(Minimalist) Decluttering & Organizing Christmas Decor
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Over the years I have acquired a nice collection of Christmas decorations. I tend to use a lot of the same decorations year after year, but I inevitably also get a few new things. Strangely enough I have accumulated a lot more decorations than I end up using. As you may already be aware, I try to declutter a little every year. A couple of years ago, I was able to contain them to three bins (not including the trees or wreaths.)
Tip #1 Assess how you decorate...
In previous years I have had a traditional red theme, intermingled with silver and gold. I have also had a red and blue theme and more recently an aqua theme. As a result I have Christmas balls in red, navy, silver, gold and aqua and I don’t mind keeping some extras to switch out in future years. One year I had an angel theme. Another year I tried to use only old fashioned or handmade ornaments.
Maybe you like to decorate the whole house or, if you are like me, just a few specific areas. I always loved the decorating part, but hated the un-decorating and putting things away. Life was already busy enough. To simplify things, several years ago, I decided to trim back how much to decorate. Whatever season of life you are in, you can adjust your holiday decorating scale.
Another little tip is to take pictures of your decorations so you can see them more objectively. This also helps you remember how you did things you liked for next year if you want to replicate them.
Tip #2 Assess your storage space and containers...
Obviously someone that just has a little closet space in an apartment will not be able to store as much as someone that has a full basement or other storage area at their disposal. If your storage space is in a place that might not be climate controlled, possibly at risk of water damage or critters, the type of container is also important. Measure the space you have before purchasing any containers. Inexpensive totes, either solid or clear, with festive red or green are readily available at this time of year, although any colour will do. If you have any ornaments that are breakable you should take a little more care with wrapping them and putting them in a designated box. I used to have a large fabric organizer with compartments for all the ornaments, but since I decided to become more minimal, I have very few items that are fragile. All my ornaments are kept in small Christmas gift boxes now. Labelling bins is very important, especially when you have a lot of them that look the same. I replaced my wreath holder a couple of years ago and found I could fit them all in it.
My Christmas tree has had to get crammed into it’s original box for the last few years because I couldn’t find a container that fit for it. Most of the Christmas tree bins are way too big for my little tree and I don’t want to take up that much space. This year after looking everywhere online for a small tree bag I finally decided I would just make my own.
Tip #3 Select your favorite items to keep...
Be very intentional about the ornaments and decor items that you keep. Keep only things you love, bring you joy and will actually use.
It’s okay to keep sentimental items if you love them and they bring you joy. One of my favorite items is a plastic Santa in his sleigh, with peeling paint. I grew up with this and rescued it from a yard sale my mother had when she was getting ready to sell the family home. Another favorite is a little red glass heart that my son made for me at school. In high school I also made a smocked Christmas ball and a miniature quilted stocking.
Some other favorites of mine were just things that I liked, that I thought were pretty. Bows and ribbons and sparkly things.
Tip #4 Decide what you no longer want taking up space...
Inevitably, you will probably have a few things left in your boxes or bins of Christmas decorations that you didn’t use this year. That is the perfect place to start decluttering. Ask yourself if it is worth the space it is taking up for another year. Will you use it next year? If you haven’t used it for three years maybe it could go. Do you have enough space for the items you want to keep without cramming them in?
Maybe there is something you have used this year, and every year, just because you have it. Do you love it? If not, maybe it can go. Some questions to ask yourself to help you decide are:
- Would I buy this again if I didn’t already have it?
- Is there somewhere else I want to use it?
- Do I know someone who might benefit from having it more?
A couple of things I no longer buy or use are tinsel and tinsel garlands as they are hard to clean up and bad for the environment.
Tip #5 Start planning for next year's decorations...
I know. I know. This is supposed to be about decluttering and organizing Christmas decorations. If you have found that some of your ornaments or decor aren’t your style anymore, became damaged or have exceeded their best buy date, after Christmas is the best time to buy replacements. True – there may not be as much of a selection, but they are usually at least half price. Don’t forget to check the charity shops too. Hopefully you have a little extra room left in your bins.
The best time to donate items is actually in the fall because some charity shops won’t accept Christmas items after Christmas. If that is the case in your area, designate a spot to store your donations and remember to actually donate them in the fall, or if you plan on having a yard sale you could put them out then.
You can see my video on Christmas decor decluttering and organizing below...
You can see my previous video on Christmas decor organizing below...
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