Diwali, one of the biggest and most popular festivals of the year, is behind us. You probably got a lot of cleaning done around the house before Diwali, so there’s one less job to stress over. But yes, you’re likely to feel exhausted once the festivities are done. The last thing on your mind would be organizing the house, once again! We are big believers of getting started with the de-cluttering business as soon as possible. This approach helps going back on track with our routine. So, take our advice and follow these simple tips to reorganize your home after the Diwali festivities.
1. Put away the decorative items – this is a great place to start. There will be diyas, tea-light candles, string lights, torans, and fancy lamps that you used to decorate your home for Diwali. Remove them right away, wipe down anything that needs a clean-up, discard what’s broken or cannot be used again, and put the rest in boxes designated for them. Don’t forget to label the boxes before putting them away until the next year.
You may also have changed the cushion covers, drapes, rugs, tablecloths, etc. to match the festive season. These will also need to be removed, dry-cleaned, or washed depending on the fabric, and packed. This is a must – you don’t want your expensive linen covered in stains or grime. If there are any sculptures, wall art, vases, or even exquisite pieces of furniture that you purchased or took out specifically for Diwali, don’t forget to wipe and put them away too.
Rotting floral decorations will leave a bad smell around the house; it’s best to remove and discard them as soon as possible. Wipe down the spaces where the flowers were put with a soft, damp cloth to remove any residue and odour.
2. Take stock of the eatables – you probably cooked in large quantities, ordered food from restaurants, and received loads of sweet boxes this Diwali. Quite likely some of it is still in your refrigerator. Size up what you will use on the day after Diwali, keep the rest in takeaway boxes while they are still fresh, and share with others.
The one thing you shouldn’t do is eat just the leftovers. As the food loses its freshness, you’re likely to invite stomach problems. What’s more – festive foods are rich in fats, spices, and sugars, which will do you harm – you do have to get back to your pre-festive schedule, don’t you? So, instead, make meal plans consisting of light and nutritious foods that include veggies, fruits, and soups. These will help your body regain its energy and ease into the post-festivity days.
Another food product you receive as gift is dry fruits. Make sure you transfer them into airtight containers and store them in a cool, dry place. Keep the healthy snacks visible to be able to munch on them when needed. Ideally, store only what you really need, and keeping with the festive spirit, share the rest.
AIA’s Bonus Tip
Diwali is a time for giving and receiving gifts; and if you’ve received a whole lot of gifts, you don’t know what to do with them, it’s time to assess them. Start with putting aside what you really love and wish to keep. Next, make a list of gifts you don’t need – remember to write down who gifted what. Among these, check which ones can be regifted. Label them and put them away. The rest can be given away in charity. Make sure whatever you give away is in good condition, not broken or torn. Now I understand we often feel slightly uncomfortable before letting go of gifts immediately. But why Store them for eternity when we know we will not use it?
3. Reorganize the kitchen – once the food is cleared out, you need to reorganize the kitchen. Wash your expensive crockery, and wipe and air dry them. Clean and arrange the other utensils that may have been used for cooking, especially traditional handis, sil battas, grinding stones, and even your latest kadai and so on that you don’t use often.
4. Fight the mess – one of the biggest challenges post-Diwali is cleaning up the mess diyas, candles, and crackers leave behind. Your trusted cleaning agents will come in handy here.
To clean oil stains from floor tiles, mix club soda or vinegar with water and wipe.
Remove wax from furniture by placing an ice pack on the spot and flaking the wax off with a blunt knife. Then, place a paper bag on the stain and gently iron over it. When the paper absorbs the wax, remove and repeat with another paper, till the wax is completely off. Use some rubbing alcohol or a gentle cleansing solution suitable for the surface and wipe off.
Bleaching powder is a great agent to remove cracker stains, but remember to wash it off thoroughly.
5. Care for your clothes – silk sarees, embroidered suits, flowy lehengas, and snazzy kurtas – all your festive clothing should be aired well, dry-cleaned, and packed properly before they go back into the safety of your wardrobe. Sealed boxes (not plastic), with just enough ventilation, work well. You can layer tissue paper in between clothes to prevent wrinkle damage. For the final touch, add moth repellents in the storage bags to protect your clothes from holes.
Pay attention to your health
Diwali, or for that matter any festival time, can be immensely fun but draining. Cleaning, cooking, decorating, and hosting can take a toll on your health. Your routine takes a hit – your work, children’s school activities, workout regimen, and household chores – take a backseat. Once the festivities are over, reality hits hard. But take it easy. What’s most important is how you feel.
Decluttering and reorganizing are important, no doubt, to ensure you can return to your routine quickly and easily. However, it’s more important to first take a few moments, or a few hours, whatever you need, to relax, breathe, drink your coffee, and basically do nothing at all. Enjoy the quiet; once you regain your vigor, plunge straight into putting everything back in its place.
If you have a clever hack for post-festivity clean-up, drop us a comment.
We wish you luck with putting your life routine back on track post-Diwali. Reach out to us if you need personalized assistance in decluttering and reorganizing of your home or any other space. Write to us by email or in the comments below.
