Do you think that spring is the best time of year to declutter your house? Think again! After years of following the trends, and dealing with enough stuff for three families, I'm here to share one of my favorite new holiday traditions!
Ah, spring. That magical time of year when you purge, sort, and organize all the stuff creating cute little dust bunnies during chilly winter months.
Ah, spring. That magical time of year when you purge, sort, and organize all the stuff creating cute little dust bunnies during chilly winter months.
Also popular is the great January purge. Overwhelmed by an excess of stuff after the holidays, along with the desire to start fresh in the new year, you'll see a huge influx of social media posts about decluttering and organizing your stuff after the big winter holidays.
But! After years of dealing with pack rat syndrome, and three young kiddos with waaaay more toys and clothes than necessary, I've realized that RIGHT NOW is the best time to declutter!
Don't wait until after Christmas to pare down on kids' toys and clothes!
This is the PERFECT time to sit down with your kiddos and let them know it's time to let go of some of their toys to make room for all the awesome new stuff they'll receive in the coming month. This is also the perfect time to teach your babes about the importance of giving and providing for others who are in need.
A TIME TO GIVE BACK
The year my husband was laid off, we were the recipients of a couple gifts for our daughter (our only child at that time) from our church's giving tree. It was also that year that I purchased her Christmas gifts at the local thrift store. It was one of the single most humbling experiences of my life, and I've never been more grateful, and full of joy, to watch her open her sweet little presents.
Did she notice her toys and clothes weren't perfectly pre-packaged with tags from a store? Not at all. Did she care that the pink doll castle that I literally prayed I'd find for her was pre-loved and a bit worn in a few places? Nope. Did she care that nothing we bought for her cost more than $5? No way. She loved everything, and I loved experiencing a Christmas where it truly wasn't about the presents.
Did she notice her toys and clothes weren't perfectly pre-packaged with tags from a store? Not at all. Did she care that the pink doll castle that I literally prayed I'd find for her was pre-loved and a bit worn in a few places? Nope. Did she care that nothing we bought for her cost more than $5? No way. She loved everything, and I loved experiencing a Christmas where it truly wasn't about the presents.
Now, I'm not going to go on about the true meaning of Christmas. But though we are in a stable situation now, I want all of my children to know what it is to give back, to show gratitude, to remember that we all struggle at some point and are in need of a little cheer.
TOYS & CLOTHES
TOYS & CLOTHES
So! Around Thanksgiving, when thoughts are on family and gratitude, we have started the tradition of going through all of our things and finding ways to donate. This is great for everyone! Purging BEFORE the new year, before December, even, gives kids the chance to rid themselves of things they don't play with any more, while also giving them a better idea of the new things they might actually want or need. Having clean, decluttered kids rooms is, like, the best Christmas present I could ask for! Haha!
Decluttering before Christmas is good for the home, and the soul!
Purging toys and clothing before December also gives you the opportunity to donate during a time when many shelters are full of families in great need of a coat, a blanket, a pair of gloves, even a simple toy for their child. Thrift stores are heavily shopped this time of year as well. Not only for warm winter items, but for children's toys and discounted holiday decor.
HOLIDAY DECOR
HOLIDAY DECOR
This is also an awesome time to take a hard look at your holiday decor and decide what you don't want anymore. Certainly, there were Halloween and Thanksgiving items that you didn't use this year, and probably won't use next year, either. Go ahead and let it go! This goes for your winter decor, too!
(I was personally staring down 10+ bins of holiday decor, I began to think to myself that maybe...just MAYBE...I didn't really want all of it.)
Don't get me wrong, I like to switch up my throw pillows and color scheme as much as the next gal, but if you're looking at a box of holiday decor, wondering where to put things, or feeling fairly uninspired to put out a decor item, then go ahead and donate it it. Give it to a friend or neighbor. Offer it up to a family member who's admired that item in the past. They'll love you for it!
We all love to give (and receive!) special presents during the holidays. I promise one of the best "gifts" you can give to you and your family this season is the gift of a clean home, ready to receive all the bounty and blessings that you deserve!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
(I was personally staring down 10+ bins of holiday decor, I began to think to myself that maybe...just MAYBE...I didn't really want all of it.)
Don't get me wrong, I like to switch up my throw pillows and color scheme as much as the next gal, but if you're looking at a box of holiday decor, wondering where to put things, or feeling fairly uninspired to put out a decor item, then go ahead and donate it it. Give it to a friend or neighbor. Offer it up to a family member who's admired that item in the past. They'll love you for it!
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We all love to give (and receive!) special presents during the holidays. I promise one of the best "gifts" you can give to you and your family this season is the gift of a clean home, ready to receive all the bounty and blessings that you deserve!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!