The wrapping paper has been tossed, the last of the leftovers are gone, and you're staring at a house full of decorations wondering where to even start. We get it—the magic of the holidays is wonderful, but the aftermath? Not so much.

Whether you hosted gatherings all season long or just kept things simple with your immediate family, January is the perfect time to reset your home. Here's your complete guide to post-holiday cleanup that'll have your Omaha home feeling fresh and organized for the new year.

Start With the Decorations (and a Strategy)

Before you start yanking ornaments off the tree, grab some storage bins and take a methodical approach. This isn't just about putting things away—it's about making next December easier.

The smart way to pack up:

  • Take photos of your favorite displays before dismantling them (you'll thank yourself next year)
  • Wrap fragile ornaments in tissue paper or bubble wrap, not newspaper that can transfer print
  • Label boxes by room and by holiday (Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's, etc.)
  • Invest in proper wreath storage boxes—crushed wreaths are depressing to discover in November
  • Store string lights wrapped around cardboard to prevent tangling

Pro tip: As you pack, make note of items that are damaged or that you didn't use. If you didn't display it this year, chances are you won't next year either.

Deep Clean the High-Traffic Areas

Your home worked overtime during the holidays. Time to give it some attention.

Living and dining rooms took the brunt of entertaining. Vacuum under couch cushions (you'll be amazed what you find), spot-clean upholstery, and don't forget to dust ceiling fans and light fixtures. If you have hardwood floors, now's a great time for a proper cleaning—all that foot traffic leaves its mark.

The kitchen probably deserves a medal. Clean out your refrigerator completely, toss expired items, and wipe down all the shelves. Deep clean your oven if you haven't already. Run the dishwasher empty with a cleaning tablet. Organize your pantry and donate unopened items you know you won't use.

Entryways and mudrooms in Omaha homes see a lot of action during winter. Wash mats, wipe down coat racks, and organize winter gear. This is also a good time to assess what winter items your kids have outgrown.

Tackle the Clutter

The holidays bring new things into your home, which means old things need to find a new home elsewhere.

For every new item that came in, try to move one out. Got new kitchen gadgets? Pass along ones you haven't used in a year. New toys for the kids? Have them choose items to donate to local organizations like the Heartland Hope Mission or Completely KIDS.

Create donation zones: Set up boxes in a few rooms for items to donate, and once they're full, schedule a pickup or drop-off. The Salvation Army and Goodwill have multiple Omaha locations that make donations easy.

Organize for the Year Ahead

January cleanup isn't just about undoing the holidays—it's about setting yourself up for success in 2026.

Create a household command center if you don't have one already. A simple bulletin board or wall calendar in the kitchen helps keep everyone on the same page with schedules, activities, and appointments.

Set up a mail and paperwork system to stay on top of bills, school papers, and important documents. The beginning of the year brings tax documents and benefit renewals—having a system in place helps.

Prep your home maintenance calendar. As Omaha homeowners know, staying ahead of seasonal maintenance is key. Schedule furnace checks, plan for spring gutter cleaning, and mark your calendar for when to service your AC before summer hits.

Don't Forget the Outside

Even in January, there's outdoor work to do.

Take down exterior lights and decorations on a mild day (we know Nebraska weather is unpredictable, but grab the opportunity when you can). Check that holiday light timers and extension cords are in good shape before storing them.

Clear any remaining leaves or debris from gutters if you didn't get to it before the holidays. Walk your property and look for any winter damage—loose shingles, damaged siding, or areas where ice might be causing problems.

The Fresh Start Feeling

There's something about a clean, organized home in January that feels like possibility. It's not about perfection—it's about creating a space that works for your family and supports your goals for the year.

If you're looking at your home post-cleanup and thinking it might be time for more space, a better layout, or a fresh start in a new neighborhood, we'd love to talk. The Omaha real estate market in early 2026 offers opportunities for buyers and sellers alike, and we're here to help you figure out what makes sense for your family.

For now, though? Just enjoy having your home back to normal. You've earned it.

Need help with your Omaha real estate goals in 2026? Contact The Heim-Berg Team today. We know the market, we know the neighborhoods, and we're ready to help you make your next move.