Expert Tips for Post-Holiday Clean Up

The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, laughter, and festive celebrations. But once the decorations come down and the guests leave, you’re often left with a home that feels more chaotic than cozy. But the good news is post-holiday cleanup doesn’t have to be stressful. By following a simple strategy – or enlisting professional house cleaning – you can easily tackle the mess and start the year on a fresh note. Let’s explore how to get your Bellingham home back in shape!

How do you clean your house after Christmas?

Much like getting ready for the holidays, there are some tried-and-true tips to guide you through the cleanup afterward.

1. Declutter before you start

Before jumping into deep cleaning, take some time to declutter. The holidays often leave behind extra decorations, gifts, and packaging that can make your home feel crowded.

• Sort holiday items: Pack ornaments, lights, and decorations in labeled bins for easy retrieval next year. Use storage solutions like clear containers to quickly identify items.
• Recycle responsibly: Break down cardboard boxes and recycle wrapping paper that isn’t foil or glitter-based.
• Tidy up gifts: Organize new gifts and find dedicated spots for them, donating any older items to free up space.

2. Develop a room-by-room cleanup plan

Cleaning your house after Christmas is more manageable when you focus on one area at a time.

• Living room: Start with vacuuming the floors, as this area likely saw the most foot traffic. Remove pine needles from real trees and clean up glitter or confetti from celebrations.
• Kitchen: Deep clean countertops, the fridge, and the oven to clear up any spills or leftover holiday food. Don’t forget to tackle the dishes that may have piled up from festive feasts.
• Bathrooms: Freshen up guest bathrooms by scrubbing sinks, replacing used towels, and sanitizing frequently touched surfaces.

3. Deal with post-holiday laundry

These gatherings often leave behind piles of laundry, from table linens to cozy throw blankets.

• Pre-treat stains: Address food or drink spills on fabrics immediately to avoid permanent stains.
• Sort efficiently: Separate holiday-specific items (like festive tablecloths) from everyday laundry. Wash them and store them with holiday decorations to simplify future use.

4. Dispose of the Christmas tree

If you had a real Christmas tree, it’s important to have a plan for getting rid of it. Check your local recycling programs – many communities offer tree recycling or mulching services. For artificial trees, make sure they’re carefully packed and stored to keep them in good condition for next year. Don’t forget to sweep or vacuum thoroughly, as real trees tend to shed needles that can hide in corners or under furniture.

5. Freshen up your floors and carpets

Floors take a beating during the holidays, from crumbs and spills to heavy foot traffic. For hardwood and tile, a thorough sweep and mop will clear away dirt and messes. Carpets and rugs benefit from a powerful vacuum to lift dirt and debris, and for tougher stains, consider spot-cleaning or bringing in a professional carpet cleaning service.

6. Reorganize and restock

After the whirlwind of the season, your home may feel out of sync with your usual routine.

• Reorganize storage areas: Put away holiday items systematically, labeling boxes for easy access next year.
• Restock essentials: Replace cleaning supplies, toiletries, and pantry staples used up during the holidays.

What’s your strategy for dealing with post-festive cleanup?

The strategy is simple: keep yourself motivated by playing festive music to maintain the holiday spirit while you clean, setting a timer to tackle tasks in 20- to 30-minute bursts for better focus, and rewarding yourself with a cup of tea or hot chocolate after completing each section.

Who offers top-notch house cleaning in Bellingham and the area?

Post-holiday cleanup is the perfect opportunity to restore order and start the new year fresh, and it doesn’t have to be a solo effort. If the mess feels overwhelming or you simply want to save time, NW Maids Seattle is the obvious choice for expert house cleaning. Our professional team will handle the cleanup with precision and care, leaving your Bellingham residence spotless and ready for the year ahead.