Post-holiday clean-up: Expert hacks to tidy up fast

After the sparkle and excitement of the holiday season, the aftermath can feel overwhelming—wrapping paper, half-empty gift boxes, and the inevitable clutter that comes with hosting guests or lounging around. But don’t worry, there’s no need to tackle the mess with dread. We've got some expert-approved hacks to help you breeze through the post-holiday cleanup and get your home back to normal in no time.

Create a cleaning plan

Before you dive into the mess, take a deep breath and make a game plan. Switch on some music if you need to, says Alina Moyanno, a Dubai-based American organising and decluttering expert. “Start by assessing which rooms need the most attention. High-traffic areas like the living room, kitchen, and dining areas should be prioritised. Once those are done, move on to bedrooms and storage spaces,” she says.

Break the work into smaller tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. A checklist can keep you on track.

Declutter first

Decluttering is the easiest and most effective way to begin your cleanup. Before you start deep cleaning, go through your rooms and get rid of items that are no longer needed. Donate any unused gifts, toss expired food, and recycle gift wrap and cards. “Don't forget to check the fridge—leftover holiday meals and party snacks can pile up quickly,” adds Moyanno. Give yourself a few minutes to declutter as you go to ensure that you’re not just rearranging things.

Give the kitchen a hard reset

 Meera Vishwanathan, a Dubai-based event planner suggests that your kitchen requires more focus after the holidays, owing to all the cooking, baking, and dining. “Begin by tossing any leftover food that’s no longer fresh or safe to eat. Wipe down countertops, cabinets, and appliances to get rid of sticky residue from holiday treats,” she says.

Don’t forget the fridge—sort through it and clean out any expired or unwanted items. For a fresh start, wipe down all surfaces and disinfect high-touch areas like fridge handles, faucets, and stove knobs.

Deep clean your floors

After a season full of foot traffic, spilled beverages, and crumbs, your floors deserve some attention. Start by vacuuming or sweeping to remove debris. Use your vacuum’s attachments to get into corners, between couch cushions, and around furniture legs. If you have carpets, consider using a steam cleaner to refresh them. For hardwood or tile floors, mop them with a suitable cleaner that won’t damage the surface. Make sure to dry them properly to avoid any watermarks or streaks.

The packaging and the presents

Look at all the presents, wrapping paper and boxes around. “Remove the boxes that you don’t need,” Shelina Jokhiya, a Dubai-based decluttering and organising expert had earlier explained to Gulf News. “You don’t need to keep the empty boxes after you have used the items for at least a week,” she says.

Put all the wrapping and ribbon into a recycle box. “If it is in a good state, and you will reuse it again, not just leave it in a cupboard to get dusty, then keep some of the wrapping. Not all of it,” she warns. If your children have new toys, you can apply the 2 for 1 rule. For every toy, two items could be donated, preferably ones that they don’t play with, or don’t work, says Jokhiya, “If items are broken, put them in recycling. You want to make room for the new toys coming in.”

If it is in a good state, and you will reuse it again, not just leave it in a cupboard to get dusty, then keep some of the wrapping. Not all of it. If your children have new toys, you can apply the 2 for 1 rule.

What about the presents that you didn’t like?

It happens; you can absolve yourself of the guilt if you didn’t like some gifts. As Jokhiya explains, if you received or bought presents that you didn’t like, you can put them back in their boxes. Find the gift receipt, put them in the car, or in a bag to take with you next time you go back to the shops to exchange the item or get a refund. “Check how long you have to return the item,” she adds.

Freshen up the air

After weeks of cinnamon, pine, and gingerbread scents filling your home, it’s time to switch things up. “Freshen up the air with a neutral, light scent, such as lavender, citrus, or vanilla. Scented candles, essential oils, or diffusers can help remove any lingering holiday smells and create a calm, clean atmosphere. Opening windows and allowing some fresh air into the space can also do wonders for refreshing your home,” says Moyanno.

Don’t forget the small details

The little things matter too! Wipe down remote controls, doorknobs, light switches, and other high-touch areas. Freshen up any cushions or throw pillows on the couch by giving them a good fluff and a wash if needed. Dusting shelves and furniture helps to remove any leftover glitter, confetti, or holiday debris, leaving your home sparkling.