Organizing + Holidays
If you’re anything like me, November and December seem to fly by faster than the other months in the year! So the idea of adding anything else to your To Do list right now might seem ridiculous. But before you get too wrapped up in tinsel and strings of lights, consider two organization projects that could fit in really well with your end of the year plans.
1. General decluttering
Not your whole house! That really would be too much. But this is an ideal time to pick one area to declutter, whether it’s your coat closet, your sweater collection, your games, books, home decor, etc. Why is this such an ideal time? Because the things you decide to let go and donate to a local community organization could be the perfect present for someone else’s holiday. Plus you may find this time of year particularly motivating since traditionally it’s a time of receiving presents so you may need to make room for the special things being gifted to you. (NOTE: This is a great reason to give your kids as you encourage them to donate some of the toys they have outgrown. “We need to make room for new toys.” Letting go of things we no longer need is an important organization skill to teach your kids.)
2. Organize and pare down your holiday decorations
The timing of this project is a personal preference. Perhaps you want to have a box ready for donations as you begin to decorate. As you unpack each candlestick holder, ornament, and wreath, you can easily put those that you no longer enjoy straight into the donation box while you use your favorites to brighten your home. (NOTE: Keep a trash bag handy for anything that is broken or missing pieces.) The advantage of decluttering your decorations before the holidays is that you can donate them to a local community organization in time for someone else to use them to brighten their own holiday.
If you would rather wait until you’re putting away decorations to get organized, that timing works too! One advantage here is that as you repack, you can replace any containers that have broken and consider yet again the best way to store your lights so that they don’t get tangled. (Have you tried storing them on a plastic hanger? Inexpensive but so practical!) And before you repack, take a look at the decorations you didn’t use this year and consider donating them. Don’t worry: it’s perfectly acceptable to donate decorations after the holidays!
If any of these projects sound great but you need a little help to tackle them, please contact Grace In Cycles. We are based in Harrisburg, PA, serving south central Pennsylvania and beyond.