5 Decluttering Hacks For A Stress-Free Holiday!

Declutter To Reinvent: Cat Coluccio

The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy, of celebration, and of spending quality moments with loved ones – right?

However, it can also be a season of busyness and stress, even more so when our lives and environments are cluttered and disorganized. This year, why not join me by embarking on an intentional journey to simplify the season? After all, there’s nothing to lose, other than your stress! Read on for 5 simple decluttering hacks that you can use to not only create a stress-free environment but to help you fully savour the magic of the holidays.

5 Decluttering Hacks:

“Every project starts with a plan, and your project “Stress-Free Holidays” should do likewise.”

1: Assess and Prioritize:

Every project starts with a plan, and your project “Stress-Free Holidays” should do likewise.

For this, I recommend that you grab yourself some blank paper and a pen, pour yourself a cuppa, (or a glass of bubbly to be really festive!) and give yourself the gift of some interruption-free thinking time. 

I talk about the power of visualization and goal setting in my 21 Hacks books, and they are critical to the success of your project. Can you picture the kind of holiday celebrations you want to experience this year? Can you feel how great it would feel to not be stressed out? 

Plan Out Your Decluttering:

Create three columns on your paper, and in the first, describe your perfect holiday season in detail. An example might be “I want to host all holiday celebrations at my home this year so that we don’t need to drive everywhere, but I also don’t want to spend my entire time in the kitchen.” Another might be “ I want time to read and play with my grandkids this season.” 

In column two, write a list of tasks you would need to do to create that wonderful holiday season you’ve described. An example here might be“ Finish up work projects by mid-December so I’m not working on things during my holiday break. Declutter my lounge room so there is room to display my holiday décor. Organize the family to all contribute a dish for the shared meal……” 

In column three, put a “done by” date next to each task in column two, as we all know that a goal without a deadline will never be achieved. Now stick that list somewhere you will see it – on your fridge, in your office or in your planner. You are now ready to take action!

“Consider opting for a more simple approach to holiday decor this year.”

#2 Streamline Your Décor:

While holiday decorations bring festive cheer, they can also contribute to a cluttered atmosphere. Consider using this decluttering hack, and opt for a more simple approach to holiday decor this year. Instead of throwing up every single decoration you own – including your adult children’s artwork from when they were three – choose a cohesive colour scheme and select a few statement pieces that reflect the festive spirit. When you avoid overcrowding your home with decorations, and focus on creating thoughtful, more simple displays, you’ll keep that calm, serene feeling that comes with a decluttered space. (There’s a bonus too – the packing away process will be SO much easier!)

#3 Gift Thoughtfully, Minimise Excess:

Instead of exchanging extravagant gifts, consider thoughtful and meaningful presents that align with the recipient’s interests. Opt for experiences, homemade gifts, or quality time together. By focusing on the thought behind the gift rather than its price tag, you reduce the stress of finding the perfect present and minimize excess clutter in your home.

Many families I know draw names in November, and purchase one special gift for their nominated recipient, to the value of an agreed upon price. Other families just do small fun gifts in stockings, others only gift to the children. So long as the entire family are in agreement, planning to reduce gift giving can actually have the effect of making the act more thoughtful. 

#4 Decluttering Hack, Go Digital:

In this digital age, there’s no need to clutter your home with stacks of paper invitations, receipts and cards. Embrace technology by sending digital invitations and e-cards. Not only is this eco-friendly, but it also saves you from the hassle of addressing envelopes, buying stamps and dealing with piles of paper clutter. Many websites and apps offer beautiful templates and designs for personalized digital greetings, allowing you to spread holiday cheer with ease. You can even gift digitally – most people are only too happy to receive an AMAZON gift card!

“Start or end your day with a gratitude journal, jotting down the things you’re thankful for.”

#5 Practice Gratitude And Mindfulness:

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, take moments for gratitude and mindfulness. Start or end your day with a gratitude journal, jotting down the things you’re thankful for. Practice mindfulness exercises to stay present and centered, whether it’s meditation, deep breathing or gentle stretching. By cultivating gratitude and mindfulness, you enhance your overall well-being and reduce stress, allowing you to fully enjoy the holiday moments.

Given the events of the past few years, I think there has been a real shift from excessive gift-giving, to treasuring time with loved ones and appreciating the meaning of the season. As an immigrant whose family mainly live in other countries, this especially rings true, given that we were not allowed to leave New Zealand for such a long time. 

By following all of the decluttering hacks above, and intentionally creating a simplified schedule and environment, you’ll be able embrace the joy of the holidays without the burden of clutter. 

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