The holidays are fast approaching. One way to help yourself feel prepared and on top of things is to declutter. Taking the time to clean out closets, tidy up spaces, tie up loose ends, and make room for the inevitable influx of stuff that tends to arrive this time of year can provide just the sense of peace you need to be able to relax and enjoy the traditions of the season.
Here are eight areas to declutter before the holidays arrive.
Wardrobes
Get the family on board for a closet cleanout. Assess the state of each family member’s wardrobe, donating items that are no longer in use and taking note of any specific needs (aka gift ideas) that reveal themselves in the process.Toys
A great habit to employ annually is taking the time to go through the kids’ toys. Depending on their ages, you may or may not choose to involve them in the process. Donate what you can and make room for what Santa has in store.Kitchen
This is a great time of year to take stock of the pantry, fridge, and kitchen supplies. Get rid of clutter and ready your kitchen for what will likely be its busiest time of year. Keep a paper and pencil on hand to jot down the items you’ll need to make the holidays merry.Guest Spaces
If you’ll be hosting friends and family in your home, take stock of your guest room, guest bathroom, and any other spaces you’ll want your guests to feel comfortable and welcome. Preparing your home for hospitality in advance will help put your mind at ease as the holidays approach.Travel Items
If travel is part of your holiday plans, check on your luggage, travel supplies, and travel documents. A toiletry bag can be packed well in advance. Make note of any items that need to be repaired or replaced and donate any items that are no longer needed.Address Book
Before it’s time to send out cards, go through your contacts list to make sure you’ve got up-to-date information. Getting this part of the process out of the way will make sending holiday greetings a breeze.Gift Wrap
Take stock of your boxes, bags, ribbons, gift wrap, and general supplies like scissors and tape. What do you need? What did you forget you had plenty of? What is no longer useful and taking up space? Having the right supplies ready to go will help you feel organized and on top of things.Holiday Decor
Take a look at your holiday decor and pull out those items you keep storing but haven’t displayed in a few years, or those items that are broken or no longer useful. Keep only the special things that you and your family treasure. If certain items such as string lights need to be replaced, add that to your shopping list.Starting the holidays fresh and organized will allow each aspect of the season to go smoothly and be enjoyed by even the ones who are in charge of making it all magical.
