12 Days of Upcycling: Expert Tips to Reimagine Your Christmas Waste

Christmas is just around the corner, but one sure-fire way to ruin the festive vibes is your home turning into a tip of packaging materials and boxes. Over the festive period, us Brits use a staggering 338,251 tonnes of cardboard packaging, 35,877 tonnes of plastic, 1.3 billion cards and 269,423 miles of wrapping paper every year!

But fear not, the experts in all things waste, London House Clearing Company Rainbow Rubbish Removals, have compiled their top ways to reuse that pesky packaging, both before and after the big day. Ready to be the star on top of the eco-friendly Christmas tree? Let’s unwrap some genius ideas!

Pre-Christmas hacks:

Packaging clutter is a pre-Christmas headache, but with a little creativity, it can become the gift that keeps on giving:

Packing paper as garden mulch
Shred leftover paper from packaging (especially if it’s non-recyclable) and spread it in your garden or around your plants. It will help prevent weed growth, retain moisture, and break down over time, enriching the soil. If you have a compost pile, you can also add the shredded paper to it (just avoid glossy or heavily inked paper).

Large boxes for New Year donations
Recycle those large boxes by turning them into donation sorters. Label each box for specific categories like “Clothes,” “Toys,” “Books,” etc., and keep them in a convenient spot for easy access. This makes it easier when you’re decluttering after the holidays and ensures you’re prepared to donate items.

Bubble wrap for frost insulation
Don’t just pop your bubble wrap – you can put it to good use around your home and garden! Wrap bubble wrap around potted plants or line greenhouse walls to protect your greenery from frost. If your windows are drafty, line them with bubble wrap – it acts as an insulating blanket while still letting light through.

Christmas and beyond:

That crumpled sea of wrapping paper doesn’t have to be landfill-bound. Here’s how you can reuse even the shiniest of papers:

Wrapping paper confetti
After the holiday rush, instead of tossing your non-recyclable wrapping paper, grab a pair of scissors or a paper punch and create confetti! Use it for upcoming New Year parties, as filler for gift bags, or as a fun way to decorate cards or craft projects. It adds a festive, personal touch to anything you make or give. You can also use the confetti as eco-friendly packing material for shipping gifts or items.

Cut up cards for next year’s labels
Don’t toss those holiday cards just yet! Cut them into smaller sections to repurpose them as gift tags or labels for next year’s holiday season. You can punch a hole in them, write a personal message on the back, and use them to add charm to presents. It’s an excellent way to recycle the beautiful artwork, photos, or designs from the cards while keeping the holiday spirit alive in future gifts.

Festive quick-change phone case
Want a festive phone case, but don’t feel like splashing the cash? For this hack, you just need a clear phone case and your favourite wrapping paper. Simply cut out wrapping paper to fit in the case, and voila! You can then change the paper as often as you want without wasting money on a whole new case.

Miroslav Radov, owner of London House Clearing Company Rainbow Rubbish Removals commented:

“At the end of the festive season, the temptation to bag everything up and toss it out can be strong, but it’s important to think about the waste we’re generating. By reusing materials like wrapping paper, packaging, and old boxes, we can significantly cut down on what ends up in landfill. Plus, turning clutter into creative projects or practical uses not only saves money but also helps make room for what really matters during the holidays – time spent with loved ones in a clean, welcoming space.

“We always encourage families to tackle post-Christmas clutter with a plan. Set aside a day to repurpose what you can, and donate any unused items or gifts to those who need them. It’s a simple way to start the New Year fresh, with an organised home and a lighter environmental footprint. By reducing waste and rethinking how we use what’s left behind, we’re creating a holiday season that’s festive and eco-friendly.”