It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but along with all the joy that Christmas brings you’ll also inevitably end up with a whole heap of clutter.
Trying to keep on top of all the mess from the discarded wrapping paper and endless used glasses and plates can feel like a never ending task at this time of year.
But there are some simple tips you can follow to give your home an early spring clean and declutter over the Christmas season.
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Tania Smith, owner of luxury cleaning service Le Petit Cleaning Co has shared her top tips to create calm. Tania’s business, which launched in March 2020, offers bespoke services including housekeeping and is now so busy it operates on a waiting list only basis.
Since starting her business, Tania has become a social media influencer, showing thousands of followers the tips and tricks she's learned along the way.
She's expanded her services offering a full cleaning service where she provides all products and equipment, deep cleaning, ironing service, organising, styling, crisp linen and beds made to hotel standard and housekeeping which has become increasingly popular for her clients.
Despite Tania’s busy schedule with clients, the mum-of-two from Wirral, has revealed her top tips to keep on top of the Christmas clutter and how to spring clean in the New Year.
Tania said: “The festive season really is the most wonderful time of the year, but before we know it there’s wrapping paper everywhere, new toys, old toys stacking up, cardboard boxes, decorations and more! I’ve put together my Top 10 tips on how to keep on top of the Christmas clutter and get a kickstart on your spring clean…”
- When packing up the decorations, divide them into categories and separate breakables from non-breakables using newspaper and recycled packaging from Christmas gifts to safely store away. Use empty egg cartons or supermarket wine boxes to store delicate ornaments/baubles. Use kitchen roll tubes to store dinner candles, wrap in tissue paper and place inside.
- Dispose of anything that's tired or broken, and organise indoor, outdoor, wreaths and stockings to store away and make life easier next year. Wrap fairy lights around an empty Pringles tub or water bottle to ensure they stay tangle free. For storing tablecloths, stockings and tree skirts, use vacuum sealed bags to keep them dirt and dust free.
- Donate unwanted gifts to charity. January is the perfect time to have a clear out and if an item isn't sentimental and you haven't made use of it for a year, you’re unlikely to use it again. Some charities such as The British Heart Foundation have a free collection service for furniture, electricals and homeware so giving away items and helping a cause couldn't be easier.
- Arrange a re-gift. Why not arrange a mutual swap of unwanted Christmas presents? For unwanted gift cards, you exchange or sell them to make extra cash on sites such as cardyard.co.uk . Selling unwanted items is a great way to make some extra cash whilst recycling and there are platforms such a Facebook Marketplace, Sphock or Freecycle to advertise for free.
- Real Christmas trees are recyclable and can be shredded into chippings which can be used in parks and woodlands, and local authorities often arrange drop off points or collection of trees in January. You can check online with your local council. Wreaths can go into garden recycling as long as they're free from decorations and glitter.
- Take advantage of the opportunity to clear out the unwanted toys whilst the children are distracted with new gifts.
- Recycle Christmas cards along with envelopes but be sure to remove any foil, adornments or embellishments. Upcycle Christmas cards by cutting out the motifs, using a hole punch to add ribbon and you can write your message on the back. They make handy bookmarks too.
- Remove any stains quickly. Check carpets and furniture for any unwanted stains that may occur over the busy period. The longer they set the more difficult they are to remove. A quick DIY solution is; water, dish soap, hydrogen peroxide.
- Clean out the dishwasher after all the extra use from the holidays with just one cup of white vinegar. Place it at the bottom of the empty dishwasher and set a hot water cycle. The vinegar will break down grease, residue and extra grime.
For more information on Le Petit Cleaning Co, visit the website or Instagram page.
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