Post-Christmas Cleaning Guide: MAke 2025 Fresh
The holiday season brings joy, laughter, and plenty of memories, but it leaves behind a bit of chaos —wrapping paper, stray ornaments, and a house that looks like a festive hurricane hit it. As the new year approaches, let’s start 2025 with harmony… a place of zen. Here’s a step-by-step guide to post-Christmas cleaning that will leave your home fresh.
1. Clear the Decorations and Get Them Sorted
It’s time to take down the holiday cheer (sad, we know), but doing it the right way now saves you a headache next year! Start by clearing one area at a time—think the tree first, then the mantle, then outdoor lights. As you go, sort decorations into categories: tree ornaments, lights, garlands, and miscellaneous decor..
Labeling Ideas:
Use clear bins and label them by holiday or specific areas of your home. For example, “Christmas Tree Ornaments,” “Outdoor Lights,” or “Fall Wreaths.”
Color-coded labels or lids are a game-changer! Red for Christmas, orange for Halloween, and so on.
Storage Tips:
Delicate items: Wrap fragile ornaments in tissue paper or bubble wrap and place them in compartmentalized containers.
Lights: Wrap strings of lights around a piece of cardboard or use a spool to prevent tangling.
Garlands and wreaths: Store in oversized plastic bags or hang them in a closet
2. Tackling the Tree
Whether your tree is real or artificial, proper takedown is key to wrapping up the holiday season responsibly.
For Real Trees:
Remove all ornaments, lights, and the stand before recycling your tree. Many towns, including Roseville, offer convenient recycling options:
Green Waste Bin: Cut unflocked trees into smaller pieces so they fit entirely inside your green waste bin with the lid closed.
Drop-Off Sites: From December 26, 2024, to January 12, 2025, take your unflocked tree to one of these locations in Roseville:
Maidu Park: 1550 Maidu Dr.
Mahany Park: 1545 Pleasant Grove Blvd.
Saugstad Park: 100 Buljan Dr.
Boy Scout Pickup: Roseville Boy Scouts will collect trees from your curb on December 28, December 29, 2024, and January 4, 2025. Place your tree outside by 9:00 a.m.
For Artificial Trees:
Take time to remove ornaments, lights, and garlands before cleaning off any dust or debris. Store it neatly in its original box or a sturdy storage bag to keep it in good condition for next year.
Pro Tip: Box up your ornaments neatly and refer to our labeling and sorting tips above for stress-free decorating next season!
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. If you have seasonal pillows it is time to switch them out.
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, change your essential oil in your defuser or introduce a new storage solution to keep things organized.
Bonus Tip: Call in the Experts!
If the post-Christmas cleanup feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to call in professionals. At Om Sweet Om Cleaning, we specialize 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!