Is it really possible to declutter a home during the holidays? There's shopping to be done, trees to be trimmed, decorations and lights to be hung, the list goes on and on. How can someone even think about cleaning out a house with so much going on? Well, I'll tell ya! This is actually a great time of year to purge the stuff we no longer want!
Since it's unlikely we'll go through all the Christmas stuff any other time of year, take the time now to purge as you go.
• When you're decorating the tree, toss or donate the ornaments you no longer want. Consider each one-is it sentimental, a memory, given to you from a loved one, beautiful, or precious to you in some way? Then keep it! Otherwise, toss or donate!
• Same thing with decorations-have some of them lost their luster? Have you changed your decorating theme? Are there some you don't even use anymore?
• The Unwanted Gifts: Throughout the year you and your family may have been given gifts you had no need for or just didn't want. Not wanting to waste them, they've been set aside possibly to re-gift. Gather them all together and give them away. Do it this Christmas, before the year is out!
• Ditch the stuff that's broken or in need of repair. Just do it. If you haven't fixed those lights, glued that figurine back together, or anything else that's on your to-do list, you probably won't and it's not worth the space it's taking up in your life.
After Christmas, when it's time to pack it all away again, you'll have less to deal with and it will be easier to organize. Make sure your boxes are marked clearly and all is stored safely. And be proud of yourself for getting it done! You'll be bringing less clutter and more space into your New Year!
I've had clients tell me they actually feel lighter, like a weight has been lifted off them after getting rid of stuff they didn't need or want. And who doesn't need that after all those holiday goodies?
Michele Rose is a Realtor and Professional Home Stager in Burlington County, NJ. She has been assisting both buyers and sellers with their real estate needs since 2004. In 2007, she founded Rose-Colored Staging, a home staging and redesign business, to help sellers successfully market their homes with professional home staging. She also stages listings for fellow agents, getting those listings sold!
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