How Can I Have a Clutter Free Christmas?

Each year at the beginning of the Christmas season, I rifle through all of my Christmas boxes deciding what will make the cut and what will be whisked away to the local donation center. The Christmas season is much more enjoyable if I take the time to do this first. I am able to enjoy more focused time with loved ones, and feel less stress by discarding what is no longer serving my household in a positive way.

Holiday Gift Wrapping

Often I find crumpled up paper, used tissue paper, dented boxes and much more, that I thought I'd be able to salvage, cluttering my space. The harsh reality is not everything is salvageable. When I sit down to wrap presents, it is also a great time to go through my wrapping materials. I pick out things I will be using throughout the season and discard the rest. I try to find  something creative to do with items I'm struggling with letting go, but if it doesn't come together by the end of the season I know it's time to say goodbye.

Holiday Decorations De-clutter

The reason I do this is two-fold. One, if I don't periodically roll through my possessions, over time they roll over me. And Two, If I  you do this as I begin to decorate it's easier to discover not only lost or missed treasures but also the items that do not fit or function for me.

Although it seems like a lot of work  in the moment, I find once I get into the habit it’s a lot easier to maintain the system.  Plus, once I'm done I know exactly what I have on hand that can be used throughout the season. Getting into the habit of keeping around only what I need, keeps me clutter-free.

I wasn't always this way.  I used to wait until the last moment and would become frustrated with all the stop and go when I was on the hunt for something. Over time I've learned to become more proactive about what gets to “live” in my home.  It was a gradual shift but I started to feel more and more freedom from owning less.

As I write this I am looking at my beautiful tree, with presents that were lovingly packaged with ease.The benefit of seasonal decluttering, to me,  is a less stressful, more enjoyable holiday season. With my holiday items streamlined, wrapping gifts and receiving gifts become a joy.

Clutter free living is the best gift you can give yourself. This year give yourself the gift of less.

Happy Holidays from B Organized Today!