Post Christmas organisation - 5 expert tips to declutter and store your decorations

Now that Christmas is over, it is time to get organised for next year

What date you take down your decorations is a very personal thing. Many wait until 12th night which is 5th January. Personally I always want a clear home before New Year so it all comes down a few days after Christmas.

You may be chomping at the bit to get things cleared or it may be the last thing you feel like doing.

However, taking the time or declutter and organise your decorations means a little bit of effort now will reap huge rewards when you decorate for Christmas next year!

So rope in some help, put some music or a comedy podcast on, grab some leftover mince pies and lets get sorted so your future self will be thankful!

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1.Start by Decluttering Your Holiday Decorations

Before you store anything, check what you used this year. Did you skip certain ornaments, lights, or decor? If something is broken, outdated, or no longer your style, it’s time to let it go. Keep a donation box handy for items in good condition. Decluttering now saves space and makes next year’s decorating process easier. If something can be recycled then put in separate pile and take on next errand run.

2.Wash any festive clothes and cushion covers/blankets

Washing your Christmas jumpers and any cushion covers and blankets means next year you will rediscover them without any stains on or the need to wash again.

I always place the clean items with a tumble dryer sheet on top inside vacuum storage bags to keep everything fresh. Do ensure everything is completely dry before storing.

3.Take the Christmas tree down

If you have a real tree, place a sheet around the tree to trap any dropped needles and keep the mess to a minimum.

Starting at the bottom to avoid any breakages as you go to reach the top ones, take down the baubles and decorations and store. A Christmas bauble decoration box is a brilliant way to store and protect decorations - mine is in it's 10th year of use.

Next take the lights down. Using a box or a piece of cardboard (it is not like we haven't had enough deliveries recently), wrap the lights around so they don't become tangled. I label mine so I know exactly where they will go next year.

Once the tree is empty, if you have a real tree then wrap up in the sheet or cover with a duvet cover and recycle. Using the sheet protects your home and car as you remove the tree. If you have a potted Christmas tree then plant out in the garden ready for next year.

If you have an artificial tree then taking the time to label the branches will be a huge timesaver for every Christmas after this one.

I recommend using different coloured bright electrical tape and a sharpie pen to label each layer.

Really Useful Storage Boxes are fantastic to store artificial trees in. Strong, sturdy and stackable - they can go in the loft, garage or basement ready for next year.

If your tree is looking a bit sad or broken then use the sales to purchase a new one for next year.

There are many interesting ways you can repurpose your old artificial tree.

This avoids it going to landfill if you are creative. Using a freecycle page, you can also donate it to someone who may be very grateful.

4.Recycle and repurpose your Christmas cards

Most Christmas cards can be recycled. Unless there is glitter or ribbons on them in which case rip those bits off and recycle the rest.

Some local stores may have a box where you can drop them for recycling.

I like to repurpose mine by gathering them up, checking which ones would be suitable to use as a label and then using scissors or a guillotine, cut the front cover off and then storing with my wrapping paper ready for next year.

5.Use the sales to stock up

I have never been one to rush out to shop the sales after Christmas, personally I think shops should be closed to give everyone a break for at least 3 days over Christmas. However, as I am not making the rules the only thing I recommend using the sales for is to purchase gift wrap, cards and anything you know will help your budget for next Christmas. Make sure you have room to store anything you buy so it doesn't become clutter. Also make a list so you don't duplicate these purchases again come next winter.

I hope these tips have been useful, putting time aside now to declutter and organise means you will have more time and an easier Christmas next year.

Thanks for reading, I'm Jo, a Professional Organiser for 20 years and your new partner in creating an organised home. 

Based in Petersfield, Hampshire but covering Surrey, West Sussex and London (upon individual request basis).

I help busy professionals, families and home movers, organise and declutter their homes, paperwork and photographs.