The holiday season is often a whirlwind, and before you know it, your guests may have packed up and headed home, leaving you with some serious cleaning to do. While post-holiday clutter can seem overwhelming, breaking the process down into manageable steps can help you get back to normal in no time. Here’s how to best tackle the disorganization that hosting may have left behind:
Tend to the trash
Unfortunately, the holiday season often yields quite a bit of trash. In fact, Americans generate approximately 25% more waste than usual throughout the holiday season (PBS, 2018). That equates to roughly 1 million extra tons of garbage hitting landfills each week.
From shredded wrapping paper to food waste, properly clearing out this debris is a critical first step. Remember that cardboard gift boxes and most wrapping papers, aside from those with foil or plastic elements, can be recycled. Be sure to dispose of string lights, garland, ribbons and bows in the garbage, though. These materials often can’t be recycled and may actually slow down or impede the recycling process. Food waste, including remnants in jars and containers, should also be trashed.
Clean and store holiday decor
Once the trash has been taken out, you’ll want to tend to your holiday decor. First, sort out anything broken, outdated, or no longer your style. Utilize packing paper or bubble wrap to protect fragile pieces and choose a storage method. Plastic bins are airtight, convenient, and easily stackable, but boxes or bags can work, as well. Finally, clearly label each parcel before tucking it away. Your future self will thank you!
Organize everything
Once your home is looking more like its usual self, it’s time to organize. If family members received gifts, ensure each new item has a designated place. Make a plan for working through any laundry or dishes that may have piled up, tidy bedrooms and common spaces, and address any home organization issues that may have fallen to the wayside in all the holiday excitement. The fridge is an often-overlooked place, for example. If you have leftover food, ensure it’s stored in an intuitive way and easily accessible for all family members.
Do a deep clean
Now, you’ll want to dive into thoroughly cleaning the home, whatever that means to you (Better Homes and Gardens, 2020). Perhaps carpet cleaning is necessary, or a scrub-down of each and every bathroom. If you live in a cold environment, the entryways may need some attention. Regardless, you’ll likely want to focus on guest rooms, the kitchen, and wherever friends and family spent the most time congregating. Work through the home, room by room, ensuring a high level of cleanliness.
Prepare for the remainder of the winter season
The holidays may be over, but the winter season isn’t! Double-check that pathways are still clear of snow and ice, and consider adding mats at doorways and otherwise set your home up for success over the next few months. After all, prioritizing a clean home is a constantly evolving process.
From getting mindful about trash to deep cleaning each room, restoring order post-holidays is no easy feat. Breaking the process down into manageable steps and doing a little bit each day can help. And, while you have some momentum, perhaps consider scheduling out your spring cleaning? After all, warmer days will be here before you know it!
Published on December 13, 2021
