Scrunchy Post-Christmas Clean Up

Written By Emily Long

If your house looks like:

  • a wrapping tornado hit it,

  • Christmas glitter is the new flooring texture,

  • and you’re not even sure what’s in your fridge anymore…

You’re in the right place! Scrunchy = sorta crunchy. Trying where it counts. Being practical where it doesn’t.

1. Start With a “5-Minute Reset”

Not a full overhaul — just the basics:

  • take out trash/recycling

  • dishes in sink or dishwasher

  • clear one surface (any surface)

  • run a quick vacuum or broom swipe

Why it works: it builds momentum without requiring energy you don’t have.

I use a reusable spray bottle + castile soap mix and wipe with a Swedish dishcloth for everything from counters to sticky cocoa rings.

2. The Gift + Decor Triage Pile

No decisions yet — just sort:

KEEP OUT 👉 wintery, neutral decor
PUT AWAY 👉 Santa, reindeer, garland
DONATE / SECOND CHANCE 👉 stuff that didn’t get used or doesn’t spark joy at all
TRASH/RECYCLE 👉 broken ornaments, dead lights, wrapping scraps

This takes the emotional pressure out of it.

Scrunchy Tip: don’t feel obligated to save all gift bags. They multiply like gremlins.

Clear tote storage boxes with lids are my go-to, and I label them to help me stay extra organized.

3. Trees, Greenery + Needle Management

Real tree?

  • shake outside

  • vacuum needles

  • check local curbside/tree recycling programs

Fake tree?

  • wrap lights loosely to avoid tangles

  • consider using a tree storage bag to skip cardboard disintegration

This tree bag saves my sanity every year!

4. Wrapping: What Stays, What Goes

Keep:

  • gift bags (limit yourself to one bin)

  • tissue paper that isn’t shredded

  • ribbons + bows in a jar

Recycle/trash:

  • glitter wrapping

  • laminated foil wrap

  • anything with plastic coating

Scrunchy means we’re trying, not swearing loyalty to the recycling gods.

5. Kitchen Reset (The Most Scrunchy Part)

I start with three questions:

  1. Will we eat it?

  2. Will someone else? (ask neighbors or coworkers)

  3. Can it freeze?

What I freeze:

  • shredded cheese

  • soups/stews

  • turkey bones for broth

  • ham chunks for beans later

What I compost:

  • herb stems

  • Fruit rinds

  • veggie ends

What I do not shame myself over:

  • store-bought tins

  • convenience meals

  • disposable pans (sometimes sanity > scrunchy)

If I can, I make a big pot of soup stock to use up straggler veggies. If not, I order Chinese. Both are valid.

6. Cleaning Products I Use

Low-toxic, but not DIY-only:

  • castile soap (multi-use)

  • vinegar + citrus peel cleaner (if I remembered)

  • baking soda (sink scrub)

  • store-bought cleaner I actually like and don’t guilt trip myself about

I use wool dryer balls instead of sheets (these are my fav).

7. The Emotional Reset

Post-holiday exhaustion is real. My rule: “If my home feels 10% lighter than yesterday, that’s success.”

Because:

  • you just hosted

  • you just cooked 4 holiday meals

  • you just navigated family/friends/travel

  • your nervous system is still catching up

You don’t need to “earn” rest by finishing the house.

8. On Display for January

Not minimalism — just intentional:

  • cozy blankets

  • candles without holiday scents

  • winter greenery (not Christmas specific)

  • bowls of citrus

  • calm colors

This helps me mentally shift seasons without buying anything new.

Final Thoughts

Scrunchy clean up =

  • trying where it helps

  • letting go where it doesn’t

  • remembering that glitter is forever now

You’re doing great. Even if your tree is still up in February. 😉

Suggested Links

Emily Long
Next

8 Low-Toxic Cleaning Ingredients (You Probably Already Have at Home)