The holidays are over, and while the memories linger, so does the mess. Wrapping paper, leftover food, decorations, and general clutter can leave your home feeling chaotic after the festivities wind down. But don’t worry—professional cleaners have mastered the art of post-holiday clean-up, and their tricks can help you restore order quickly and efficiently. Over the years, I’ve adopted these strategies myself, and they make tackling the aftermath of holiday cheer feel less overwhelming. If you’re ready to reclaim your space, here are four tricks recommended by pro cleaners that will simplify your post-holiday clean-up.
1. Use a “One-Touch Rule” for Decorations
When it comes to packing up holiday decor, pros recommend handling each item only once to save time and energy.
Why It Works:
- Sorting and storing decorations in one go prevents procrastination and clutter buildup.
- Keeps everything organized for next year, making future setup easier.
How to Do It:
- As you take down decorations, immediately sort them into categories (e.g., lights, ornaments, garlands).
- Pack items into labeled bins or bags based on where they’ll be stored.
Pro Tip: Take photos of your decorated space before dismantling—it’s a helpful reference for next year’s setup!
2. Tackle the Kitchen First
After holiday meals and baking sprees, the kitchen often bears the brunt of the mess. Cleaning it first sets the tone for the rest of your house.
Why It Works:
- A clean kitchen makes meal prep and cleanup easier moving forward.
- Reduces stress by eliminating lingering odors and sticky surfaces.
How to Do It:
- Clear out expired or unused pantry items brought in for holiday cooking.
- Deep-clean appliances like the oven, microwave, and refrigerator. Wipe down countertops, cabinets, and sinks.
I always feel a sense of relief once the kitchen is back to normal—it’s the heart of the home, after all.
3. Create a “Lost & Found” Station
Gifts, cards, and personal belongings often get left behind during holiday gatherings. Setting up a designated spot helps streamline returns.
Why It Works:
- Prevents misplaced items from getting lost in the shuffle.
- Makes it easy to identify what needs to be returned or donated.
How to Do It:
- Place a basket or box near the entryway for stray items like gloves, scarves, or unopened gifts.
- Sort through the station daily until everything finds its rightful owner.
We’ve all been there—finding random items days later and wondering whose they are. This trick eliminates the guesswork.
4. Break Down Tasks Into Bite-Sized Chunks
Instead of trying to clean everything at once, divide your post-holiday clean-up into smaller, manageable tasks spread over a few days.
Why It Works:
- Avoids burnout and makes the process feel less daunting.
- Allows you to focus on specific areas without feeling rushed.
How to Do It:
- Assign one task per day, such as vacuuming floors, organizing closets, or laundering linens.
- Set a timer for 20–30 minutes if motivation is low—even short bursts of cleaning add up.
Let’s face it, no one wants to spend hours scrubbing after the holidays. Breaking it down keeps things manageable and stress-free.
Why These Tricks Work
These strategies are designed to streamline your efforts, reduce overwhelm, and ensure nothing gets overlooked. By following pro cleaners’ advice, you’ll not only tidy up faster but also set yourself up for a smoother transition into the new year.
Final Thoughts
Post-holiday clean-up doesn’t have to be a chore—it can actually be satisfying when approached with the right mindset and tools. Trust me, incorporating these four tricks will make the process feel less like a marathon and more like a series of small victories. So take a deep breath, put on some music, and tackle one step at a time. Before you know it, your home will be back to its cozy, clutter-free self—and you’ll be ready to start the new year off right! 🌟
