The Christmas tree is down and the baubles have been safely packed away for another year. I’ve written a plan of action to get our house back to some semblance of normality and I’m raring to get going on the great post-Christmas clear-out.
Unlike previous years I haven’t had to declutter too deeply this year. But the last few months have seen lots of new additions arrive but none leave. I have a pile of stuff in the cupboard and much more to add to it this coming week.
I thought I would share with you how I am planning to get the new year off to a clear start. If you need some motivation I hope this will help you.
Where To Start
The hardest part of having a sort-out is deciding where to begin. In the past, I’ve flitted from room to room and tied myself in knots trying to do everything at once. I suggest starting in one small area and not moving on until you have finished. Breaking it down in this way means you are much more likely to succeed.
What To Do With The Clutter
I’ve decided to separate our clutter into 3 different boxes. There will be a sell box for items that are in good condition. A box for donation either to the charity shop or on Freecycle. The last box will be recyclables and things to throw away. I really hope there isn’t much to throw away as I like to recycle as much as I can.
Avoiding Future Clutter Creep
As much as I love a good declutter I don’t want to spend lots of my precious time repeating the process too often. I’m really going to be mindful about what I bring into our home which includes purchases, review items and prizes. Using the ‘something something out’ rule usually works well for me.
I aim to have a clear-out twice a year from now on, one in January and one in the Summer.
I hope I’ve given you a little inspiration to get started, even if it’s just a few items or a small area each day. The difference will be noticeable in no time.
Oh I knew I wouldn’t be alone (bat the tree that’s all still up it goes down in the new year) I have put big crafty gifts in the airing cupboard so they’re not stuffed under the bed or left in the corner of their room. I’ve got 3 bags full of charity stuff, and started to pop new gifts away to replace the old toys they’ve outgrown or don’t use. I wish I had more luck selling things eBay is a big loss for me, various apps have not worked or FB groups just the way it goes I guess! Good luck with selling your bits!xx
My god your are organised, I am keeping the tree up until new year and then I will begin the huge declutter. Meanwhile we have decorated almost three rooms and I have decluttered massivly in terms of furniture and STUFF.
Out of 3 bags of papers dumped next to a hamper in a corner of the sitting room, I have cleared away 2 of them! I have also managed to put the carrier bags INSIDE a cupboard instead of hanging about in the kitchen and that has made a MASSIVE difference. Like you, I am planning to do one small area at a time – hoping I might find my lost wedding ring int he spare room but can never get ds out of the room so will have to wait until he is back at school – on 9 Jan, lucky him. I have to work tomorrow and ds is back to school on 5 Jan.
Really need to chuck some clothes out, those things that I have never worn and will never wear…..like your idea of something in, something out rule, must try that.
Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Well done you, very motivated! We had a pre-Christmas clear out, we always do. Firstly to make room for new things coming at Christmas, and secondly to ‘take stock’ prior to me buying lots of new things. It’s also a good opportunity to donate to our friends who take goods to Romania, and to sell stuff on Ebay to pay for more!! #TuesdayTreasures
We have sorted through our decs and put them all away now. It’s 2017, the house is tidy and things feel good. Thanks for joining in with #TuesdayTreasures (and of course joining us onboard)