Post-Holiday Cleanup Made Easy: What to Do Between Christmas and New Year’s
That quiet stretch between Christmas and New Year’s is a strange but wonderful time. The gifts are opened, the food coma is real, and suddenly… you can breathe again.
It’s also the perfect moment to reset your home, not with a massive overhaul, but with small, satisfying wins that make January feel calmer and more organized.
Here’s a realistic, Midwest-approved guide to post-holiday cleanup that won’t steal your downtime.
Start With the Easy Wins
Don’t aim for perfection, aim for progress.
Quick tasks that make a big difference:
Break down cardboard and recycling
Toss dead wrapping paper and gift bags
Collect stray décor from around the house
Wipe down high-traffic surfaces
According to the American Cleaning Institute, tackling small cleanup tasks in stages reduces post-holiday stress.
Tackle Indoor Décor First (Before Motivation Disappears)
Indoor décor is easy to remove and instantly makes your home feel refreshed.
Smart approach:
Pack room by room, not all at once
Label bins clearly (future you will be grateful)
Store fragile items together
Keep a small winter décor bin for January
Pro tip: If it still brings you joy, it doesn’t have to come down yet.
What to Do With Outdoor Décor After the Holidays
Outdoor décor is where things get tricky, especially in Iowa and Illinois winters.
Before heading outside, check the forecast. Snow, ice, and wind turn simple tasks into risky ones.
Best practices:
Take décor down during daylight
Avoid icy ladders and rooftops
Coil cords loosely to prevent damage
Store lights in dry, labeled containers
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that over 15,000 holiday decorating injuries occur each year during November and December, many involving ladders. They recommend following ladder safety guidelines and warning labels when taking down outdoor décor.
Don’t Rush — You’ve Got Time
Here’s the truth: nothing bad happens if lights stay up a little longer.
In fact, many Midwest homeowners leave outdoor lighting up through January because:
It adds safety during dark evenings
It helps visibility on icy walkways
It makes homes feel warmer and more welcoming
There’s no deadline! Just do what works for you.
Reset Your Home for Winter, Not Just the Holidays
Once the décor is down, shift into winter mode.
Simple resets:
Swap holiday scents for clean or cozy ones
Wash throws and blankets
Reorganize entryways for boots and coats
Adjust lighting timers for longer nights
The One Holiday Task You Can Skip Next Year
Taking down outdoor lights in freezing temperatures is arguably the worst part of the holidays.
This is where permanent lighting changes everything.
With Gemstone Lights installed by QC Lights, there’s nothing to remove, store, or untangle. Once the holidays end, you simply switch from holiday colors to a warm, clean look — right from your phone.
No ladders.
No frozen fingers.
No storage bins taking over your garage.
How QC Lights Helps You Start the New Year Stress-Free
Permanent lighting isn’t a quick purchase. It’s a long-term upgrade that pays off every year.
Many homeowners use the post-holiday lull to:
Reflect on what worked this season
Plan smarter home upgrades
Schedule consultations for the new year
QC Lights helps homeowners in Iowa and Illinois create lighting systems that make holidays easier and improve everyday curb appeal.
Ease Into the New Year
The days between Christmas and New Year’s aren’t about doing everything — they’re about doing a little, resting a lot, and setting yourself up for a calmer January.
Clean up at your pace. Keep what brings joy. And if there’s one holiday task you’d like to never do again, now’s the perfect time to start planning.
Thinking About a Smarter Lighting Setup in 2026?
If permanent lighting is on your wish list, QC Lights can help you explore options and plan a system that works year-round — not just for the holidays.
