The holidays are over. The cookies have been eaten, the tree looks a little less sparkly, and it’s time to pack it all away for next year. While taking down decorations might feel like a chore, with some planning and care, it can be pretty satisfying—and your future self will thank you! Here's a straightforward (and, dare I say, stress-free?) guide from Top to Bottom Cleaning and Handyman Services to tidying up and storing holiday items the right way.
Start with the Big Picture
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, take a moment to step back and assess the chaos. Is the living room still full of wrapping paper scraps? Are ornaments scattered on side tables or hidden under the couch? Start by:
Rounding Up the Decorations: Grab a basket or bin and go from room to room collecting stray ornaments, garlands, or forgotten holiday knick-knacks.
Declutter as You Go: Be honest—do you really need to keep that glittery snowman mug you’ve never used? If it doesn’t spark joy (or at least seasonal nostalgia), it’s time to let it go.
Refresh the Space: Vacuum up pine needles, wipe down surfaces, and toss any leftover party debris. You’ll feel much better tackling the next steps with a clean slate!
Give Everything a Quick Clean
Nobody wants to open a storage bin next December and find dusty or tangled decorations. Taking an extra couple of minutes to clean and organize now will save you from future headaches.
Ornaments: Gently wipe them with a microfiber cloth, especially if they’ve been hanging near the fireplace or collecting dust.
Lights: Untangle string lights (yes, it’s annoying, but future-you will be so grateful). Check for burned-out bulbs and toss any strands that are beyond repair.
Linens and Fabrics: Wash tablecloths, tree skirts, and stockings so they’re fresh and ready for next year. Ensure they’re completely dry before storing them to avoid musty smells or mildew.
Store Items in Their Original Boxes (If You Can)
If you’re like us, keeping original packaging is a win for your organizational game. Those boxes were designed to protect your items, after all! But if you’ve already tossed them (no judgment), there are still plenty of clever ways to store your holiday treasures:
Ornaments: Use ornament storage containers with dividers or repurpose empty egg cartons for smaller, fragile pieces. Wrap delicate items in tissue paper or bubble wrap.
Lights: Wrap lights around a piece of cardboard or a spool to avoid a tangled mess.
Artificial Trees: If the original box has seen better days, invest in a sturdy tree storage bag. They’re much easier to handle and keep the tree dust-free.
Label Like Your Life Depends on It
Here’s the secret to smooth decorating next year: Labels. Lots of them. Get some large, clear bins and label them with details like:
“Tree Ornaments – Fragile”
“Outdoor Lights – Multi-Color”
“Mantle Decor – Living Room”
You could even go the extra mile and jot down a quick inventory of what’s in each bin. Overkill? Maybe. But when you’re not frantically digging through bins next year, you’ll pat yourself on the back.
Maximize Storage Space
Holiday decorations can take up a lot of room, so it’s worth thinking about how and where you store them:
Stackable Bins: Clear bins save space and let you see what’s inside at a glance.
Hanging Storage: Use garment bags for wreaths or garlands to keep them in good shape.
Shelves or Closets: Store heavier items like the tree on the bottom, with lighter boxes on top. And make sure the space is cool and dry to avoid damage.
Declutter as You Go
It’s tempting to just toss everything in a bin and be done, but this is the perfect time to evaluate what you use. Ask yourself:
Is it broken? Toss it. Have I used it in the last few years? If not, consider donating it.
This is especially true for things like mismatched ornaments or decorations you’ve outgrown. Someone else might love them!
A Few Final Touches
Before you officially call it a wrap, take a few last steps to make next year’s decorating even easier:
Keep Essentials Accessible: Store ornament hooks, spare light bulbs, and tape in a small, labeled box at the top of your bin.
Make a Shopping List: Did you notice anything missing this year? Write down what you’ll need (like more outdoor lights or a new tree topper), and keep the list handy for end-of-season sales.
Treat Yourself: You’ve earned it! Grab a cup of hot cocoa or watch a favorite movie to celebrate crossing this task off your list.
Cleaning up after the holidays isn’t just about putting things away—it’s a chance to reset your space and start the new year feeling organized and refreshed. With a little extra effort now, you’ll set yourself up for a stress-free holiday season next year. Who knows? You might even find yourself looking forward to unpacking those perfectly labeled bins! Remember, we can help clean your home, just fill out our contact form or call us at 803-669-6340. We’ll be happy to assist in any way we can.
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