There are several things to declutter in your home before Christmas if you want to enjoy a stress-free holiday season. Christmas is a special time of year. It is usually full of happiness, family, and the joy of giving, receiving, and other fun activities. However, before all the fun starts, it is a good idea to get your home ready for the holidays. Preparing your home helps make Christmas even more special, giving everyone a cozy place to enjoy the season together.
Getting ready for Christmas can feel overwhelming, but taking some time to organize your holiday stuff can really help. You do not want to be rushing around on Christmas Eve looking for things you need. That is why sorting through and decluttering a few items before the holiday season is a good idea. This article will discuss eight things you can declutter in your home before Christmas.
1. Fake Christmas Trees
Artificial Christmas trees have their perks. They are cheaper in the long run. You also do not have to buy a new one every year, like real trees.
However, even though they last longer, they do not last forever. If your tree is missing branches or the color has faded, it might be time to invest in a new one.
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2. Christmas Decorations in Bad Shape
Is your tinsel looking thin? Did your Elf on the Shelf lose its hat in a fall last year? If yes, maybe it is time to declutter.
If your Christmas decor is damaged or does not look nice anymore, the best thing to do is to throw them out. Old or worn-out decorations can make your space look messy, and it is easy to find better-quality replacements that will last longer.
3. Tangled and Broken Christmas Lights
The holiday season can already feel super busy with a lot of activities. There is shopping, work, and spending time with family, among other things. Do you really want to spend your precious time untangling Christmas lights?
Or can you imagine plugging your lights in only to find out that some of the bulbs do not work? That can be so annoying. Why not save yourself the trouble this year? Treat yourself to new lights and learn how to store them neatly so they do not tangle again. And yes, throw the old ones out.
4. Broken Ornaments
If you have ornaments like a Santa without a hook or a silver bell that is missing its ringer, it might be time to get rid of them. Your holiday memories can last forever, but your decorations probably would not.
Cleaning out old or broken ornaments each year is a smart idea. This is especially true for glass ornaments that might have been broken or cracked. Getting a cut from broken glass can ruin the fun of the holidays. Since the season is already busy and sometimes stressful, it is better to avoid extra risks like that.
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5. Baking Supplies
Do you love baking Christmas cookies every year? If yes, before you start, check your holiday baking supplies. Those snowflake-shaped cookie cutters might not last as long as your holiday memories. So make sure they are in good condition. If any are broken, it is time to replace them before you bake again.
You should also take a look at your cake pans. If the non-stick coating is peeling or the pans are scratched, it is better to get rid of them. The same goes for cracked ceramic dishes. Do not forget to check your decorating supplies, too, like sprinkles, flour, sugar, baking soda, frosting, and icing. If anything is expired, toss it out and get fresh ones.
6. Holiday-Themed Clothing
Are you planning to go to a party where everyone wears ugly sweaters? Take a look at your sweater from last year. Is it still in good shape? Did moths, you know, damage it while it was stored away?
Check your holiday outfits and Christmas pajamas too. If anything has holes, rips, or looks too old to wear, it is time to say goodbye to them. Don’t be too bothered about getting new ones. You might find some fun new outfits on sale or discover unique pieces at a vintage shop that no one else will have.
7. Almost-Used-Up Wrapping Supplies
It is Christmas! You would definitely be giving out gifts, not just any type of gift, wrapped gifts. We do not want to ruin the fun, but that little piece of wrapping paper stuck to the roll would not be enough to wrap a big gift box.
The same goes for tape if there is barely any left. If your supplies are too small or cannot be used, it is better to toss them and get new ones.
8. Gifts From Last Year That You Never Used
Sometimes, no matter how much you hint at what you want for Christmas, you might get something else. You might even say you do not want anything but still get gifts you do not really like or need. This is totally normal.
While you are cleaning up and getting ready for the holidays, think about the “one-year rule.” If there are gifts from last year that have been sitting untouched in your closet, it is okay to let them go. You could donate them, or maybe even regift them to someone who would enjoy them more.
Remember, to avoid the holiday rush, these nine items are things to declutter before Christmas for an stress-free holiday season. Don’t worry, you would not even miss these items.
