We can all enjoy a sigh of relief now that the busy holiday season is over for another year.
But, in the aftermath, a few small tasks should always be carried out to keep your home in good order.
One job is to do a big declutter and eject unwanted gifts, broken toys and old clothes that will not make it through to 2025.
You don’t have to put everything in the bin, of course. You can offer unwanted belongings to friends and family or donate them to a local charity. The upside for you is that you’ll be clutter-free for 2024.
Plus, if you are thinking of selling later this year, decluttering now will get you ahead of the game. Ejecting unwanted or unused possessions is often essential when preparing your home for sale so that it does not feel cramped to prospective buyers.
This checklist will help you know where to start.
Most Unwanted
We all receive Christmas gifts we have no use for. If you hid them away in a cupboard, consider regifting them or offering them to a charity shop. There’s no point in them gathering dust and taking up space.
Fashion statement
If you’re into buying Christmas shirts and jumpers, don’t let them clutter up your closet year round. Either let them go now or, in a more sustainable move, store them carefully with your other Christmas collections so this year you can save money and re-wear what you already have. The environment, and your bank account will thank you.
Toy troubles
Toys are one of the easiest targets. Kids outgrow or become bored with toys all the time. So, do an audit with your children to identify the ones they can donate to a charity. A “keep one, donate one” strategy is an excellent place to start.
Hot stuff
Baking tins seem to multiply without explanation, and they suck up precious kitchen storage. Throw out or donate the items you don’t need or never use.
Think ahead
Plan ahead and decide which of your clothes you intend to wear when the cooler months arrive. If you’ve got jumpers that have stretched or faded, or a coat that is never worn, put them in a charity bin so they can be sorted in time to help out someone in need this winter.
Linen audit
Pull out linen and towels from the closet and discard those that are never used or have become thin and insufficient. Consider donating your old towels and blankets to the local animal shelter.
Seeing double
Double-down on doubling up. If you have two of something, donate or throw away one of them. This will significantly impact the storage space in your kitchen and bathroom.