7 Items to Declutter This Christmas
A professional organiser shares seven easy ways to declutter your home this Christmas
Christmas is the season of giving, which means it’s also a season of receiving. If you feel overwhelmed by the growing clutter in your home, embrace the peace of Christmas by parting with these seven items.
If you own decorations that you no longer love and haven’t used in the past two years, it’s time to think about letting them go. Make space for the ornaments and baubles you love displaying by giving away those you don’t enjoy using anymore.
2. Novelty crockery
Platters embossed with holly; dishes shaped like Christmas trees; Santa mugs that clutter up cupboards and are forgotten until December… I’ve seen it all while helping people declutter. I’ve encountered whole Christmas-themed dinner sets that take up precious storage space for the 364 days a year they are not used.
Platters embossed with holly; dishes shaped like Christmas trees; Santa mugs that clutter up cupboards and are forgotten until December… I’ve seen it all while helping people declutter. I’ve encountered whole Christmas-themed dinner sets that take up precious storage space for the 364 days a year they are not used.
Think about whether you have plain, everyday crockery that you could use happily at Christmas, then declutter the novelty platters, mugs and plates that are stealing space in your cupboards.
Minimalist Christmas Decor for the Design-Conscious
Minimalist Christmas Decor for the Design-Conscious
If your linen cupboard could do with a declutter, consider clearing out your Christmas linen first. And, when you next host a Christmas event, you can brighten up your table with a few decorations from the tree while using your white everyday tablecloth. Are you getting the drift?
Browse Christmas-themed table settings for inspiration
Browse Christmas-themed table settings for inspiration
4. Christmas outfits
Do you have a collection of Christmas hats? Do your children have novelty Christmas pyjamas or a Santa t-shirt in their wardrobe? How about your pets? As fun as Christmas outfits are, it’s important to declutter any that have been outgrown or have seen better days.
Tip: Instead of keeping Christmas clothing in wardrobes, I recommend keeping them with your Christmas decorations, so you remember to use them each year.
Do you have a collection of Christmas hats? Do your children have novelty Christmas pyjamas or a Santa t-shirt in their wardrobe? How about your pets? As fun as Christmas outfits are, it’s important to declutter any that have been outgrown or have seen better days.
Tip: Instead of keeping Christmas clothing in wardrobes, I recommend keeping them with your Christmas decorations, so you remember to use them each year.
5. Christmas lights
How long have you had your Christmas lights? Are there exposed wires or multiple bulbs that no longer work?
How long have you had your Christmas lights? Are there exposed wires or multiple bulbs that no longer work?
Safety is of utmost importance, so if your lights have any faults, it’s time to dispose of them. Many people are now moving towards solar lights, so if that appeals, you can enjoy not having a maze of power cords weaving through your lawn.
6. Outdoor decorations
Alfresco decorations look festive and fun, and bring joy to children and people passing by. Though over time, especially in the hot Australian sun, outdoor decorations can become weathered, brittle and discoloured.
Alfresco decorations look festive and fun, and bring joy to children and people passing by. Though over time, especially in the hot Australian sun, outdoor decorations can become weathered, brittle and discoloured.
This year when you’re packing up after Christmas, have a fresh look at your decorations and declutter your home of any that have seen better days.
The Best Christmas Preparation and Storage Ideas Ever
The Best Christmas Preparation and Storage Ideas Ever
7. Christmas books
Lots of families enjoy a tradition of buying new Christmas books each year, so collections can get quite unwieldy. If you are holding onto books your children have outgrown, consider donating them to charity or an op-shop for someone else to enjoy.
Lots of families enjoy a tradition of buying new Christmas books each year, so collections can get quite unwieldy. If you are holding onto books your children have outgrown, consider donating them to charity or an op-shop for someone else to enjoy.
A great idea is to pack away all Christmas-themed books with your decorations so they stay special when you unveil them each December. By doing this, they won’t clutter your bookshelves during the year and your family can enjoy rediscovering them each Christmas.
Tell us
What objects are notorious for cluttering your home each Christmas? Tell us how you manage the clutter in the Comments below, like this story and join the conversation.
More
If you know you need to declutter though are not sure where to start, chat with a local professional organiser for some tips
Tell us
What objects are notorious for cluttering your home each Christmas? Tell us how you manage the clutter in the Comments below, like this story and join the conversation.
More
If you know you need to declutter though are not sure where to start, chat with a local professional organiser for some tips
When you were decorating your tree this year, did you overlook some decorations? Were there homemade ornaments from last decade that were falling apart and stayed in the storage container?