With Christmas right around the corner, many people are gearing up for the busy season ahead. From hosting guests to buying presents and preparing festive decorations, the holiday period can easily lead to a build-up of clutter in our homes. However, this year, why not take proactive steps to declutter your space before all the festivities begin?
Vicky Silverthorn, a leading professional home organiser at You Need A Vicky, shares some valuable tips on how to declutter your home in time for Christmas. Starting with making a list of tasks, Vicky recommends creating an ‘action list’ on your phone to keep track of everything from gift ideas to tasks like decluttering the spare room or organizing the kids’ toys.
To avoid feeling overwhelmed, Vicky suggests tackling decluttering tasks room by room. By breaking down the process into manageable chunks of time, such as 20-30 minutes, it becomes more achievable. It’s essential to only start tasks that you can finish to prevent leaving things unfinished and creating more chaos.
When it comes to decluttering cupboards and drawers, Vicky advises taking everything out and organizing items into neat lines on the floor. Assigning a specific home for each item, whether it’s a nail clipper or a roll of Sellotape, helps streamline the tidying process and encourages a more positive attitude towards cleaning.
For food cupboards and pantries, Vicky recommends using up existing food before the influx of new items during Christmas. Taking note of what’s in stock and making an effort to consume items that have been sitting for a while can help reduce waste and unnecessary clutter. Any excess non-perishable items can be donated to local food banks.
The spare room often becomes a clutter hotspot, so Vicky suggests sorting through the space to determine what is essential and what can be cleared out. Similarly, with children’s toys, it’s important to go through and remove any items that are no longer age-appropriate or needed. Involving children in the decluttering process can help build trust and teach them the value of being organized.
When it comes to Christmas decorations, investing in quality storage solutions such as Really Useful Boxes can prolong the life of your decorations and keep them well-organized. Vicky also shares a clever tip for storing Christmas lights on kitchen roll tubes to prevent tangling and damage.
In terms of gifting, Vicky advocates for prioritizing experiences over material possessions. Consider giving loved ones the gift of a shared experience, such as theatre tickets or a membership to a local attraction, to create lasting memories. By rethinking your approach to gifting, you can reduce the likelihood of receiving or giving unwanted items that may end up cluttering your home.
By following these decluttering tips, you can create a more organized and tranquil environment in your home just in time for the festive season. Take charge of your space and make room for the joy and celebration that Christmas brings.