Post-Christmas Cleaning Guide: Freshening Up Your Home for the New Year
The holiday season brings joy, laughter, and plenty of memories, but it also leaves behind the inevitable aftermath—wrapping paper, stray ornaments, and a house that looks like a festive hurricane hit it. As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to reset your space and restore order. Here’s a step-by-step guide to post-Christmas cleaning that will leave your home fresh and ready for the New Year.
1. Clear the Decorations
Start by carefully packing away your decorations. Sort them by category—lights, ornaments, tinsel—and use storage boxes with dividers to keep them safe for next year. Label each box to make the next holiday season stress-free. If you have decorations that have seen better days, now’s the time to declutter and only keep what you love.
2. Tackle the Tree
If you have a real tree, remove all ornaments and lights before disposing of it responsibly—many councils offer tree recycling services. For artificial trees, take the time to clean off dust and debris before storing it in its original box or a designated storage bag.
3. Address the Kitchen Chaos
Holiday feasts often leave behind a mountain of dishes, sticky countertops, and a fridge packed with leftovers. Begin by clearing out uneaten food and wiping down shelves. Scrub the stovetop and oven to remove any lingering spills. Don’t forget to clean the dishwasher; running it empty with a cup of vinegar can do wonders.
4. Tidy the Living Areas
Pick up stray wrapping paper, ribbon, and forgotten gifts. Vacuum or sweep thoroughly, especially if you’ve had guests or a shedding Christmas tree. Refresh cushions and throws to give your living room a polished look.
5. Clean High-Traffic Areas
With family and friends coming and going, hallways and entryways often bear the brunt of the traffic. Mop floors, shake out rugs, and wipe down door handles and light switches to ensure these spaces feel fresh.
6. Freshen Up the Bathrooms
Holiday gatherings can mean extra wear and tear on your bathrooms. Deep clean sinks, toilets, and showers, and restock essentials like soap and towels.
7. Set the Stage for the New Year
Once the cleaning is done, consider adding a few touches to prepare your home for the months ahead. Swap out holiday-themed decor for fresh flowers, light a scented candle, or introduce a new storage solution to keep things organised.
Bonus Tip: Call in the Experts!
If the post-Christmas cleanup feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to call in professionals. At Jetlag Remedy, we specialise in bringing homes back to life after the festive season, leaving you free to enjoy the best parts of the holidays without the stress of the aftermath.
The holidays are a time to create memories, not stress over mess. With this guide, you can bring calm and order back to your home while gearing up for a fresh and exciting new year. Happy cleaning!