Like countless Americans, your home may also be full of extra stuff. You will be surprised by the current state of hoarding in the country.
According to National Geographic, one in forty Americans suffers from hoarding disorder. While that makes up 2.6% of the population, the actual number is much higher (1 among 6 people hoards stuff).
The bigger concern is that most people never purge because they are obsessed with their belongings. As the holiday season is around the corner, calling a house organizer service provider may be on your mind. At this time of the year, you may feel overwhelmed by all the extra things you don’t need. They may hamper your preparations by occupying all the space you need.
You have a valid reason to purge. Decluttering your living space is the best way to deal with the challenge. Besides creating a welcoming environment, it reduces stress during this busy time. Here are five practical tips to purge useless stuff and organize your home before Christmas.
#1. Focus on High-Traffic Areas
According to Kids in the House, hallways, entryways, living rooms, and kitchens are the high-traffic zones in a house. These are the areas that experience more wear and tear compared to the rest of your living space. Expect them to be even more busy during the holiday season.
When beginning a deep-cleaning and decluttering spree, prioritize areas that will likely see the most activity during the holidays. By focusing on these high-traffic zones of your house, you ensure that your cleaning efforts have the most impact.
At the same time, you must declutter mindfully and strategically. For example, clear out unused and expired items from the pantry and fridge for extra space for holiday ingredients. Remove unnecessary decorations in the living room to design cozy nooks for relaxation.
#2. Organize Your Entryway
Holidays are synonymous with get-togethers with family and friends. A LendingTree survey conducted in 2023 found that 60% of Americans considered hosting holiday parties for family and friends. The expected expenditure on these gatherings was an average of $556. Great parties start with good first impressions at your entryway.
The entryway is the first impression of your home, so ensure it is tidy and organized. Start by eliminating seasonal items that don’t belong in this area, such as summer shoes or jackets. Organize it with storage solutions like baskets or bins to keep hats, gloves, and scarves. Once you clean and organize the entryway, add seasonal decor elements for a festive touch.
#3. Clear Out Guest Rooms
While hosting parties, you may have some outstation guests on your list. Some may be living nearby, but they may still sleep over after a late-night gathering. Preparing your guest rooms should be a part of your festive-season decluttering plan.
Clear out clutter from guest rooms and closets to create space for the belongings of the occupants. Change the linens and place extra toiletries in a tiered organizer for convenience. Store away items that are not needed immediately in the attic or closets. This will free up visible space in the room and create a welcoming ambiance.
#4: Assess Seasonal Decorations
According to Statista, a survey conducted to find the amount spent on Christmas decorations showed surprising results. Nearly 37% of the participants said that they planned to spend more than $150 on decor items. 26% of respondents stated the expected number to be around $100 and 20% planned to spend around $50.
If you spend this much on festive decor, you will probably want to store and repurpose these items for years. However, don’t bring out everything you may have picked and stored over the years. You may end up spoiling the decor with outdated items that no longer match your overall decor. Moreover, too much stuff may overcrowd your space.
As you declutter this holiday season, assess your decorations and eliminate old and broken items. Consider donating or recycling things that are in good condition but no longer fit your aesthetic. Before storing decorations for the next year, organize them by using labeled bins.
#5. Hire Professionals
While this decluttering checklist looks doable, you may find it a lot of work during the busy festive season. Calling an expert professional organizer is a good approach if you feel overwhelmed by the decluttering process. They do the heavy lifting and also help you avoid the pain of parting with useless things.
Clutterless Home Solutions recommends checking the service pricing packages before hiring a professional. Expect these services to cost between $75 and $200 per hour, depending on the size of your home. The complexity of the project is another factor that influences the price of these services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start decluttering my living space?
Start with mental preparation because most people struggle to part with their belongings. The next step is to identify key areas that need attention. At this stage, you should also set specific goals for each space. Tackle one area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed during the project.
What should I do with items I no longer need?
Prepare a list of the items you want to discard in the first place. Anything that is broken or damaged should be sent out in garbage or for recycling. Consider donating the items in good condition to the needy or local charities. You can also sell them online.
How can I maintain an organized home after the holidays?
An organized home during the holidays creates a perfect atmosphere for festive gatherings. To achieve this, establish a regular cleaning and decluttering routine. Reassess your belongings and get rid of any items that no longer serve you. A professional organizer may also be an option for busy people.
Clutter can be overwhelming for homeowners, but it becomes an eyesore during the festive season. Although eliminating it may sound like a struggle, you can achieve the goal before the holidays. By following these quick tips, you can create a clutter-free environment for your parties.
