10 Helpful Tips to Clean and Tidy Quickly After the Holidays

Inside: Use these helpful tips to clean and tidy quickly after the holidays to get your house back in shape.

The holiday season is filled with joy, family gatherings, and, of course, plenty of festive decorations.

However, once the celebrations wind down, you may find yourself facing a home that feels messy and chaotic.

From piles of gift wrap and empty boxes to the lingering scent of Christmas trees and seasonal clutter, the post-holiday cleanup can feel overwhelming.

But fear not—tidying up after the holidays doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little planning and some simple strategies, you can get your home back in order quickly and efficiently.

Read on for some practical, minimalist-inspired tips that will help you clean and tidy your space in no time.

Helpful Tips to Clean and Tidy Quickly After the Holidays

Learn seven helpful tips to clean and tidy quickly after the holidays to get your home back into working order.

1. Create a Game Plan

The first step in a successful post-holiday clean-up is having a clear plan of action. Instead of jumping from room to room randomly, take a moment to assess the situation and prioritize.

Identify areas that need immediate attention, such as the kitchen or the living room, where the majority of holiday activities likely took place. Make a checklist of what needs to be done in each room.

I recommend tackling one room at a time so you can focus on a small area and see your progress. This will keep you motivated and prevent the process from feeling too overwhelming.

2. Recycle Boxes and Wrapping Paper

An easy area to start with post-holiday clean-up is the wrapping paper and cardboard boxes that are often left in the living room or around the house.

Go around and collect the excess packaging and put it straight into your recycle bin. Keep in mind that some things can’t be recycled, such as wrapping with glitter and some types of bows.

Make sure to break down boxes flat to maximize space so that you can fit more into your bin.

This simple first step can help to clear walkways and create more space so that you can proceed with the other suggestions on this list.

3. Declutter & Tidy

Before diving into the cleaning, it’s essential to clear out the clutter. This will give you more space to work with and make your home feel instantly tidier.

Gift Wrapping & Packaging:

Gather all gift wrap, tissue paper, ribbons, and gift bags and declutter what can’t be reused and set aside what can. Sort them into groups based on type and store them for the following year.

Old Decorations:

If you have decorations you didn’t put out this year, ask yourself if they’re worth continuing to hold onto. Now is a great time to assess and simplify your holiday decor.

It can be helpful to limit your decorations by the number of storage containers you want to store for them. In an apartment, you may opt to only have 1 bin. In a house, possibly 2-5 depending on your storage space and love of holiday decor.

Tidy Up the Guest Areas:

If you had overnight guests who’ve gone home, go ahead and wash the towels and linens that were used during their stay. Put any items back where they belong as needed. A quick sweep of the guest room or bathroom can make a world of difference.

4. Delegate Tasks When Possible

If you’re cleaning after hosting a large family gathering, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Delegate small tasks to others, especially other family members including kids.

Have them put away their toys and stocking stuffers.

Assign them to gather all the stray toys or fold the blankets from the living room. The more hands you have on deck, the faster the clean-up process will go.

If you’re cleaning up solo, break the job into manageable chunks and use a timer to stay on track.

Challenge yourself to clean one room or area within 15-30 minutes. Setting a time limit can help you focus and avoid getting sidetracked.

5. Focus on High-Traffic Areas

Certain areas of your home are more likely to show signs of holiday chaos than others. For example, the kitchen is often the focal point during holiday meals, and the living room may still be full of leftover wrapping paper or misplaced ornaments.

Focus on these high-traffic areas first, so your home feels clean and organized.

The Kitchen:

This is likely the most used room after the holidays, whether you’re preparing leftovers or hosting post-holiday meals.

Wipe down countertops, clean up spills, and load the dishwasher with any dirty dishes. Take a moment to toss out food that’s gone bad or won’t get eaten.

The Living Room:

This is where most of the holiday magic happens, from watching movies to unwrapping presents.

Fold blankets, rearrange pillows, and sweep up any dust or crumbs. A quick tidy-up will make the space feel less cluttered.

6. Use Multi-Tasking Cleaning Products

One of the easiest ways to speed up your post-holiday cleaning is by using products that can serve multiple purposes. Choose all-purpose cleaners that work on various surfaces—countertops, appliances, tables, and even floors.

For example, a good multi-surface cleaner can be used to wipe down your countertops, coffee table, and even your bathroom sink.

By using fewer products, you reduce the amount of time spent hunting for the right cleaner, and you get a spotless finish with minimal effort.

Additionally, don’t forget the power of a microfiber cloth. They’re a great cleaning tool for wiping down surfaces, dusting, and even cleaning mirrors or glass without leaving streaks. Having a few of these on hand can help speed up your process and ensure your surfaces shine.

7. Focus on the Floors

After a busy holiday season, the floors in your home can accumulate debris, dust, and crumbs. Give your floors the attention they need to ensure the space feels truly clean.

Sweep:

If you have hard surface floors, doing a quick sweep is a great way to get crumbs, pine needles, and pet hair off your floors.

Vacuum:

If you have carpet or rugs, a vacuum cleaner is an essential cleaning tool. They often come with multiple attachments to target hard-to-reach spots like baseboards or corners.

Mop:

After sweeping or vacuuming your hard surface flooring, mop to get rid of any dirt or sticky spots left behind by spilled food or drinks. A quick once-over with a mop will leave your home looking fresh and sparkling.

8. Take Care of the Tree and Decorations

If you have a live Christmas tree, decide when you want to remove it from your space. We decide this based on how dry our tree is as well as when our yard waste trash picks up.

Before removing the tree, drain the water from the stand. Having a towel that you don’t mind getting dirty on hand is helpful for when you take the tree out.

Keep in mind that lots of needles will fall when you remove the tree from your home. Make sure to take it out the door in the proper direction that the branches are going.

After the tree is out you will likely need to run the vacuum over the space a few times to get the majority of the needles. You may be surprised how much bigger your living area looks again without the tree!

When you’re ready to take down decorations, check for broken or damaged items. If you won’t be using them again next year, donate them or toss them out.

Be mindful of how you store your decorations. Using labeled boxes and clear bins will make it easier to locate item next year.

9. Keep Your Expectations Realistic

The holidays can be a whirlwind of activity, and it’s important to be kind to yourself when it comes to cleaning.

While you may want to get everything back in order immediately, it’s okay if some things take a little longer. Focus on getting the major tasks done and leave any extra organizing for later.

Remember, cleaning up doesn’t have to be an all-day event.

By setting realistic goals and focusing on key areas first, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can turn your home back into a calm and organized space.

10. Celebrate Your Progress

As you finish tidying up, take a moment to step back and appreciate the progress you’ve made. Celebrate the fact that you took action, tackled the mess, and restored order.

Enjoy a moment of peace in your newly cleaned space, whether it’s sipping a hot cup of tea or reading your favorite book.

Final Thoughts on Tips to Clean and Tidy Quickly After the Holidays

Whether you’re someone who likes to remove decorations right after the holiday or keep them up for another couple of weeks, cleaning up after the holidays can feel like a big task. However, with a bit of planning and focused effort, you can get your home back in order quickly.

Start by decluttering, then focus on high-traffic areas, delegate tasks, and celebrate the progress you make along the way. By keeping your expectations realistic and taking it step by step, you can have a tidy and relaxing space.

Do you clean and tidy quickly after the holidays or go at a slower pace? Let us know in the comments section below.

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