The holidays have ended, but the memories of joy and laughter will linger throughout this next year. What you don’t want to linger though, is the inevitable post-holiday clutter and trash.
Between the piles of wrapping paper, stray decorations, and leftover food, households accumulate 25% more trash during the holiday season than they do any other time of year.
That makes NOW the perfect time to transition from festive chaos to a fresh, organized start for the 2026 new year.
And at Mitten Junk Removal we specialize in transforming your home from a place of clutter to one of comfort and functionality by responsibly hauling it away.
That is why we have put together this handy guide to post-holiday cleanup and decluttering and hope you find it helpful.
Step 1: The Strategy
All successful projects begin with a successful strategy, and decluttering after the holidays is no different. While many of us tend to let our minds wander, jumping from room to room and organizing things as we see them, this approach often leads to forgotten steps, accidentally throwing away items we want to keep or donate, and takes much more time than if cleanup was approached systematically.
Instead of cleaning aimlessly, create a game plan. Take the time to evaluate each room and make a checklist of what needs to be done. Then, tackle one room at a time, beginning with the most highly trafficked rooms that much of the holiday celebrations took place in, such as the kitchen and living room.
Remember, your entire house doesn’t have to be cleaned spotless in one day. Take your time, and don’t overwhelm yourself.
Step 2: Toss the Simple Trash
Some objects leftover from the holidays are easily identified as trash. This includes wrapping paper and cardboard boxes. These objects can be tossed or recycled without much thought, so it is better to get them out of the way first. This way you aren’t distracted by them and can focus your attention on the next decluttering steps.
Step 3: Evaluate Holiday Decorations
It is human nature to want to toss all holiday decorations into bins or boxes and put them into storage for the next year. You have enough on your plate already without sorting decorations right now, right?
Well you won’t want to sort through decorations next season either, not with all the baking, gift wrapping, and celebrating that will take up your time. As much as you want to put it off the better alternative is to just get it out of the way now. This way, you can start fresh next year.
Evaluate your holiday decorations now to determine which you would like to keep for next year and which you would like to get rid of. We suggest four separate piles: one for trash, one for recycling, one for donation, and one to keep.
Trash – The first pile will include broken items or items you don’t want but can’t be recycled or donated. This includes broken ornaments, faulty lights, etc.
Recycling – The second pile will include things that can be recycled, like cardboard boxes and some holiday cards.
Donation – The third pile will consist of items in good condition that others might enjoy, like unwanted decorations, holiday candles, and more.
Keep – The fourth and final pile is what you would like to keep and use next year.
Don’t forget to include your outside decorations in the evaluation. Not only does this process help to declutter your home, but it also sets you up for a successful and bright holiday season next year.
Step 4: Evaluate Gifts and Toys
As much as we may feel obligated to hold on to the gifts our loved ones gave us, sometimes all they do is clutter up our space. Maybe you received a gift that you already have, like a kitchen appliance or a board game. Maybe you received a gift that just doesn’t fit your style.
Don’t feel the need to hold on to these things out of obligation. You can either regift them or donate them to a charity or thrift store where someone else will give them the appreciation they deserve.
In addition, don’t feel the need to hang on to every single toy your children have. Children tend to accumulate toys the way houses accumulate dust, systematically and in abundance.
For every toy they would like to keep, have them choose an older one that they don’t play with anymore to donate. This has the dual benefit of decluttering your child’s room as well as giving another child the chance to cherish the beloved toy.
Step 5: Call Junk Removal Services
Now that you have spent the time evaluating your decorations and gifts, it is time to call the pros at Mitten Junk Removal in Howell to haul it all away. We will efficiently remove any bulky and heavy items like holiday trees, outside decorations, and trash.
Not only do we haul away your unwanted items, but we also differentiate between what can be recycled or repurposed and what can be donated. If you are feeling extra ambitious and decide to declutter your entire home, our junk removal team will also help rid you of old furniture, rugs, appliances, and any other unwanted items. Start the new year off right, in a decluttered and junk-free home.
Step 6: Clean
The final step in this post-holiday cleanup guide is to simply clean your home and prepare it for a new year of laughter and joy. Sweep and mop your floors (an especially important step to rid your home of pine needles, fake snow, and other debris), dust the shelves, wipe down countertops, do the dishes that have been piling up, and clean out your fridge of any leftover food that has been sitting a while.
While this may seem like a lot to tackle, remember the first step in this guide: strategy. Make a list of everything that needs to be cleaned and tackle it room by room. Remember, you don’t have to clean the entire house in one day. Small steps still mean progress forward. Take the time you need to set yourself up for a successful and organized new year.
Remove your Leftover Holiday Clutter Today!
Contact the pros at Mitten Junk Removal in Howell for junk removal services that are affordable, efficient and friendly. We are known throughout the Brighton area and beyond for junk removal services with compassion because we know and understand the challenges of clearing out a space, home, business or property.
Disposal is just as important to us, committed to making sure the landfill is the last resort. Whatever your needs are to clear a space, we are here to help. Call or visit us online to schedule a Free Estimate!