6 Things You Should Pack Away After New Year’s

Once New Year’s passes, everyone’s tempted to rip the house back to “normal” and shove everything in tubs. But if you’re a little intentional about what gets packed up, it keeps your house from feeling cluttered and helps next holiday season go smoother.

These are the things worth dealing with on purpose instead of tossing into the nearest bin.

Extra seasonal décor that doesn’t make the cut anymore

Before you pack up Christmas, look at what you actually used this year. Anything that never left the tub, always feels like a chore to put out, or doesn’t feel like your style anymore can probably go.

Instead of automatically storing it, make three piles: keep, donate, and trash. Only pack the “keep” items into your bins. You’ll thank yourself next year when you’re not digging through ten things you’ve silently hated for three seasons in a row.

Heavy holiday-specific textiles that weigh rooms down

Cozy blankets, flannel sheets, Christmas pillows, and themed tablecloths are great in December, but they can make January feel cramped and dark. After New Year’s, wash holiday-specific textiles and pack away anything with obvious seasonal prints or colors you’re tired of looking at.

Leave out a few neutral cozy pieces if you live somewhere cold. A lighter, simplified mix helps the house feel refreshed instead of like the party is over but the house didn’t get the memo.

Extra gift wrap, bags, and tags you won’t use till next season

Gift wrap supplies multiply fast. Gather all wrapping paper, bags, tissue paper, ribbon, and tags into one spot and sort through what’s still in decent shape. Flatten bags and fold tissue paper that’s not shredded.

Store them together in a clear bin, garment bag, or under-bed box labeled “gift wrap.” Keep one small stash of neutral bags and tissue out if you host birthdays throughout the year, but everything very Christmas-y can go up. It keeps your closets from feeling like a party store exploded.

Specialty serving pieces you only reach for on holidays

Large platters shaped like turkeys, “Merry & Bright” dessert stands, snowflake appetizer trays—these are great, but they take up a lot of room. After New Year’s, wash and dry holiday-specific serveware and pack it away with your seasonal bins.

Keep out the workhorse pieces that are plain or neutral—those can carry you through birthdays and regular gatherings. Getting the loud, seasonal pieces out of everyday cabinets frees up space and makes your kitchen feel less jammed.

Extra outdoor décor that doesn’t handle winter well

Some outdoor items can stay—simple wreaths, plain lanterns, or greenery that still looks good. But anything obviously Christmas-specific or delicate (inflatable decorations, light-up figures, battery-powered outdoor pieces) is better off stored.

Clean and dry items as much as you can before packing to avoid mildew. Coil lights loosely and label each strand’s location (“front porch roof,” “tree by driveway”) so you’re not guessing next year. Your yard will feel calmer, and your stuff will last longer.

Novelty kitchen extras you only use for holiday baking

Christmas cookie cutters, specific sprinkles, themed cake pans, holiday mugs, and “one job” tools like tree-shaped spatulas can quietly eat up your everyday kitchen space. After the holidays, sort them out from your regular tools.

Pack them together in a small, labeled bin with your seasonal décor or baking supplies. That way, when you’re cooking in February, your drawers aren’t crammed with gingerbread men and Santa spoons. And next year, all your holiday baking gear is right where you expect it to be instead of scattered around the kitchen.