Pre-Holiday Decluttering: Make Room for Joy
The holiday season is almost here, bringing all the joys of celebrations, family time, and—of course—those long-awaited Christmas gifts for the little ones. While it can be tempting to leave the decluttering until after the big gift-giving events, taking action before the holidays can be even more impactful, helping you, your community, and the environment.
You may be accustomed to making “trade deals” with your kids to swap out old toys once the new ones arrive. But there’s a hidden downside to waiting until January: thrift stores tend to be overwhelmed with donations right after the holidays. With so much incoming stock, they can’t always keep up, and unfortunately, many donations—especially toys—end up in landfills. This year, let’s make an effort to do things differently by decluttering and donating in advance. Not only will you reduce holiday waste, but you’ll also give families who rely on thrift stores a chance to shop for meaningful gifts during the holiday season.
Ready to make a difference and enjoy a more peaceful holiday? Here’s a quick, stress-free guide to pre-holiday decluttering that can help everyone get into the true spirit of the season.
1. Start Small and Go Category-by-Category
Decluttering doesn’t have to be an all-day ordeal. Tackling one small category at a time can make the process smoother and less overwhelming for everyone involved. Try starting with specific toy types, like stuffed animals, board games, or action figures. Breaking things down into these mini-categories can help you maintain momentum and see progress right away, giving you the energy to keep going!
Action steps:
Set a timer for 15-30 minutes. Work within this set time frame to make the task feel more manageable, and commit to just one category within that window.
Use bins or bags to sort. Label one for "keep," one for "donate," and one for "trash or recycle" (for broken items). Having visual categories makes it easier to decide on the spot.
Check condition. Look for items in good shape that can truly bless another child’s life and set aside any damaged or incomplete items for recycling or disposal.
2. Invite the Kids to Be Part of the Process
When it comes to letting go of toys, involving your children can turn the experience into something positive. Explain that they have the opportunity to “pass on the joy” by choosing toys they’ve outgrown or no longer use. Not only will this give them a sense of agency, but it also lets them feel proud of helping other children have a joyful holiday season.
Action steps:
Use storytelling to inspire empathy. Talk about how another child might love and cherish the toys they’ve outgrown. You can even read a short story about sharing or giving to get them in the spirit.
Offer choices. Let them choose a few toys they love and a few they feel ready to let go of. Giving them a sense of control can make the experience empowering instead of upsetting.
Create a “sharing box.” If letting go is hard, consider creating a special box where they can place toys to “share” with other kids. They may find it easier to part with toys when they feel like they’re contributing to a special cause. You may even want to consider dedicating a hamper or basket in their toy area as a permanent sharing box where they can put toys they’d like to donate throughout the year.
Pro Tip: Use an Old Toys for Santa Sack to create a tradition of letting go of toys before Christmas.
3. Set a Donation Deadline Before the Holiday Rush
Choosing a donation deadline well in advance of Christmas can create gentle urgency without extra stress. It ensures that the toys and other items you’re parting with reach families in time to be cherished and loved for the holidays. Plus, having a clear date can keep you on track, making it easier to balance decluttering with all the other holiday preparations.
Action steps:
Put it on the calendar. Mark a date on the family calendar for “donation day.” This can help set a clear goal and make the process feel like a family event.
Check local thrift store hours and donation guidelines. Some donation centers may have specific holiday hours and only accept specific items, so call ahead to confirm when they’re open and which items they will accept to ensure your donations get to those in need timely.
Plan a drop-off day with friends. Turn it into a social event by coordinating with friends to donate together. You can meet at a local thrift store or donation center and enjoy a little coffee or hot cocoa afterward!
4. Preparing Your Home for the Holidays
Consider how you’d like your space to feel. Create an intentional environment by removing other items to make room for your holiday decor and activities. This way, you’ll have a welcoming home that feels truly festive and ready for new memories.
Action steps:
Remove some of your everyday decor to make space for the holidays. Clear out decor items from coffee tables, mantels, and shelves to give your holiday pieces the spotlight and reduce visual clutter. You can temporarily store your everyday decor in your empty holiday decor bins.
Create designated zones for seasonal activities. Clear surfaces and clutter in specific areas to set up spaces dedicated to holiday fun. Try creating a gift-wrapping zone, a hot cocoa station, or even a cozy corner for reading holiday stories. These zones can help keep activities organized and add a little extra holiday magic to each space.
Consider hiring professionals to help with decorating. Sometimes, bringing in extra help makes all the difference. Professional organizers can help create intentional zones and maximize space, making sure your holiday decorations are beautifully displayed while keeping clutter at bay. A professional touch can make your holiday season feel effortless.
By taking a few steps to clear out the old, you’re not only making room for the new but also spreading joy beyond your household. The holiday season is all about giving, and by donating your unwanted items now, you’re giving back in a meaningful way. From reducing waste to supporting families in need, your efforts make a big difference.
Let’s work together to create a holiday season that’s peaceful, joyful, and intentional. Happy decluttering, and happy holidays from all of us at Two Tidy Tinas!
