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5 Post-Holiday

Organizing Tips

by Maria Gracia Updated December 1, 2024 Join our newsletter to be notified when new content is added to our website. Organizing after the holidays sets the stage for a smoother, more enjoyable festive season next year. I personally begin undecorating on January 7th and tackle a little bit each day until everything is neatly packed away. It’s a routine I’ve come to love—it feels like gently easing into the new year. Here are five practical tips I follow to keep things organized and stress- free after the holidays: 1. Ease Into Undecorating: Pick a day to start putting away your holiday decorations, whether it’s right after Christmas, New Year’s Day, or, like me, January 7th. Spreading it out over a few days, or even a few weeks, can make the process feel less overwhelming. I like to start with the decor in my kitchen…and end with the tree. To make undecorating more enjoyable, I plan something fun after each session, like 15 minutes with a cup of herbal tea and a good book. 2. Make Storage Work for You: As you pack up, think ahead to next December. I use sturdy containers for ornaments and wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or tissue paper. For the lights, winding them around cardboard has saved me and my husband from dealing with tangled messes. Labeling your boxes (like “main tree decor” or “mantle decorations”) are a must—trust me, it’s a lifesaver when you’re looking for specific items next year. 3. Update Your Holiday Card List: Before you forget who moved or who sent cards this year, take a moment to update your holiday card list. I like to add notes about any changes in addresses or new additions to families. 4. Start a Holiday Journal: Over the years, I’ve kept a little journal of holiday memories. I jot down the gifts I gave and received, the recipes that were a hit (and any that were a miss), tips that made decorating easier, and even the funniest or sweetest moments from family gatherings. It’s fun to look back on, and it makes planning for the next holiday season much easier. 5. Freshen Up With a Post-Holiday Cleaning Routine: Once the decorations are packed away, I like to give the house a good deep clean. It’s the perfect time to tackle areas that might have been overlooked during the holiday buzz. Wiping down surfaces and vacuuming under furniture brings a sense of freshness that feels like a reset for the year ahead. By taking small steps to organize and reflect, you’ll not only maintain order but also carry a sense of peace and readiness into the next holiday season. Trust me, the little effort you put in now will be a gift to your future self!. Back to Organized Holidays Index