10 Things I Always Declutter Before the Holidays Begin

10 Things I Always Declutter Before the Holidays Begin

Ah, the holidays—a time of joy, laughter, and sometimes, a bit of chaos. Whether you adore festive gatherings or crave the quiet moments by the fire, the season has its magic. Still, there's often a cluttered undercurrent that can dim the glow of the holidays. Tackling this head-on with intention can transform your space and mindset. Let's explore what I consistently declutter before the holidays make their grand entrance. Trust me, these aren't just quick fixes, but thoughtful reflections and practical shifts designed to help you breathe a little more freely.

Introduction

The thought of holiday decluttering can sometimes feel overwhelming, like adding one more task to an already packed schedule. Yet, embracing a few decluttering habits can elevate the season's ambiance, making space for what truly matters. This isn’t just an exercise in tidiness; it's the art of creating an environment where festive memories can flourish.

Each item on this list has been curated through personal experience and trial and error, serving as a companion in my own quest for a holiday of joy and intentionality. The idea isn't to achieve perfection, but to find a balance that feels right, leaving room for laughter, warmth, and that second helping of holiday dessert.

1. Closet Simplification: Shedding the Excess

Kicking off with the closet might sound intimidating, but it’s an impactful starting point. We all have those garments we haven't worn in ages, silently occupying space and holding us back. The holidays invite chances to dress up or cozy down, and a freshly curated wardrobe can make each occasion more enjoyable.

Tips for Closet Simplification:

• Seasonal Sorting: Pull out items unsuited for the current season and pack them away. This clears space and highlights what you truly adore wearing.
• The One-Year Rule: If you haven’t worn it in the past year, it may be time to let it go.
• Donate Thoughtfully: Consider passing on items to shelters or charity shops—your once-loved garments can bring warmth to someone else’s winter.

2. The Kitchen Overhaul: Less Is More

Prepare your kitchen for the holiday feasts by freeing it from culinary clutter. Culinary culprits like expired spices or mismatched containers can sap energy and efficiency.

Kitchen Overhaul Insights:

• Pantry Purge: Expired food items and half-used spices, leave! Keep a core selection of spices and pantry essentials that you'll actually use.
• Utensil Check: Evaluate your tools and toss or donate duplicates and unused items.
• Clear Counters: Maintain clear counter spaces to open the flow for cooking and conversation.

3. Digital Detox: Tidying the Technosphere

In a world increasingly digital, our devices become clutter magnets. Simplifying this space not only clears mental bandwidth but also ensures you can access what you need without distraction.

Steps for a Digital Declutter:

• Photo Management: Organize or delete excess photos. Consider using cloud services for important memories.
• App Audit: Evaluate your app usage—remove those that no longer serve you.
• Inbox Alignment: Unsubscribe from newsletters you no longer read and create folders for important emails.

4. Pre-Holiday Paperwork: Sort and Simplify

Mail and paperwork have a knack for forming cluttered heaps. Freeing yourself from paper overload smooths the path for important tasks requiring your attention as the year winds down.

Paperwork Simplification:

• File Essentials Only: Keep essential documents and shred outdated ones.
• Digital Transition: Where possible, switch to digital statements and bills to reduce paper clutter moving forward.
• Mail Center: Set up a designated spot for incoming and outgoing mail to prevent pile-ups.

5. Toy and Game Refresh: Making Way for Joy

With kids in the picture, toys can seem to multiply overnight. Refreshing this space not only brings sanity but sets excitement for the new arrivals the holidays may bring.

Refresh Routine:

• Rotate Favorites: Store a few toys and reintroduce them over time to spark interest without endless buying.
• Community Sharing: Encourage children to donate preloved toys to create room for new ones and understand the joy of giving.
• Designate Spaces: Ensure toys have specific homes to make tidying up simple for both kids and adults.

6. Bathroom Basics: Streamline Your Routine

A cluttered bathroom can start your day off-balance. Simplifying here promotes a tranquil start to busy holiday mornings.

Streamlining Solutions:

• Expiry Check: Discard expired medications and makeup.
• Essentials Grouping: Keep only your daily essentials in easy reach, and store less-used items elsewhere.
• Towel Tactics: Ensure you have enough clean, cozy towels for guests without overwhelming your space.

7. Living Room Lift: Designing for Togetherness

Living rooms are festive gathering hubs but can easily become dumping grounds. Curate this space for relaxation and connection.

Curating Your Living Room:

• Furniture Functionality: Ensure furniture is positioned for conversation and comfort.
• Simplify Surfaces: Choose a few decorative pieces rather than an overcrowded mantle.
• Lighting Logic: Incorporate soft lighting elements, like lamps or candles, to cozy up the space.

8. Decor Decisions: Intentional Festivity

Holiday decorations can be sentimental but also cumbersome. Curate your collection to highlight cherished pieces while reducing volume.

Decorating Decisions:

• Favorite Focus: Display pieces that hold the strongest sentimental value and don't feel the need to showcase every item.
• Swap and Share: Rotate decorations each year and consider sharing DIY ornament sessions with friends.
• Mindful Storage: Post-holidays, store decorations in labeled boxes for effortless setup next year.

9. Guest Room Prep: A Welcoming Nest

If you’re expecting guests, ensuring their accommodations are tidy and thoughtful can make their stay more comfortable and your hosting more relaxed.

Guest Room Guide:

• Bedding Boost: Freshen up with clean sheets and extra blankets.
• Bedside Basics: Provide nightstands with essentials like lamps, a snack, or your Wi-Fi password.
• Clear Closets and Drawers: Allocate space for guests to store their belongings easily.

10. Self-Reflection Space: Inner and Outer Clarity

Finally, declutter your mind and spirit. The holidays are as much about internal peace as external order.

Reflective Rituals:

• Meditation Space: Create a small, dedicated area for mindful practices, whether it's yoga or a few quiet moments a day.
• Gratitude Journal: Keep a journal to jot down daily gratitude, enhancing your holiday happiness.
• Unplug Regularly: Schedule mini digital detoxes to stay present with yourself and loved ones.

The Daily Essentials

As we wrap up, think of these as little nuggets of wisdom, designed to weave seamlessly into your daily life:

1. One-in, One-out Rule: For every new item you bring home, let go of something you no longer need.
2. Gratitude Go-To: End each day by jotting down three things you’re grateful for.
3. Morning Mindfulness: Spend five minutes each morning breathing deeply, setting an intention for the day.
4. Sunday Reset: Use Sundays to reset your space for the upcoming week, be it organizing a drawer or planning your meals.
5. Connection Corner: Dedicate a corner for treasured photos or mementos that remind you of the people you cherish most.

Conclusion

Holidays can present a paradox of pleasures and pressures, yet decluttering with intention has been my compass to navigate this season with greater ease and satisfaction. Each item decluttered bids farewell to a little chaos and beckons in a bit more tranquility. Remember, these aren’t rules but gentle prompts to help you carve a joyful, clutter-free path as the holiday season unfolds. Through thoughtful decluttering, you’ll find yourself not only with more space but with a heart ready to embrace the magic around you.