10 Simple Ways to Declutter and Make Room for Joy | News, Sports, Jobs

The holidays are approaching and although they are supposed to be a time of joy and joy, they can often be stressful and overwhelmed. Disorganized drawers and random piles here and there that didn’t bother you much before start to weigh you down as the countdown to Christmas approaches. Taking a little time to declutter now can help create a more peaceful, welcoming space to enjoy the season.

Benefits of Decluttering for the Holidays

Clutter can lead to stress, frustration, and a lack of productivity – all things we don’t need during the busy holiday season. A simple physical and mental declutter has many benefits and can help transform your holiday season.

Eliza Cross of Happy Simple Living says: “Clutter can set in quickly during the festive period. The influx of Christmas cards, toys, decorations and gifts can cause stress if we have more to clean and organize when time is already running out. By taking simple daily steps to avoid clutter, we can enjoy more peace, less to deal with, and more time to enjoy the festivities.

Areas You Can Declutter Before Vacation

You don’t need to renovate your entire house to feel a difference. Focusing on a few key areas can make a huge impact this holiday season without wasting valuable time. Here are some easy decluttering areas to tackle before the holidays arrive.

In front of the house

If you’re hosting guests for the holidays, you’ll want to quickly check the areas people will see first. Your porch and entryway are the perfect places to start. First, make sure the porch is cleared of any clutter such as shoes, old decor, dead plants or weathered items like an old welcome mat or furniture. Erase anything that looks worn and is no longer functional.

Ashley from Sweet Pea Lifestyle says, “One of the best ways to declutter your home is to start at your sidewalk, walk into your home like a guest, and look around. If you see something you don’t like, edit or move it. Do it right away.

Entrance

The entrance, just after you walk through the door, is another great place to approach. Remove and put away shoes, coats, umbrellas and other items that do not belong to you. Take a quick review of these items to see if you still use them. Otherwise, shelters and other charities will happily take warm items during the cold season.

Kitchen

The kitchen is usually the busiest and most important room in the house when the holidays arrive. Make sure all counters and work surfaces are clear of unnecessary clutter and that all essential items are nearby and ready for use. Consider storing bulky appliances out of sight until you need them.

Clearing out all the drawer clutter can seem overwhelming. Instead, declutter the drawers for 15 minutes. Set a timer for 15 minutes, then start with the most used kitchen drawers. Wipe out the drawer and get rid of kitchen utensils you never use.

This ensures essential tools are organized and easy to access when you need them. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes.

Refrigerator and pantry

After you finish your 15 minutes of decluttering kitchen drawers, don’t leave the kitchen just yet! Take another 15 minutes to clean out the refrigerator and pantry. First, throw away any expired or unused items. Pay special attention to old, unused spice and condiment bottles, as they can pile up. Clean and dry your produce drawer.

Living room or family room

It’s an easy place to declutter. Take a quick tour of the main living room and move any misplaced items to their proper home. Make sure table tops and shelves are clean and get rid of any unused items such as old remote controls, magazines or other excess clutter.

Guest room

If you have guests over during the holiday season, tidy up the guest room and make sure it is not used for storage. Consider adding a scented candle or diffuser to offer your guests a warm and cozy welcome.

Paper

Old mail, catalogs, art projects and cards can pile up during the holidays. Forget unnecessary paper clutter by throwing away or recycling what you don’t need. Consider taking photos of cute art projects or sentimental cards and storing them on your phone or computer without cluttering your home.

Gift wrapping and decoration items

This can easily be done as you prepare to decorate your home and wrap your Christmas presents. Throw away old, wrinkled bows and scraps of paper that you’ll never use. Now is also a good time to take inventory of your supplies and see if you need to replace or restock any items. Get rid of broken, unused, or unwanted decorations immediately if you come across them.

Declutter beyond the physical

Getting rid of physical clutter in the home is a big step in the right direction. However, other types of clutter can also weigh you down and contribute to stress during the busy holiday season. Consider decluttering these two areas of your life.

Digital decluttering

It’s something most people don’t think about, but a full inbox can often be a cause of added stress during the holiday season. Go through your inbox and unsubscribe from newsletters that no longer interest you. You can always subscribe again later. Delete or archive any messages you don’t need to take action on.

Calendar

This is perhaps the most difficult task of all. Some holiday obligations are necessary and there are also some that bring you joy. Remember, you don’t have to say yes to every invitation. Also try to reduce or reschedule non-essential appointments such as dog grooming or dentist appointments – things that can be rescheduled for a less busy time.

Clear the clutter and make way for joy

This holiday season, embrace the joy of decluttering. By completing these simple tasks, you can create a more peaceful and welcoming space for you and your loved ones. Remember, it’s not about perfection but about making room for what really matters, like connection, celebration, and memories.

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Casey Rooney is a recipe developer and the creator of Get On My Plate and Get On My Salad Plate, where she shares easy comfort food and salad recipes to help make everyday cooking stress-free. With an emphasis on familiar flavors and using pantry staples, her recipes are down-to-earth and approachable – perfect for busy home cooks.