Interior Designers Share When to Take Down Holiday Decorations

This article was prepared from the source material provided, which included interviews with interior designer Carolyn Cerminara and professional organizer Liora Seltzer.

There is no single correct date for taking down holiday decorations, according to interior designer Carolyn Cerminara and professional organizer Liora Seltzer. The two experts, who spoke with the original publication, offered different but overlapping approaches that range from a fresh start on January 1 to keeping decorations up as long as they continue to bring joy.

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Cerminara, founder and principal designer at Cerminara Design, said some clients prefer to remove decorations on the first of the year. "I have clients who prefer to take them down on the 1st of the year, symbolically welcoming a fresh start," she said. For those who want a more traditional timeline, Cerminara recommends waiting until January 6. That date coincides with Epiphany, Twelfth Night, Little Christmas, and the day many Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas, giving households a chance to extend the holiday spirit through post-Christmas observances.

Seltzer, owner of What U Keep, takes a less calendar-driven approach. "Holiday decorations and home decor are meant to bring us joy," she said. She advises taking decorations down when they no longer serve that purpose. "When you get to the point where looking at the decorations makes you more anxious than joyful, you know it's time [to take them down]," Seltzer said. That could mean a few days after the holidays or a month or more, depending on the household.

When to Put Decorations Up

The timing of putting decorations up also varies. Seltzer noted that many people wait until December 1 or later to set up their tree and presents. Cerminara, as an interior designer, usually recommends putting Christmas decorations up right after Thanksgiving, which allows for four Sundays to enjoy the ambiance before Christmas.

Practical Teardown Tips

Both experts offered suggestions for making the process less stressful. Seltzer recommends enlisting a friend, family member, or professional to help put decorations away neatly so they can be enjoyed again next year. She also suggests decluttering as you pack, getting rid of items that are no longer your style, broken, or simply ready to be let go. Labeling storage containers is another step that makes finding items easier the following season and helps with inventory during a move or packing.

For households still debating the right moment, the experts' guidance leaves room for personal preference. The decision can hinge on emotional response, tradition, or a desire for a clean slate at the start of the new year.