This year, our family decided to stay home for the holidays instead of traveling to southern Indiana to be with family, which is what we have done every year since we moved to southern Georgia. I love spending time with family and loved ones, but it can also be very exhausting.
And I don’t know if it’s because we are starting a new year or what, but I’m always very anxious to get my house clean and back in order so that when we return to school after the new year everything is fresh and organized. If you’re feeling the same way, you’re not alone.
The aftermath of the festivities often leaves our homes cluttered and messy, making it feel overwhelming to get everything back in shape. Fortunately, there are some effective tips to help you organize and clean after the holidays, ensuring a smooth transition into the new year.
Assess your Christmas Ornaments and Decorations
After the holidays, it’s essential to organize and clean your Christmas ornaments and decorations to maintain a clutter-free home.
Take a good look at your ornaments and decorations and decide which ones to keep, throw away, or donate. Broken or worn-out ornaments should be discarded, even if they hold sentimental value. For those with attached memories, such as children’s handmade ornaments, consider saving just the pictures before discarding the item.
If you have decorations that you never use or simply don’t like, donating them to a charity or thrift store can give them a second life and help someone else enjoy them.
Keeping everything organized in designated containers will streamline the decorating process next year, ensuring that you can find all your favorites quickly and easily. By tackling this task now, you’ll start the new year with a tidy and well-organized space.
Put Away Christmas Decorations
Once you’ve sorted through your decorations, it’s time to pack them away efficiently.
To organize and clean effectively, ensure that items which go together are stored in the same container. This not only saves space but also makes setting up next year much easier.
Clear containers are ideal because you can see what’s inside at a glance, but if you don’t have those, be sure to label each container clearly.
Keeping all your holiday decorations in one designated location will streamline the process, making it a breeze to find everything when the festive season rolls around again.
This simple step will save you time and reduce stress, allowing you to enjoy the holidays even more next year.
Put Away All Gift Wrapping Supplies
After the holidays, one of the most effective ways to organize and clean your space is to put away all your gift-wrapping supplies.
Wrapping supplies can be a pain to store, but investing in a bag or container designed to hold all of your supplies can make the process a lot easier. This year on Amazon, I found a wrapping paper storage bag that is designed to hold your wrapping paper, gift bags, gift boxes, bows, tape, and pretty much anything else you would need. I have loved it. It has made wrapping gifts so much easier because I have everything in one place.
Additionally, make sure to throw away any ripped bags or boxes that cannot be reused. By organizing your wrapping supplies efficiently, you can save time and reduce clutter, making the task of wrapping gifts less stressful in the future.
Donate Unused Items
Another effective way to organize and clean after the holidays is by donating items you no longer need.
Start by going through your belongings, including the gifts you received, and decide which items are truly essential. This not only helps to free up space but also brings joy to others who may benefit from your generosity.
Begin your decluttering journey one room at a time to prevent feeling overwhelmed. Make a list of tasks for each room and relish the satisfaction of checking off each item as you complete it. For further information on cleaning your home read 8 Tips for Cleaning Your Home When You Feel Overwhelmed.
Next, tackle your wardrobe by sorting through your clothes. Donate items you no longer wear or that no longer fit. This will create more space in your closet for the new clothes and make it easier to find the clothes you actually wear.
Finally, involve the entire family in the process by sorting through your children’s toys. Discard broken toys and donate those that your kids no longer play with to make room for new ones received as gifts.
You might be pleasantly surprised when your kids willingly part with their toys after understanding that they are helping someone else.
Clean
Once you’ve decluttered and organized, it’s time to clean.
Start by making a list of what you need to clean and assigning tasks to family members—after all, they live there too!
Breaking down the cleaning process into smaller, manageable steps can make the task feel much less overwhelming and more achievable. For example, focus on one room at a time or tackle specific chores like dusting, vacuuming, or wiping down surfaces.
This method not only ensures a thorough job but also makes the entire process more collaborative and less burdensome. Remember, keeping your home tidy is a continuous effort, and for more insights on maintaining cleanliness, don’t miss our guide on How to Keep a Tidy House!
Conclusion
As the holidays come to a close, taking the time to organize and clean your home can set a positive tone for the new year.
By assessing your ornaments and thoughtfully putting away decorations, you can ensure their preservation for future celebrations. Storing gift wrapping supplies neatly will save you time and hassle when the next holiday season rolls around. Donating unused items is a wonderful way to declutter your space while also giving back to the community. Finally, a thorough cleaning will leave your home feeling fresh and inviting.
Remember, the benefits of organizing and cleaning extend beyond the physical realm; they also contribute to a clearer, more peaceful mind. Embrace these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to a happy and organized new year!
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