Cleaning after the festive season

THE festive season is over and life has gone back to normal. Many homes – mine included – are all in a mess as we try to bring down all the decorations and putting them away until about the same time – come end of the year.

Saturday, January 05, 2013
Plastic containers can keep anything safe.

THE festive season is over and life has gone back to normal. Many homes – mine included – are all in a mess as we try to bring down all the decorations and putting them away until about the same time – come end of the year.What to put away Decorations Plastic containers can keep all sorts of things safer than any box can. All those small decorations like the Christmas balls, lightings, stars  etc, are better off when they are in a plastic container, where you know they will not be squeezed and be broken.CutleryMany homes have special cutlery for the festive season. Some of these are actually decorated in Christmas themes and all. Keeping these away can save you money come end of the year. DrapesI am taking down my Christmas themed curtains. I have had these for the last five years. The festive season is over so it does not make any sense hanging curtains only meant for the season. Bring them down, wash and keep them safe until when it is the season for Santa Claus.Table napkinsThese too are better off washed and kept away, but only if they are fully themed for the season. If the napkins are one coloured, then they can be used on any other day, than just Christmas.What to clean, arrange and replace Living roomTime to unclutter and clean this area; for those of us who had so many visitors you can just imagine how the house looks like. It can be tiresome to have many visitors, but fun at the same time. Unless you clean the living room you will not be able to tell what dropped under the seats and all. The sooner you clean this area the better.BedroomsWith visitors and all, beddings need to be aired and washed. If possible I suggest everything in the rooms be removed, the room be aired for at least two hours and then arranged again. Most of the time with visitors, many things are misplaced, and others fall under the beds. Time to air out and remove what is not needed.Kitchen This is one area of the house that is most busy during this time. It’s check time – cups, bowls, plates, cutlery etc. Because of many hands, these things either break or are spoiled. Do not wait until you are surprised one day when you want to use something only to find out that there is nothing to use. Check everything and put them in order just the way you want them to be.

We are all looking forward to another year with great expectations. Happy New Year!