Most days when I look around the house and see the growing amount of toys stretched out across the living room I do not feel like a minimalist. Not in the least. Time to take my own minimalist tips and put them to work!
Until just last week, I hadn’t decluttered any area of the house since March. Clutter has slowly crept its way into our home in the form of numerous doodles and drawings, hot wheels that seem to multiply like rabbits, and… just stuff.
Pair that off with a lot more time at home due to an ongoing pandemic and to put it mildly, I haven’t felt like a very happy camper. With the holidays fast approaching it’s a great time to get back into a more minimalist mindset.
And not just any minimalism, my kind of minimalism. So without further adieu, here are three tips from yours truly to help keep this holiday season a little less stressful.
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MINIMALIST TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL PRE-HOLIDAY DECLUTTER
This is the perfect time to declutter; chances are if you’re like me you’ve relaxed a bit in your efforts since spring. Now is a great time to go through the house one room at a time and really get organized.
It’s always a good idea to go through the kids’ rooms before birthdays and holidays when you know there will be an influx of more stuff in the form of gifts.
WHEN DECLUTTERING ROOM-BY-ROOM:
- Rotate garments so that the current/upcoming season’s wardrobe is within easy access, checking the size, fit, and condition as you work.
- Pull out any items that no longer fit or get worn so they can be resold or donated. Check to see if anything needs to be mended, or buttons replaced.
- Go through paperwork, shred, and recycle as much as possible. I typically keep artwork and drawings on display for a time then scan or photograph them.
- Organize toys and rotate them out so that items get more use. Pull out any broken toys as well as toys kids have outgrown. If after toys are moved to a more prominent position and still get no use, simply donate them.
- Check for duplicates; multiple identical items or kitchen tools may not be necessary. Keep only what is used.
- After the room is decluttered and organized, give the furniture a thorough dusting before moving to the next room.
SPREAD OUT AND LIMIT SOCIAL COMMITMENTS
It’s hard to spread any holiday cheer when you’re spread too thin. If at all possible spread out your social commitments and avoid accepting more invitations than you can comfortably handle.
Obviously the pandemic puts a crimp in a lot of holiday plans this year, with extra consideration being taken.
MINIMALIST TIPS TO KEEP THE GIFT GIVING SIMPLE
The past few years we have kept gifts practical, edible, or as experiences rather than things. Thankfully friends and family are of the same mindset.
If you have a larger family try implementing a name exchange or only gifting family groups or children. Be sure everyone is on the same page well in advance to avoid any confusion.
Experiences are harder to gift this year, but activities and games the whole family can enjoy in the additional time spent at home are great options.
The greatest gift has already been given, so maybe just enjoy the time with loved ones. If you need help sorting out a last-minute budget for Christmas, I’ve got some tips for that as well!
Just love your info. love thriftiness. Always seemed smart to me, We really need all we can soak up on feeding ourselves and family. all other ways to live smarter is great too. Mary Baum
Thank you for the sweet comment and for taking the time to read! We’re getting really selective with how we spend our money around here.
These are great ideas!