Declutter To Reinvent: Cat Coluccio
Let’s talk decluttering hacks for the holidays.
The holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and meaningful connections. Yet for many women, they also bring stress, clutter, and overwhelm which can sadly overshadow the joy.
5 Simple Steps To A Stress-Free Season:
Instead of bracing yourself like you’re about to head into battle this November however, why not take a fresh approach this year? With a few intentional steps, you can create a holiday season that’s joyful and calm, so to help you make that a reality, here are five of my favourite decluttering hacks to help you simplify, stress less, and savour every moment.
1. Clarify Your Holiday Vision:
Start by setting a clear intention for the kind of holiday season you want. Grab a notebook or planner, pour yourself a cosy drink, and give yourself a few uninterrupted minutes to visualise the holiday you want to experience. In one column, describe your ideal holiday (e.g., “I want a relaxed, family-centred celebration with minimal travel.”)
In the second column, list the actions required to make this happen (e.g., “Wrap up work by December 15, declutter the living room for easy decorating, organize a potluck meal for family gatherings.”) In the final column, set deadlines for each action to keep yourself on track. Add this list to your planner or stick it to your fridge – it’s your blueprint to the happy, calm holidays that you envision.
“Grab a notebook or planner, pour yourself a cosy drink, and give yourself a few uninterrupted minutes to visualise the holiday you want to experience.”
2. Declutter Before You Decorate:
Holiday decorations add charm and warmth, but they can also make an already full room look cluttered. This year, before you break out the holiday decorations, take a moment to declutter your main living spaces. Donate or pack away items you don’t need for the season which will make room for your festive decor without overcrowding. Not only will your special holiday decor stand out more, but it’ll also create a calm, welcoming space for family and guests.
3. Be Intentional With Gifts:
Gift-giving doesn’t have to mean endless shopping or overspending. Think about giving hand made or experience-based gifts that suit each person’s interests. Many families now adopt creative approaches like drawing names or focusing on small, thoughtful stocking stuffers. Discuss gift expectations with your family, and you may actually find that a simple approach can bring more joy and less stress – not to mention far less clutter from more ‘stuff’ and wrapping paraphernalia.
4. Plan Meals And Treats Wisely:
Holiday cooking can add stress and extra clutter to the kitchen. This year, plan your holiday menu ahead of time, making note of any non-perishable items you can buy early. Clear out your pantry and fridge to make space for holiday ingredients, and try to keep dishes simple. You might even consider hosting a potluck or simplifying your spread—this allows you to focus on enjoying the holiday rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
5. Set Boundaries With Your Time and Energy:
The holiday season can easily become a whirlwind of events and obligations. Take control by setting boundaries around your time and energy. Decide in advance which events you’ll attend, allow for down time in between and make self-care a priority. Protecting your time allows you to recharge and be fully present for the holiday moments that matter most – especially important for introverts like me!
“Take control by setting boundaries around your time and energy.”
By focusing less about “stuff” and more about what truly matters these holidays, you’ll find yourself less likely to be swept along by the hustle and bustle, and more able to be truly present for what makes the holidays special: time with loved ones and the warmth of the season.
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About the Author:
Cat Coluccio is a qualified Educator, Personal Trainer and Life Coach – and a champion of midlife women. She is the host of the Rocking Midlife® Community and Podcast, and the author of a number of books, including 21 Hacks to ROCK your Midlife. Join my FREE 30 Day Love your Home Decluttering Challenge for 30 days of email prompts to help you fall in love with your home once more!
Cat is passionate about helping midlife women create fulfilling and purposeful lives yet understands how challenging it can feel to consider reinvention when your world is already so incredibly full. Hence she firmly believes that the first step to building the life that you desire in your next season, is to declutter and create space right now – be that physically, mentally or digitally.
10 Tips to Simplify your Life is a workbook Cat wrote to help break the feeling of overwhelm that clutter brings – and even better, it is her FREE gift to you. Download your copy and start simplifying your life today! Available >>>> HERE <<<<
