The time leading up to the holiday season can be exciting but also quite stressful. That’s why Milton-based Simplifying Spaces recommends fall as the perfect time to get your home decluttered for the upcoming holidays. There are many ways to help keep your home feeling peaceful and pretty, while also enjoying the reason for the season. Here are some tips from Amy Marsden and Laura Brock of Simplifying Spaces to help you kickstart your fall home organizing so you can fully enjoy the holiday season this year with a well-organized house!
Tip 1. Start early.
“We recommend starting early, like in September or October,” said Brock. “This is a great time of year to do a light purge, go through the house and donate items that you or your family no longer want or use. Not only will it free up space for new items coming in, but also give others the opportunity to use your unwanted items.” Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Bring in an organizer to help you in half the time.
Tip 2. Clean before you decorate.
“We prefer a clean house before putting out holiday decorations because it’s harder to clean once the items are out,” added Marsden. “As you decorate, remember that holiday decor styles can change, so anything that you no longer enjoy can be donated before the holidays come.” As an added bonus, when you finally undecorate there is less work to do. “Even better, when you decorate the following year, you’ll have less items and decorating will be fun and easy,” she added.
Tip 3. Keep decorating simple.
“We love to keep holiday decor in clear labeled bins, either by the room they go in or by like items. This makes decorating quick and simple,” said Brock. She also recommends taking photos of your house decorated for the holidays from the year before so you can easily remember where all of the items went.
Tip 4. Less is more. “A house can look beautiful just simply decorated,” added Marsden. “For example, natural items like greenery, candles and white lights, sprinkled with a few sentimental items, can make a house feel very festive. Even a tree with white lights and decoration on top can bring so much joy and warmth to a space.”
Tip 5. Shop and wrap with ease.
When it comes to shopping, we like to have a streamlined process,” advised Brock. “Keep a list of gift ideas for loved ones as you shop and as you wrap. We like to have designated spots in our home, like labeled bins for family members as we collect gifts. Keep all of your gift wrap together, like a gift wrap station, so you can wrap as you go. Don’t wait until the last minute to wrap, which leaves you feeling stressed!” Check out the popular Elfa Gift Wrap Cart at The Container Store a perfect gift wrap station.
Just remember, the holidays are about peace and joy … and getting rid of extra clutter and stress can certainly help with that! So be sure to focus on what truly matters, spending time with family and friends and creating meaningful memories. The stuff that clutters your home and your mind is best donated to the elves at Goodwill.
Need a little extra help organizing for the holidays? For your organizing needs you can find Simplifying Spaces on Instagram @simplifyingspacesmilton or call 404-918-6651 to make an appointment.
