HOW TO: PROPERLY DECLUTTER BEFORE CHRISTMAS

 

So, how do you get started with decluttering your home before the holiday season? To help you get started, cleaning and organising expert Matthew Harrison at PriceYourJob.co.uk has created this list of tips on how to properly declutter before the holiday season. Take a look at the tips below…

 

Start Small and Set Realistic Goals

Decluttering can feel very overwhelming, especially if you have a lot that you need to work through. With this mind, it’s best to start small and gradually work your way up. Begin with just a small area, such as a particular drawer or shelf, and focus on clearing out items that you no longer need or use. This will give you a small sense of accomplishment and will provide you with a bit more motivation to continue decluttering.

 

Create a Decluttering Schedule

To make the decluttering process much more manageable, consider creating a schedule and sticking to it. Break down the decluttering process into smaller tasks and assign specific dates and times for each task. This will help you to stay organised and motivated in your efforts. For example, you could consider decluttering one room each week or focus on a specific category of items, such as books or clothes.

 

Gather Supplies

Before you begin the decluttering process, you should gather any supplies that may be needed to make the process easier and prevent any delays. This may include things like boxes, bags and cleaning supplies. Having everything you need on hand beforehand will make the whole process much more efficient.

 

Sort and Organise

Once you have chosen an area to declutter, sort the items into categories. This will help you see what you have and make it easier for you to decide what to keep and what to get rid of. For example, if you are decluttering your clothes, you may want to sort them into categories such as pants, tops, dresses, and outerwear.

 

Ask Yourself The Right Questions

As you are sorting through your belongings, you want to ask yourself these main questions:

Does This Item Bring Me Joy or Serve a Purpose?

This is a popular question from the KonMari method, which emphasises keeping only the items that spark joy. If an item no longer brings you joy or serves a purpose, it’s probably time to let it go.

Have I Used This Item in the Past Year?

If you haven’t used the item in the past year, this is probably a good sign that you don’t actually need it. This rule of thumb can help you declutter your items in an efficient manner.

Do I Have Duplicates of This Item?

If you have multiple versions of the same item, you most likely only need one of them. This is especially true for things like clothes, books, or kitchen utensils.

Is This Item Sentimental?

If an item is sentimental, consider whether the item truly brings you joy or if it is just a simple reminder of the past. Sometimes, it’s okay to let go of sentimental items, especially if they are no longer serving a purpose.

 

Declutter With a Friend

Decluttering can be more enjoyable and productive if you do it with a friend. Having someone to talk to and support you can make the entire process much less daunting. You can also help each other stay accountable and motivated.

 

Donate, Sell, or Recycle

Once you’ve decided what you want to keep, it’s now time to decide whether to sell, donate or recycle the things that you don’t need. Removing these things from your home will help you free up space and give your belongings a new life. Consider donating clothing to a local charity, selling furniture or electronics online, or recycling plastic, paper and other materials. You can also ask around to see if any of your friends or family would like any of the items that you’re getting rid of.

 

Declutter Digital Files

Don’t forget to declutter your digital files as well. Delete old emails, documents, and photographs that you no longer need or that are no longer serving a purpose. This will help you free up space on your computer and phone and make it easier for you to find the files you need. It also helps free up space for valuable photos and videos that you may take over the holiday period. You could also consider using cloud storage to store your files and free up space on your digital devices.

 

Create a Home for Everything

Once you’ve properly decluttered your home, you will need to make sure everything has a designated space. This will help prevent clutter from building up again. Label drawers, shelves, and storage containers to help keep things organised.

 

Prevent Future Clutter

To prevent future clutter, be mindful of what you are bringing into your home. Before buying something new, ask yourself if you really need it and if it will add value to your life. Avoid impulse purchases and only buy items that you will actually use. You could also consider the one-in and one-out method, which involves getting rid of something from your home every time you bring something new in. This will help to prevent clutter from building up again.

 

Reward Yourself

After completing a decluttering task, reward yourself with something you enjoy, such as a relaxing bath, a few minutes of meditation, or your favourite snack. This will help you stay motivated and make the decluttering process more enjoyable.

 

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

If you are feeling overwhelmed at any point during the decluttering process, or if you feel like you need some extra support, never be afraid to ask for help. You could speak to a friend or family member for assistance or you may consider hiring a professional organiser.

 

Final Thoughts

By following these tips and taking control of your clutter before the holidays, you’ll be creating a space that reflects the joy and peace of the season. Not only will you have a more organised and spacious home for entertaining loved ones, but you’ll also reduce pre-holiday stress and free up mental space to truly enjoy the magic of the holidays. So, roll up your sleeves, grab a friend, and get decluttering! You’ll be glad you did when the festive season arrives.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…

MATTHEW HARRISON: Matthew Harrison has worked in the cleaning industry for over twenty years. Matthew currently specialises in professional floor cleaning as well as commercial cleaning, and he is also regularly featured as a cleaning expert for a range of reputable publications.

 

 

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