Empowered to Declutter! Stress-Free Holidays Are Possible

The holiday season often brings joy and excitement, but it can also add clutter and chaos to your home. The thought of bringing more stuff into an already cluttered space is enough to make me want to cancel Christmas! The good news is that clearing out your cluttered space doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. I'm going to share how I create a more organized space that makes room for new gifts and keeps my home calm during the busy season.

A quick debrief on kids' toys

This time of year, my kids become very materialistic. Cue the Amazon toy catalog... When I include my kids in decluttering, I hope to teach them valuable lessons about organization and decision-making. Sometimes it feels counterproductive, but I try to remind myself that long-term they will benefit.

Tips for involving kids:

• Turn sorting into a game, like “Keep, Donate, or Toss.”

• Use clear bins or labels to help them understand where toys belong.

• Praise their choices and efforts to encourage positive habits.

  
  

Contact local daycares or women's shelters to see if there's a need for anything you're trying to declutter. Area churches often have lists of families in need of gently used toys or clothes. There are countless opportunities to give to those in need this time of year! And isn't that the real magic of the holidays?

For more tips about decluttering kid's toys, read Empowered to Declutter! Kids Toys.

Start Small and Set Realistic Goals

I find myself getting lost in all of my Christmas decorations! To keep myself from spiraling, I break each task into manageable chunks. I like to focus on a small area, such as a single toy bin, shelf, or drawer. Setting a timer for 20 minutes helps me stay focused without feeling overwhelmed. I usually end up decluttering for more than 20 minutes, but if that's all the time I had, I still feel accomplished! Something is better than nothing.

Make it Fun

My first Christmas with my husband's family introduced me to "the dice game." His grandma had set things aside in her house that she was trying to get rid of. The family sat around in the living room rolling dice and if someone rolled "doubles" they could pick out whatever they wanted from her selection! The only rule was that they had to take it home with them! In my opinion, this can be done any time of the year and would be especially fun in a grandparent's home.

The only thing under our Christmas tree is a laundry basket... It's fine, everything's fine...

Be Kind to Yourself and Your Family

Remember that progress is more important than perfection. If you don’t finish before the holidays, it doesn’t mean that you’ve failed. The goal is to create a calmer space that works for your family, not to achieve a perfect home. After the holidays, revisit your decluttering practice with the same gentle approach. Use the tips from this post and past Empowered to Declutter articles to keep moving forward.

Creating a peaceful, organized home doesn’t have to be stressful or rushed. By starting small, involving your kids, and setting realistic goals, you can reduce clutter before the holidays and enjoy the season more fully. Remember, every small step counts toward a calmer home.

Merry Christmas!

Courtney