The holiday season has a way of filling our homes with extra stuff—gifts, decorations, and remnants of festive celebrations. While these items often bring joy in the moment, January is the perfect time to evaluate what truly serves you and your space. A post-holiday purge can help you start the new year with clarity and an organized home. Here’s how to decide what to keep, donate, or toss after the holidays.
1: What to Keep:
As you sift through the holiday aftermath, identify items that align with your needs, values, and lifestyle. Consider:
Gifts You Love and Will Use: If you received a thoughtful gift that you genuinely like and will use, it’s a keeper.
Holiday Decor You Use Year After Year: Keep high-quality decorations that are in good condition, fit your aesthetic or hold sentimental value.
Items in Good Condition: Whether it’s clothing, gadgets, or home goods, prioritize items that are functional and in good repair.
Before storing anything, ensure it’s clean and properly packed to extend its life. For decor, consider labeled bins or airtight containers to prevent damage.
2: What to Donate:
January is a great time to pass on items that no longer serve you but could benefit someone else. Evaluate:
Duplicate Gifts: Did you receive something you already own? If it’s in perfect condition, donate it to a local charity or shelter.
Holiday Decor You No Longer Use: Trends change, and so does your style. Let go of decorations that you no longer love.
Clothing and Accessories: Did you get a new scarf or sweater this holiday? Donate older pieces that you’re ready to part with.
Make sure items are clean, in good condition, and appropriate for donation. Check with local organizations to confirm which items they accept.
3: What to Toss:
As much as we want to keep items out of our landfills, not everything is worth keeping or donating. Some items have served their purpose and need to go. Dispose of:
Damaged or Broken Items: Holiday lights that no longer work, chipped ornaments, or cracked serving dishes should be recycled or trashed.
Expired Food and Beverages: Leftover holiday treats are common, but expired or stale items belong in the compost or trash.
Gift Wrapping Scraps: Keep larger, reusable pieces of wrapping paper or gift bags, but recycle torn or unusable remnants.
For items like broken electronics or holiday lights, look for a recycling programs or take to an eco-station in your area.
Pro Tips for a Successful Post-Holiday Purge:
Set a Timer: Decluttering can feel overwhelming. Break it into manageable chunks by setting a timer for 30 minutes at a time.
Have Sorting Bins Ready: Use labeled bins or bags for "keep," "donate," and "toss" piles.
Involve the Family: Make it a group effort by including family members in the process, especially when it comes to sorting through shared spaces.
By tackling the post-holiday purge, you’ll reclaim your space and set the tone for a clutter-free year ahead. With less to manage, you’ll have more time to focus on what truly matters in 2025.
Are you ready to declutter and refresh your home? Start small, stay consistent, and enjoy the peace that comes with an organized space!
Need help getting started? At Tidy Matters Professional Organizing, we offer family-friendly organizing solutions to help you create a clutter-free home that works for everyone. Click here to schedule a consultation!
Until next time,
Angie & Pam
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