Get Ahead of the Mess: Your Holiday Clean-Up Prep Guide
Deck the halls! Decorating for the holidays brings us so much JOY…until it doesn’t. So often clients share that they love the holiday décor, but they procrastinate dismantling the flocked tree, berry-bursting garland and all the snow villages (some until Valentine’s Day – eek!) because the task is way too daunting! The holidays bring joy, family, and festive cheer. They also bring decorations, gifts, and a fair amount of clutter. While you're enjoying the season, the thought of packing it all away can be overwhelming. But what if you could make the post-holiday cleanup process smoother and more efficient? By planning now, you can set yourself up for an organized and stress-free transition back to normalcy.
This guide will show you how a little preparation can transform your holiday takedown from a chore into a simple, streamlined task.
Declutter WHILE You Pack
Before you even think about taking down the decorations this year, take the opportunity to declutter. Over the years, we collect items that no longer serve us. Go through your holiday decor with a critical eye. Are there items that are broken, faded, or simply don't fit your aesthetic anymore?
Let go of decorations that you haven't used in a few seasons or that no longer bring you joy. If you’ve transitioned from your old candy cane Christmas theme to this year’s trending Ralph Lauren vibe, maybe it’s time to part with the red and white (or now yellowish) candy cane decorations. This single step can significantly reduce the volume of items you need to store, freeing up valuable space. Parting with old decor now means you won't waste time packing and unpacking things you don't truly love next year.
Master Your Storage Space
Efficiently storing your holiday items is key to a painless cleanup. Think strategically about how you use your storage area, whether it's an attic, garage, or closet. A great rule of thumb is to store heavier, sturdier boxes and bins on the bottom. Lighter items, like artificial wreaths or boxes of linens, can be stacked on top.
Take advantage of vertical space. Using stackable, clear bins allows you to see the contents at a glance and maximizes your storage footprint. This prevents you from having to unstack everything just to find one specific item.
The Power of a Good Label (and we LOVE a good label)
"Future you" will be grateful for the time you take to label everything properly. Vague descriptions like "Christmas Stuff" can lead to frustration next year and potentially an argument between you and the hubs as you frantically look for what you want. Instead, be specific. Use a label maker for clear, durable labels that read "Living Room Mantel Decor," "Tree Ornaments - Fragile," or "Outdoor Inflatables."
If you don't own a label maker, now is the perfect time to consider one. It's a small investment that pays huge dividends in organization. Grouping similar items together in labeled bins will make both unpacking and packing a breeze for years to come.
Create Your Organization Shopping List
As you sort and plan, keep a running list of supplies that would make your life easier. This proactive step prevents last-minute scrambles for storage solutions. Your list might include:
A label maker for clear identification. (Did we mention how much we LOVE a label maker?)
Vacuum-sealed bags to shrink bulky items like holiday-themed blankets and tree skirts.
Specialized ornament storage boxes with dividers to protect delicate and sentimental pieces.
Uniform stacking bins to create a neat, stable storage system.
Wreath containers to prevent crushing and damage.
Light spools or reels to keep string lights from becoming a tangled mess.
Ordering these items now ensures you have everything on hand when it's time to pack up.
Take Back Your Home with Professional Help
Getting organized is a powerful feeling, but sometimes life gets in the way. If the thought of tackling the holiday aftermath feels overwhelming, you don't have to do it alone.
Jacksonville Organizer specializes in creating calm, functional spaces. Our team can help you implement these strategies and develop a personalized system that works for your home and lifestyle. Trust us to help you transition seamlessly from the holiday season to an organized new year. With hundreds of trusted clients, thousands of hours clocked in homes across Northeast Florida and just as many five star reviews, we are a trusted and reliable source to help you reclaim your space and start the New Year with peace and joy.