What to Get Rid Of (And What to Keep or Donate)
The holiday season brings festive decorations, memorable gatherings, and thoughtful gifts. But once the decorations come down and the last cookies disappear, clutter often takes over. Many homeowners look around and wonder what to do with everything that piled up over the past few weeks. At Michael’s Junk Removal and Light Hauling, we help families across Maryland and Pennsylvania clear out post-holiday clutter and reclaim their space. Use this guide to decide what to throw out, what to keep, and what to donate.
Holiday Decorations: Sort, Store, or Let Go
Holiday decorations add up year after year. Some pieces carry real sentimental value. Others sit untouched in a bin in your attic or garage.
What to Keep
- Tradition Pieces: Decorations tied to family memories, like heirloom ornaments or handmade décor, deserve a spot in your seasonal rotation.
- Quality Items: Sturdy décor that still looks great and works well can serve you for years.
What to Let Go
- Damaged or Faded Items: Broken lights, cracked ornaments, and worn-out décor no longer add joy. They only add clutter.
- Duplicates or “Just Because” Picks: If you bought something new and skipped last year’s version, donate or dispose of the old one.
After you sort everything, store what you’re keeping in clearly labeled bins for next season. If you want help removing unwanted décor or clearing attic boxes, our team can lighten your load!
Holiday Packaging and Boxes: Clear Out the Cardboard Mountain
After you unwrap presents, boxes, packaging, and wrapping paper can pile up fast.
Recycle:
- Cardboard Boxes: Most curbside programs accept them. Flatten boxes first to save space.
- Paper and Tags: Most wrapping paper and paper tags can go in recycling. Skip metallic or glitter-covered paper, since many programs won’t take it.
Dispose:
- Plastic Packaging: Many holiday plastics, like bubble wrap and foam peanuts, need special drop-off recycling. If you can’t recycle them locally, dispose of them properly.
If you’re unsure what belongs where, count on our light hauling services to remove the mess and handle responsible disposal.
Old Gifts: What to Keep, Donate, or Toss
We’ve all received gifts that don’t quite fit, whether because of style, size, or practicality.
What to Keep
- Gifts You’ll Use: Items that match your lifestyle or fill a real need should stay.
- High-Value Items: Keep items that would cost a lot to replace.
Donate
- Like-New Items: If a gift is unused and in great condition, donate it to a local charity or thrift store. Donating helps someone else start the year with something useful.
Recycle or Dispose
- Broken or Worn Items: If you can’t repair an item, recycle it when possible. Otherwise, throw it away the right way.
Pro tip: Inventory what you plan to keep, then clear out older versions you no longer need. That can include outdated kitchen gadgets or old linens.
Bulky Items and Furniture: When It’s Time for Removal
The holidays often bring big items, like furniture, exercise equipment, or bulky electronics. These pieces can eat up space quickly. You might replace an old couch, inherit a large toy chest, or keep a holiday prop you never use. Either way, moving it on your own can be a headache.
That’s where professionals come in. At Michael’s Junk Removal and Light Hauling, we do the heavy lifting, remove items from your home, and dispose of them responsibly. You don’t have to haul anything yourself. We tackle everything from furniture and appliances to clutter in attics, basements, and garages.
Final Tips for a Clutter-Free New Year
- Plan Ahead: Declutter right after the holidays to start the year with a clean slate.
- Be Honest: Ask yourself, “Will I really use this again?” If not, let it go.
- Get Help When You Need It: Professional junk removal and light hauling saves time, effort, and stress.
🎉 Ready to clear out your post-holiday clutter and reclaim your space? Contact Michael’s Junk Removal and Light Hauling at 443-929-2251 for reliable, eco-friendly removal services in Carroll County, Westminster, Owings Mills, Towson, Gettysburg, Hanover, and surrounding areas. We’ll handle the heavy lifting, so you can start the New Year organized and clutter-free!