‘Out with the old, and in with the new.” While the origin of this phrase may be unclear, its sentiment resonates powerfully at the close of the year. It’s a perfect time for reflection and preparation for the year ahead, and a crucial component of that preparation involves decluttering after the holiday season.
The period following Christmas offers a unique opportunity to tidy up. With an influx of new items needing a home and often some extra time off work, it’s an excellent moment to focus on decluttering.
Where to Start Decluttering After Christmas
Before diving into the task of dismantling your holiday decorations and bidding farewell to Christmas, take a moment to engage in some decluttering. This doesn’t have to be an extensive overhaul of your entire home, but rather an opportunity to achieve what I like to call ‘quick decluttering wins.’ The arrival of new gifts makes it easier to let go of older items, and with your Christmas decorations still in view, it’s simpler to identify what you don’t regularly use.
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Declutter Christmas Decorations
Your storage bins filled with Christmas decorations are likely still sitting in the garage, so now is the perfect time to sort through them before putting everything away for the year. Check your garage, shed, and closets for any additional storage bins containing holiday decorations that may not have been used this season. As you sift through each item, ask yourself whether it will be used next year or if it’s time to part ways. Pay special attention to items that haven’t seen the light of day in the past year or longer.
Here’s a list of common holiday decorations that might remind you of items you’ve tucked away:
- Lights – both indoor and outdoor
- Garland – for trees and cabinets
- Ornaments
- Centerpieces
- Linens – including tree skirts, tablecloths, runners, shower curtains, towels, rugs, bedding, and throw pillows
- Decor – such as Santas, snowmen, and snow globes
- Dishes – including serving pieces, dinnerware, and glassware
- Christmas cards
Don’t forget that decorations aren’t the only Christmas clutter we tend to hold onto; wrapping and packaging materials also accumulate.
Get Rid of Packaging and Wrapping
Take a moment to sort through leftover wrapping and packaging from Christmas gifts. Discard any materials you don’t foresee using in the near future. I’ve always maintained a container for wrapping paper, gift bags, garland, and gift tags, but as the children in the family have transitioned into adulthood, the need for these smaller supplies has diminished.
Here are some items you might consider parting with:
- Product packaging
- Shipping boxes
- Wrapping paper
- Gift bags
- Curling ribbon
- Gift tags
- Premade bows
- Party invitations
- Extra blank cards
Downsize Storage Containers
Whenever you declutter and eliminate items typically stored in containers, look for chances to combine and downsize your actual storage bins. If you leave yourself with extra storage space, you may be inclined to fill it, whereas if your containers are perfectly sized for the items you plan to keep, you’ll be less tempted to accumulate more. It’s a psychological trick that can be surprisingly effective!
Sort Through Winter Clothing
Keep that decluttering momentum going by tackling your winter wardrobe next. With the potential for a few new additions during the holiday sales, it’s wise to assess your closet. Try on your winter items, check for wear and damage, and set aside anything you’re ready to part with.
Here are some common winter clothing items to consider decluttering:
- Winter coats
- Sweaters
- Hoodies
- Scarves
- Gloves
- Beanie hats
- Ear muffs
- Wool socks
- Boots – both rain and snow
- Pajamas
- Robes
- Slippers
Declutter Household Linens
Holiday sales often feature enticing discounts on household linens. I’m known for stocking up on new linens during Black Friday sales, having snagged $300 sheets for just $17! While you don’t need to conduct a full bathroom declutter right now, it’s a good idea to check your household linens for decluttering opportunities.
Consider these items:
- Pillows – including throw and bed pillows
- Throw blankets
- Duvets
- Comforters
- Sheets
- Towels
Downsize Small Appliances and Gadgets
Another common gift category during the holidays is gadgets and small appliances, which can be found on sale throughout the season. While many people think of the kitchen, don’t forget about other areas of your home that might be cluttered with gadgets you no longer need. Here are a few examples that I’ve let go of in past years:
- Nail dryers
- Manicure sets
- Spa sets
- Massagers
- Foot spas
- Electric razors
- Electric clippers
- Wax warmers
- Oil diffusers
- Humidifiers
- Himalayan salt lamps
- Slow cookers
- Deep fryers
- Bread machines
- Air fryers
- Pressure cookers
- Blenders
- Electric can openers
Sort Personal Electronics
Personal electronics are another popular category for holiday gifting, making this an opportune time to assess what you truly need. Here are a few items to consider parting with:
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Smartphones
- Headphones
- Charging cords
- Earbuds
- Charging stations
- Ipods & MP3 players
- Alarm clocks
- Video games
- CD players
- DVD players
Get Rid of Old Toys
Children often receive an abundance of toys for Christmas, and if you’re like many families, your home may already be overflowing. Encourage a ‘one in, one out’ policy with your children to help them sort and clear out older toys before introducing the new ones. Here are some easy categories of toys to declutter:
- Outgrown toys
- Toys with missing pieces
- Broken toys
- Electronic toys that no longer work
- Games with missing pieces
Eat the Pantry and Freezer
With many people enjoying a few extra days off during the holidays, it’s the perfect time to clear out your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry. Try meal planning around the items you already have on hand. While it may lead to some creative meals, it’s an excellent opportunity to use up items that may be nearing their expiration date.
Here are some common pantry and freezer items to focus on:
- Frozen meats
- Canned beans
- Frozen leftovers
- Pasta
- Frozen soups
- Nuts
- Frozen juices
Decluttering After Christmas
The time following Christmas presents a unique and valuable opportunity for decluttering. Take a moment to sort through any remaining Christmas items before putting everything else away. Don’t overlook packaging, wrapping supplies, and storage containers. Once you’ve tackled your Christmas clutter, shift your focus to the items you received or purchased during the holiday season. With new items in hand, you may find it easier to let go of older ones.
Consider decluttering winter clothing, household linens, small appliances and gadgets, and personal electronics. Don’t forget to involve your children in sorting through their toys.
Finally, as you complete your decluttering efforts, make it a point to consume the contents of your food storage spaces to prevent waste before items expire or spoil.
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