If you have kids, there’s a good chance you’re storing toys they outgrew years ago. If it’s in good condition, that bike they haven’t ridden since they were 6 can be donated (check with your local Goodwill to see if they accept bikes). Then, ask for your children’s help sorting through their toys to decide that to keep and what to give away.
If your little one is having trouble letting go of toys they no longer play with, consider adopting the popular “one in, one out” policy. In order to get a new toy, your child must give away one they already own. (Careful: this policy applies to the belongings of the grownups in the household, too!)
We all know that sometimes a gift can end up being a burden. When it’s something you’ll never use or that you simply don’t like, you may feel guilty about giving it away, but hanging onto it requires using valuable storage space in your home. Before the holidays, take inventory of the unwanted gifts you have collected over the years and see if there are any you may be able to part with. After all, no one needs three waffle irons.
Take a peek at your linen closet. If you find dingy towels or old bed sheets you wouldn’t use yourself—let alone present to overnight guests—it’s time to toss them. If the linens are too tattered to be reused, bring them to a fabric recycling center so they won’t end up in the landfill.
Duplicate (and Triplicate) Kitchen Tools
During the holidays, our kitchens are one of the first places that become cluttered. To make space before you start collecting new cookie cutters and splurging on festive hand towels, take a look what you already own. If you find you have multiple spatulas or a small assortment of cheese graters, pick out your favorites and let go of the duplicates. When the drawers are organized and you can find the tool you’re looking for more easily, you’ll end up feeling like you own more rather than less.
Even if you don’t have time for a complete closet decluttering, try this speed version. Take a look at your winter clothing, and separate out anything that makes you think, “Ugh, I don’t want to wear that.” (Okay, unless it’s the big parka you save for snow days.) If it doesn’t make you feel good now, you’re probably not going to want to wear it one month from now. Keep in mind the 12-month rule: if you didn’t want to wear it last winter, it’s likely you won’t want to wear it this winter either.
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