Published: January 15, 2025

Post-Holiday Home Organization Tips

The holidays are a whirlwind of joy, gatherings, and festivities. But once the guests have left and the decorations start coming down, it’s time to reclaim your home and restore order. Post-holiday home organization doesn’t have to be daunting. With a strategic approach, you can transform your space into a clean, serene environment that sets the tone for the year ahead. A few simple steps can make all the difference.

1. Declutter Holiday Decorations

The first step in organizing your home after the holidays is dealing with decorations. Follow these tips to store them efficiently:

• Sort and Categorize: Group decorations by type—lights, ornaments, garlands, etc.—and discard broken or unused items.
• Invest in Storage Solutions: Use labeled plastic bins, ornament dividers, or zippered bags to protect fragile items.
• Label Clearly: Mark storage containers with contents and location (e.g., “Living Room Decor”) for easy retrieval next year.

Packing away holiday decorations methodically will save you time and frustration in the future.

2. Tidy up Guest Spaces

If you hosted overnight guests, their departure is an excellent opportunity to refresh these areas:

• Change Linens: Wash bedding, towels, and other linens used by guests.
• Deep Clean: Vacuum carpets, dust surfaces, and sanitize bathrooms to restore these spaces to their pre-guest condition.
• Reorganize: Return items like extra pillows, blankets, and toiletries to their usual storage spots.

By tidying up promptly, you’ll keep guest spaces clean and ready for unexpected visitors.

3. Declutter Holiday Leftovers

The holidays can leave behind an array of leftovers—think extra food, wrapping paper, and gifts. Here’s how to tackle them:

• Sort Through Gifts: Keep what you’ll use, return items that don’t fit, and donate duplicates or unwanted items.
• Use or Freeze Leftover Food: Avoid waste by freezing holiday dishes or incorporating them into new meals.
• Recycle Wrapping Supplies: Save wrapping paper, gift bags, and ribbons that are in good condition for future use.

Taking care of holiday remnants will clear up space and help you feel more organized.

4. Deep Clean High-Traffic Areas

Holiday gatherings often mean more foot traffic in certain parts of your home. Focus on these areas for a deep clean:

• Living Room: Shampoo carpets, vacuum couches, and polish furniture to remove dirt and crumbs.
• Kitchen: Scrub countertops, degrease appliances, and organize the pantry after all the cooking and baking.
• Bathrooms: Disinfect sinks, tubs, and toilets to eliminate germs and maintain hygiene.

A thorough cleaning will give your home a fresh start and help you transition smoothly out of the holiday season.

5. Create a Storage Organization System

An effective storage system is crucial for maintaining an organized home year-round. After cleaning, set up a system that works for you:

• Declutter as You Go: Use the “one in, one out” rule—donate or discard an old item whenever you acquire a new one.
• Maximize Storage Spaces: Utilize under-bed storage, wall-mounted shelves, and closet organizers for items.
• Label Everything: Clearly label bins, boxes, and drawers to make finding and storing items easier.

A well-organized storage system prevents clutter from piling up and makes your home more functional.

6. Plan for the Year Ahead

Once your home is tidy, take a moment to plan for the year ahead:

• Set Goals: Make resolutions for maintaining cleanliness and organization.
• Establish Routines: Commit to regular tidying sessions, such as a weekly decluttering habit.
• Reflect and Adjust: Consider what worked well this holiday season and how to improve next year.

Planning ahead helps you stay proactive and maintain an organized home long after the holidays.

By tackling post-holiday organization in manageable steps, you can start the year with a clean, peaceful home. Declutter, clean, and strategize to create a space that inspires and energizes you for the months ahead. Taking it one task at a time ensures the process is less overwhelming.

For help with post-holiday storage, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Northeast OH, Cleveland & Akron, or call (440) 613-7743.