Organizing after Christmas Chaos
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Christmas is so much fun, but can also bring a lot of “stuff” into your home. These simple tips will help you organize after Christmas – without the stress!
Originally published December 2013, updated December 2021 with additional photos, tips and video.
All of the gifts that we spend hours meticulously wrapping need to find a home – as well as the paper itself! Organizing after Christmas chaos can feel a little overwhelming, so I like to take the day after Christmas to organize our home for a much needed reset.

An otherwise organized home is often quickly covered in toys, clothes, boxes, plastic bags, dishes and laundry after Christmas.
Table of Contents
How to Organize After Christmas
Remove items from their packaging
Boxes consume more than double the space. Open items, maintaining any assembly instructions and recycle packaging.
Create a recycling “center”
For quick cleanup, I use a big box that a toy came in in the living room for all recyclable packaging to go in. I used another large box for the upstairs, which kept me from running to the recycle bin frequently.
Sort existing toys and donate while you still have a chance
The easiest time to openly donate clothes and toys is when something new enters the home.
Seize the opportunity (quickly) and talk to them about making room for their new toys and work through their toy room or bedrooms together to see what they are ready to let go of.
Rotate toys
Move existing toys that you want to keep to a storage closet or basement when they’ll go unnoticed. Kiddos can be so enamored with their new, that for a short time, they won’t notice the old.
Again, take advantage of this opportunity while you can and rotate toys. In a month, you can rotate them again, bringing new life to the older toys you have chosen to keep. Use another large box or large bins (I use these bins) and pack old toys that you want to keep.
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Assess what you have and where it will go
If you’re like us, toys linger around the living room, because that’s where they were opened.
Divide into piles/areas. Separate clothes, bedroom decor and toys that will go to bedrooms for each individual. Separate anything that will go to a toy room or additional space.
File away
Start putting it all away. This should be easier now that you have completed the previous steps.
While doing so, take it one step further and find additional items to recycle, donate or dispose of. For example, when putting new clothes away see if there’s any you can eliminate.
You can find all of my favorite storage solutions, including Christmas decor storage here!
Drop off donations
The sooner you remove things from the house, the more organized you’ll feel
Take down the greens
The day before your Christmas tree pickup, remove any fresh greens including your tree, Christmas Wreath and garlands so you can immediately take them to the curb, eliminating needles lingering in the garage. PS learn How to Keep Live Christmas Wreaths and Live Garlands Fresh

I hope you enjoyed these tips for organizing after Christmas. Now you can kick back, relax and enjoy a glass of wine and start thinking about the new year!
You can find all of my organization posts here with free printable labels to organize your laundry room and kitchen, beautiful ideas to organize your linens, organize cleaning supplies, organize paint colors, and SO much more!
More Organization Ideas
Looking for ways to decorate your home for Christmas? Get 30 easy Christmas decoration ideas to take your holidays up a notch!
Natalie K says
Are there 12 days of Christmas? So sad that we are such an “onto the next thing” society. This is sad.
Julie Blanner says
I’m sorry you feel that way. It certainly wasn’t meant to be sad, only helpful!
Please keep in mind that Christmas looks different for everyone, and while some families celebrate the tradition of 12 days, others do not. Merry Christmas!
Barbara at Mantel and Table says
Great ideas Julie! And your beautiful house is an inspiration in itself! 🙂 Thanks for the wonderful tips, and Happy New Year!
Julie Blanner says
Thank you, Barbara!
Crystal says
These are great doable tips! What color did you decide to use on your floors?
Julie Blanner says
I’m sorry, I’m not sure what you’re asking!