Stuff — On Purpose
Instead of scrolling your phone in a funk, spend a few minutes actually savoring your memories.
- Print a few photos. (Put one in that anchor spot we talked about!)
- Write a quick journal entry or even a gratitude list about the trip.
- Make a memory box or mini album if that’s your thing. Let your home reflect your life and adventures — not just your to-do list.
6. Get Back to Routines That Support You
The beauty of vacation is the break from routine… but the beauty of home is the return to rhythms that hold you.
- Ease back into your morning and evening routines. Light that candle. Make your bed. Play the same music you did pre-trip to signal “we’re home.”
- Tidy one small space. It helps you feel in control again. I recommend your entryway, kitchen counter, or bathroom sink area — small zones with big impact.
Vacations are lovely, but so is your real life. And so is your home — especially when it’s filled with systems and spaces that support the life you actually live.
So be kind to yourself. Coming home is a process, not a switch. Let it be soft.
Welcome home.
Looking for more help to get organized? Let’s chat!