The Holiday Cleanup Survival Guide: Hacks to Save Time & Sanity

Holiday cleanup—three words that can send shivers down even the most festive spine. Between the rogue pine needles, glitter explosions, and the army of cardboard boxes, it’s easy to feel like you’re cleaning up after a holiday hurricane. But fear not, because with these simple DIY hacks, you can tackle the chaos and reclaim your home in record time—without losing your mind.

1. Tree Trouble? Tarp It Up.
Pine needles are like glitter: they show up everywhere, and they never leave. Before you drag your tree to the curb, lay down a tarp or old sheet. Wrap the tree in it for an easy, needle-free exit. Bonus: it saves your floors from a sap attack.

2. Command Hooks for Your Garland Woes
Taking down garland shouldn’t feel like wrestling a Christmas boa constrictor. Use removable Command hooks to hang your garlands—no nails, no mess, no regrets. Cleanup is as easy as pulling the tab.

3. Glitter Cleanup: The Lint Roller Miracle
Glitter is the herpes of craft supplies. But before you panic, grab a lint roller. It’s a lifesaver for glitter-covered tables, furniture, or even your clothing. You’ll wonder how you lived without it.

4. Wrapping Paper Storage Hack
Stop the endless cycle of crushed wrapping paper rolls. Use an old garment bag to store your leftover rolls. Hang it in your closet, and your wrapping paper will look good as new next year.

5. Cardboard Box Breakdown Made Easy
Cardboard everywhere? Use a box cutter to break down boxes into manageable sizes as you go. Pro tip: stack them flat in your recycling bin to maximize space. Your garage (and your HOA) will thank you.

6. Stubborn Sticker Residue? Enter Vinegar.
That sticker from your holiday candle or new vase isn’t a permanent fixture. Dab white vinegar on the sticker, let it sit for a few minutes, and peel it off like magic. No residue, no problem.

7. Organize Decorations Like a Pro
Before you shove everything into random boxes, invest in clear bins and label them by room or theme. Future you will thank present you for the sanity-saving system.

8. Deep Clean as You Go
Turn the post-holiday cleanup into an excuse for a mini refresh. Vacuum under furniture, wipe down baseboards, and mop those floors. Think of it as a fresh start before New Year’s.

9. Tangle-Free Lights: DIY Storage Hack
Stop the annual fight with tangled lights. Wrap each strand around a sturdy piece of cardboard or an empty wrapping paper tube, securing the ends with a twist tie or small clip. Store them neatly in a bin to save time (and your sanity) next year.

10. Clean Up Candle Wax Spills Like a Pro
Holiday candles smell great—until they spill. Place a paper bag over the hardened wax and iron it on a low setting. The heat melts the wax, which gets absorbed into the bag. Voila, problem solved.

Holiday cleanup doesn’t have to feel like an endurance test. With these simple hacks, you can restore your home to pre-holiday glory without the stress. So roll up your sleeves, grab a garbage bag, and let’s get it done. Your future self will thank you.