We’re closing in on Christmas, and soon your home will be filled to the brim with clothes, shoes, toys, and more, both new and old. If you’re thinking of spending the weekend preparing for the holidays by cleaning out the old to make room for the new, we have a few pointers you might find useful.
Rid Yourself of Clothing You Haven’t Worn in One Year
One year’s time hits all of the seasons, from bulky sweaters and boots, to short sleeved tops and shorts. Start by sorting through your closet and dressers and set aside all clothing that you haven’t worn in at least one year. If the clothing in the pile has significance (a dress or suit that you wear on special occasions, a family heirloom, or an item that you wear on occasion, just not very often), place those back into your closet. The other items that haven’t been worn, decide from there whether you think you’ll wear them again, or whether it’s time for them to be donated or tossed. To make things easier for next year, place all of your clothing on hangers facing the opposite direction. After you’ve worn it in the coming year, put it back into the closet facing the correct direction. At the end of next year, the items still facing the opposite direction are those that haven’t been touched, which will make your decision to donate or toss an even easier one.
Let Your Children Choose Which Toys to Let Go Of
If your child is old enough to understand the concept of giving, sit down with them and let them choose toys that they are ready to give up to other children that may be less fortunate. This will help to teach them a lesson early on in helping those less fortunate, and will help make room for their new Christmas gifts. Make a pile of toys to donate, and let them come with you to make the donation, whether to a Children’s Aid Society or a Women and Children’s shelter. Hopefully by tagging along, they’ll be able to see the difference their donation made, by making a child very happy with their new-to-them toy!
Go Room by Room, Closet by Closet
To keep yourself from getting overwhelmed, take small steps to rid items in your home, room by room, or even closet by closet. Focusing on one area at a time will help you stay focused and keep from getting overwhelmed.
Start Small, and Work Your Way Up to Larger Items
Start sorting through your kitchen, and rid yourself of duplicate utensils, small appliances, and items you do not use to cook with. Re-organize your cabinets and drawers so that you can see exactly what you have and aren’t spending time searching for items that you use on a regular basis. Everything in your home should have a place. Once you’ve combed through your bedrooms, closets, children’s toys, and your kitchen, you may even consider moving onto the larger items in your garage and shed, and rid yourself of items that are no longer functional, or you no longer have a use for.
