The holidays are over, and as the festive glow begins to fade, you’re left with the aftermath of holiday cheer: crumpled wrapping paper, boxes, a tired-looking tree, tinsel, and a house in need of order and decluttering.
If you are like me, you spent part of the past year organizing and decluttering your space. Now, after the holidays, you look around and your heart sinks a bit. It seems like all that work evaporated in a few short days. I get it. Post-holiday cleanup can feel overwhelming, but with a plan in place, you can tackle it efficiently and start the new year feeling refreshed.
Here are some practical tips to help you clean up and organize after the holidays:
1. Declutter Decorations
Take time to carefully pack away ornaments, lights, and other decorations. Before storing them, evaluate each item—are there broken lights, tattered ornaments, or decorations you no longer love?
- Donate or discard what you don’t need.
- Use labeled bins or clear containers to keep everything organized and easy to find next year.
2. Recycle Wrapping Paper and Boxes
Gather used wrapping paper, gift bags, and boxes for recycling. Many communities have special holiday recycling programs—check local guidelines to ensure proper disposal.
- If you’re left with gift bags or tissue paper in good condition, save them for future use.
3. Store Holiday Cards
If you’ve received a stack of holiday cards, decide how you want to preserve them. Create a scrapbook, take photos of meaningful ones, or recycle them if they don’t hold sentimental value.
- Creative Tip: You can even cut out designs from cards to use as gift tags next year.
4. Clean and Refresh Your Space
Once the decorations are down, take the opportunity to deep clean your home.
- Dust areas where decorations were displayed
- Vacuum pine needles or glitter, and freshen up surfaces.
- Lots of guest come through the house? Consider deep cleaning your carpets.
- Consider rearranging furniture or adding a new piece to create a refreshed look.
5. Organize New Gifts
Find a place for new gifts by decluttering your current belongings.
- If you received clothes, donate older items you no longer wear.
- For new gadgets or toys, ensure you have the necessary storage solutions to keep everything tidy.
- Don’t forget to label storage bins and boxes appropriately.
- And, don’t forget to donate and/or dispose of anything you no longer want and/or need. Don’t let it build up and clutter your space!
6. Dispose of the Tree Responsibly
If you had a real Christmas tree, check for local tree recycling programs, often called “treecycling.”
- Artificial trees should be stored in a durable bag or box to keep them in good condition for next year.
7. Plan for Next Year
As you pack up, make notes about what worked well this holiday season and what could be improved. Keeping a list will make your next holiday season even smoother.
- Did you run out of wrapping paper?
- Did you wish for more outdoor lights?
- Hint: Wrapping paper and decorations go on sale after the holidays. It is a great time to get those items at a good discount!
8. Celebrate Your Progress
Once everything is cleaned and organized, take a moment to relax and enjoy your refreshed space.
- Treat yourself to a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate and enjoy the calm after the holiday hustle.
Remember: Post-holiday cleanup doesn’t have to be daunting. With a little organization and a positive mindset, you can easily reclaim your space and start the new year on the right foot.
- SimpleSpace is hear to help!
- Please contact us, if we can help you meet your decluttering organizational goals!
“Less Clutter – Less Stress. Make your space a Simple Space.”
