The holiday season is just around the corner, and there’s no better time than now to give your home a good old-fashioned clear-out. Christmas is a time of joy, gatherings, and, let’s be honest, a fair bit of chaos! Whether you’re expecting guests or simply want to bring a fresh vibe into your home, decluttering can make a world of difference.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical steps to declutter your space, organize your belongings, and create that welcoming, festive atmosphere we all love. From the living room to the garage, we’ve got tips and tricks to help you tackle every corner of your home.
If you’ve been thinking about putting your items into storage, this way you’ll cut down the amount of things going into storage, and save money on the size of the unit you need.
So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get started. A clearer, more Christmassy home is just a few steps away!
1. Planning Your Clear Out
Embarking on a clear-out journey requires a bit of preparation and planning to ensure everything goes smoothly. This section will help you set clear goals, create a workable schedule, and gather all the necessary supplies.
Setting Clear Goals
Before you start, take a moment to think about what you want to achieve. Are you looking to create more space for holiday decorations, make room for guests, or simply declutter? Imagine how each room will look once it’s decluttered and organized. This mental image can serve as motivation throughout the process.
Creating a Schedule
Don’t try to do everything in one day. Break down the clear out into manageable chunks, tackling one room or area at a time. Allocate a specific time for each area, ensuring you have enough breaks and don’t get overwhelmed. If possible, get family members involved. Assign tasks and make it a group effort.
Gathering Supplies
Ensure you have all the necessary cleaning products, cloths, and brushes. You’ll need plenty of boxes and bags for items you want to keep, donate, or throw away. Have markers and labels ready to clearly mark boxes, making it easier to sort and find items later.
Proper planning is the foundation of a successful pre-Christmas clear out. By setting clear goals, creating a realistic schedule, and gathering all the necessary supplies, you’re setting yourself up for a productive decluttering experience.
2. Room-by-Room Guide
Tackling a whole house can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down room by room makes the task much more manageable. Here’s a guide to help you navigate through each space with some handy tips and tricks.
Living Room
- Start by clearing off coffee tables, shelves, and other surfaces. Keep only what you love or use regularly.
- DVDs, books, and games can accumulate quickly. Consider which items you still use and which might be ready for a new home.
- Assess whether all the pieces of furniture are necessary and contribute positively to the space.
Kitchen
- Go through your pantry and cabinets, checking expiration dates and organizing items so you can see everything you have.
- We all have that cupboard full of plastic containers. Usually old Tupperware and Chinese takeaway containers… Match lids to containers and consider if you really need them all.
- Evaluate all your kitchen gadgets and utensils. If you haven’t used something in the past year, it might be time to let it go.
Bedrooms
- Sort through your clothes, keeping only the items that fit well and make you feel good.
- Don’t forget about storage under the bed. Make sure everything stored there is necessary and properly organized.
- Clear off the tops and organize the drawers to create a calm and peaceful sleeping space.
Bathroom(s)
- Check expiration dates on medications and dispose of anything out of date or no longer needed.
- Assess your collection of bath products and keep only what you use and love.
- Evaluate your towels and linens, replacing any that are worn out and donating any excess.
Garage/Storage Areas
- Sort through your tools, keeping only what you use and maintaining them properly.
- Organize seasonal items, ensuring they are easily accessible when needed.
- Assess large items stored in these areas and decide if they are worth the space they take up.
By tackling one room at a time, you can methodically work through your home, creating space and order as you go. Remember to be ruthless with your decluttering – if you don’t love it or use it, it’s time to let it go!
3: Utilizing Self-Storage
Self-storage can be a game changer when it comes to decluttering, especially for those items you don’t need daily but aren’t ready to part with. This section will guide you through when to use self-storage, how to choose the right facility, and tips for packing your storage unit.
When to Use Self-Storage
– Seasonal Items: Great for storing holiday decorations, seasonal clothing, or sports equipment.
– Sentimental Belongings: Keep those cherished items safe without cluttering your home.
– Downsizing: If you’re downsizing but not ready to part with certain items, self-storage offers a practical solution.
Choosing the Right Self-Storage Facility
– Location: Choose a facility that’s convenient for you to access.
– Security: Look for facilities with good security measures in place to keep your belongings safe.
– Size and Price: Make sure you choose the right size unit for your needs, and compare prices to get the best deal.
– Accessibility: Consider how often you’ll need to access your items and choose a facility with suitable access hours.
Packing and Organizing Your Storage Unit
– Inventory: Keep a list of everything you have in storage, so you don’t forget or have trouble finding things later.
– Packing Wisely: Pack storage items in sturdy boxes and make sure they’re well protected.
– Organizing for Access: Store items you may need to access more frequently at the front of the unit.
Utilizing self-storage can provide the perfect compromise between keeping your home clutter-free and holding onto those items that are important to you. It’s a practical solution that helps create space in your home, making it ready for the holiday season.
A Fresh Start for the Festive Season
Congratulations! You’ve cleared, sorted, and organized your way to a cleaner, more spacious home just in time for the festive season. With the extra space, welcoming atmosphere, and reduced clutter, your home is now ready to be filled with joy, laughter, and holiday cheer.
Remember, the pre-Christmas clear-out is not just about getting rid of things; it’s about making room for new memories, experiences, and perhaps even a few new holiday decorations.
From all of us at Surewise, we wish you a merry, clutter-free Christmas and a joyful holiday season. Here’s to fresh starts and festive cheer!