Once the holidays are over, the real work often begins. Cleaning up after the holidays can be a daunting task. To make clean up easier, ask for help. Enlist the aid of family members and the job should be finished in no time!

Remove Decorations

Unless the decorations are fragile or of sentimental value, this is a great job for kids. Have them carefully remove ornaments from the tree and wrap or box them. Especially outside, avoid climbing up and down a ladder by handing lights and garlands to someone on the ground.

Deal with the Tree

An artificial tree is easy to handle. Just fold the branches and return it to the original box for storage until next year. A pot-grown tree should be acclimated to the outdoors for several days in an unheated, sheltered place and then be re-potted or planted in the garden.

A cut tree must be disposed of properly. Tree recycling is available in many areas. Contact the local recycling centre for details. If recycling is not an option, ensure that the tree is disposed of in a way that does not create a nuisance or fire hazard.

Cards, Gift Wrap and Bows

Update addresses before disposing of envelopes and set cards aside to make postcards or use for other crafts. Save wrapping paper and bows in good condition for later reuse or donate these items to local schools, clubs or charity.

Food

An abundance of food is often left after a holiday meal. Securely wrap and freeze items that will not be consumed promptly.

Tags: Cleaning Tips, Gift Wrap, holdays, Shopping

This entry was posted on Sunday, December 27th, 2009 at 10:31 am and is filed under Cleaning Tips, Holidays, Home. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.