As Christmas has passed for another year, many will be trying to get their home back to 'normal'.
After family festivities and days of opening presents, our houses can be a bit of a mess with lots of clutter in every room.
From torn up wrapping paper to countless new toys and items of clothing, our homes can feel a lot fuller than before after Christmas celebrations.
Fortunately, there are some tips that can help you keep on top of the post-Christmas messiness - according to Liverpool Echo.
Tania Smith, owner of luxury cleaning service Le Petit Cleaning Co has shared her top tips to create calm.
Despite Tania’s busy schedule with clients, the mum-of-two 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.
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