Start As You Mean To Go On!

The festive season can bring in all manner of decorations, gifts [both wanted + unwanted], visitors [again both wanted + unwanted], a change in routine or the way the house is set up, so it’s good to start the new year off on the right decluttered foot, right? 

Right! 

We asked decluttering expert Gillian of Daisy Declutter & Downsizing what she does in the first week of the new year to move from festive to restive and this is what she said. 

Thanks Gillian! 

1 :: A good card cull 

If you’re the type of person that still sends and receives Christmas cards, now is the time to recycle them in your yellow bin.

Keeping every card isn’t necessary, maybe keep one or two with really lovely messages, but keeping all of them every year builds up which can create a clutter problem.

Maybe this year it’s time to go through those tubs of old cards and letters and have a good cull.

2 :: Out with the old 

If you received gifts of things you already have, donate your old one.

For example, having two bread makers just takes up valuable space in your kitchen. If you follow the one in one out policy, this will help avoid clutter.

3 :: Bye bye Chrissy tree

Tradition says you should pull the Christmas tree and all decorations down on or by 6 January. SO many people do it before or after that – do what works for you but don’t let it stay too long.

Pack away the tree, the decorations and other Christmas linen, dishes, glasses you’ve had out for the festive season.

Clearly label the box on several sides so it’s easy to find in a years’ time. 

HOT TIP :: Put a note in your calendar now for 1 December  to remind you where you put it.

4 :: Donate unwanted gifts

Receive gifts you really don’t like or don’t want? It is absolutely and utterly totally fine to donate them – don’t hang onto something that’s not you just because someone gave it to you.

Be ruthless! It’s your space, don’t let it be cluttered with ‘stuff’ you don’t want or need.

Oh, and maybe donate to a charity out of the area, just in case!

5 :: Boot scoot

Put any items you do want to donate, put them in the boot of your car straight away.

Leaving them in a pile in the hall or lounge room sometimes can grow but not go!

Sometimes you start a small declutter like a post-Christmas or New Years project and then it rapidly gets a bit overwhelming. Keep going, don’t stop!

But if you need a bit of help and realise that the job is a bit bigger than expected or that you’re not really sure where to start, give me a call on 0412 895 213 – always happy to help!

Thanks Gillian – awesome info there! Hey, if you’re keen to give your home, shed, garage, office or wherever a clear out or need some help with decluttering, downsizing or guidance on how to store your stuff more efficiently and effectively, get in touch with Gillian of Daisy Declutter & Downsizing. She not only knows her stuff, but she also knows what to do with YOUR stuff too! More info here.

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