The holiday season brings joy, gifts, decorations, and plenty of memories—but also a fair share of clutter. As the festivities wind down, you might find yourself wondering how to tackle the chaos left behind. Post-holiday organization is an excellent way to reset your home and start the new year feeling refreshed and in control. Here’s how to efficiently deal with holiday clutter and restore order to your space.
Assess and Declutter Before You Organize
The first step to post-holiday organization is taking stock of what you have. Start by going through holiday decorations, gifts, and seasonal items to determine what you truly need to keep. Ask yourself these questions:
- Did you use this item this year?
- Is it in good condition?
- Does it bring joy or serve a practical purpose?
Anything broken, unused, or no longer needed can be donated, recycled, or discarded. For items like worn-out holiday lights or ornaments, research local recycling programs to ensure responsible disposal.
Organize Decorations for Easy Use Next Year
Holiday decorations can easily become disorganized when you’re in a rush to take them down. Instead of tossing everything into random boxes, take the time to categorize and label:
- Use clear bins for ornaments and decorations so you can see what’s inside.
- Wrap fragile items in tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent damage.
- Label each container with its contents and the room it belongs to.
If you find yourself lacking storage solutions, consider shopping at one of these great organization stores in Boston for bins, dividers, and other tools to streamline your setup.
Sort and Store Holiday Gifts
After the holidays, gifts can quickly contribute to household clutter. Take an inventory of what you’ve received and decide what to keep, exchange, or donate. For items like duplicate kitchen gadgets or toys your children have outgrown, donating to local charities is a great way to give back.
To avoid clutter in the future, implement a system for rotating older items out when new ones arrive. For example, for every new piece of clothing or toy, consider donating one that’s no longer used.
Tackle Popular Organization Projects to Regain Control
The post-holiday season is the perfect time to focus on popular organization projects that will set you up for success all year. Some of the best areas to target include:
- Mudrooms: These high-traffic areas often become dumping grounds for coats, shoes, and bags. Add hooks, cubbies, and baskets to keep items contained and organized.
- Closets: Declutter clothing, shoes, and accessories to make room for new holiday additions. Use shelf dividers and hangers to optimize space.
- Kitchen Cabinets: Clear out expired items and reorganize pantry staples. Consider adding labeled containers for a neat, functional look.
Remove and Dispose of Holiday Trees
For those who celebrate with a live tree, knowing how to dispose of it responsibly is key. Many cities offer curbside pickup for trees, while others require you to drop them off at designated recycling locations. Check your local guidelines or contact Simplified for assistance with getting rid of a tree and managing other holiday cleanup tasks.
Use Storage Solutions for Long-Term Organization
Once you’ve decluttered and sorted, focus on implementing storage solutions that maintain order throughout the year. Consider investing in stackable bins, under-bed storage, and space-saving shelves. For larger projects, working with a professional organizer can help you develop customized systems that fit your needs and lifestyle.
Plan for Future Holiday Success
Avoid next year’s clutter by planning ahead. Create a dedicated space for holiday items, such as a closet, attic, or garage section, and make a list of any supplies you’ll need to replenish. When next year’s holidays roll around, you’ll have everything in one place, saving time and stress.
Simplified Makes Post-Holiday Organization Easy
If tackling post-holiday clutter feels overwhelming, Simplified is here to help. Our team specializes in handling all aspects of cleanup, from donating unwanted items to organizing and storing decorations. We can even assist with home staging or transforming spaces like mudrooms into functional, tidy areas.
Looking for storage solutions? Need help packing and organizing? Simplified can guide you to the best organization stores or handle the logistics for you. Contact us today to learn how we can make post-holiday organization stress-free, leaving you more time to enjoy a fresh start to the new year.