5 Ways To Escape Clutter This Holiday Season

December 1, 2015

No one wants you to resurface on the first of January, nearly buried in a mountain of holiday-season clutter–least of all, me. Avoid that unbecoming occurrence with the 5 good looks below.

Pin and pass it on! 5 tips to escape clutter this holiday season.

1. Get your edit on–now.

LS 101 says 1 in, 1 out, but the holiday season is a slight exception. If you want to meet yourself, clutter-free, come January, you’ll fare well if your rule of thumb is 1 out, 1 in.

The important part is still that an equal number of items get edited out as those that come in, but it’s to your benefit to edit pre-holidays since there’s a larger than normal incoming surge throughout.

If you edit pre-holidays, you’ll have space in your life and your home for your new possessions. And, you’ll avoid the whole we-don’t-have-anywhere-to-put-the-new-presents post-holidays claustrophobia.

 

2. Define the limit.

I know, that sounds totally un-fun, which gifting at its essence is supposed to be, but there has to be a space for practicality. And speaking of space, there needs to be enough of that, too, to house all the newly received gifts.

An agreed upon limit, be it price, quantity, or otherwise can help to keep all that gifting in the realm of reality.

 

3. Do your best to give really thoughtfully chosen gifts; Don’t kill yourself over it.

This one seems obvious and is. Only, it bears repeating.

Gifts are a sign of love and celebration. If you’re genuine, and your intentions are pure and purely evident, people are going to love you for giving to them. I said love “you,” because that they will do, whether they love the gift or not.

So try your best to choose gifts you believe most reflect the needs and desires of those you’re giving to, but try not to put the pressure of the world on your shoulders to make each and every gift the most over-the-top, jaw-dropping affair.

 

4. Don’t be shy, especially not on other people’s behalf.

Grandparents, extended family members and friends will often inquire about what to gift small humans living under your roof. This is your chance–before the present’s been wrapped and unwrapped and that giant, noisy, plastic monstrosity takes up residence in your living room ’til the next holiday season, to give those people inquiring as helpful a guide as possible.

If there are toys you absolutely abhor your children playing with, now’s your chance to say, “we’re all set with_____.” Then offer desired and parent-approved alternatives. “I’ll tell you what would be a massive hit, though: _______.”

The same goes for spouses and other loved ones. “I don’t think he/she needs or wants anymore _________.” On the other hand, I know he/she is very into ________ at the moment.”

 

5. Don’t let rejects linger

Sometimes it seems like when the holidays are all said and done, you’re left with as many things to return or exchange as you had to gift. But nobody needs said items sitting around halfway through the new year, taking up space, clogging up your to-do list.

So, be with your family and friends, take the time to relax and get in the festive spirit, and then hightail it to the post office or the store.

Because returns, it turns out, while they maintain a reputation for being the Everest of the errand world, are, like, really, really easy.

 

Happy (IT STILL REALLY ISN’T CALM DOWN) holidays!

Image credit: original source unknown, via This is Glamorous

2 Comments

  1. Run Wright on December 1, 2015 at 1:11 pm

    I often buy extra and have to return some stuff after the holidays. You’re right that that’s the biggest source of clutter afterwards, that and gifts I don’t particularly know what to do with.
    But this is such a great season. I love the whole experience. I’ll take the associated clutter any time.
    http://Runwright.net

    • Annie on December 6, 2015 at 3:35 pm

      Great perspective! Love that you’re focused on the good!

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2 Comments

  1. Run Wright on December 1, 2015 at 1:11 pm

    I often buy extra and have to return some stuff after the holidays. You’re right that that’s the biggest source of clutter afterwards, that and gifts I don’t particularly know what to do with.
    But this is such a great season. I love the whole experience. I’ll take the associated clutter any time.
    http://Runwright.net

    • Annie on December 6, 2015 at 3:35 pm

      Great perspective! Love that you’re focused on the good!

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