Christmas "stuff" I know I always have the best intentions, you know keeping the cards to use as gift tags next year, creating a system for next years decorating so it will be easier! Let's get real, while we look forward to the holidays we look just as forward to them being over, so while you may have the best intentions while cleaning up that Christmas clutter keep it real.
- One in, one out- Consider this the golden rule of organizing after the holidays. For every gift - anything from toys to clothing - that comes in, you donate one in good condition. And for everything that isn’t in good shape anymore? It’s time to toss it.
- Rotation, rotation, rotation- Ever notice how some kids play with the boxes their toys came in instead of the toys themselves? It may be because they get overwhelmed by the pile of new stuff in their lives. So try leaving out a few toys at a time and putting the rest away. Then every month or so, trade out something they’ve been playing with for a new Christmas gift and it’ll be like Christmas all year long.
- Don’t ditch the Christmas cards- As you rush to clean up, don’t throw out the cards you’ve gotten this year. Save them until next holiday season and use them for gift tags. Just cut around the part you don’t need and use the pretty part for next year’s gifts.
- When you pack stuff away, keep next year in mind- Take note of the decorations you didn't use this year and the ones that were hard to find a good place for. Consider which ones it might be time to part with and get rid of them now, instead of putting them away to deal with next December.