Clearing up for Christmas
I love having a clean and orderly home – even if it only happens when friends are coming around and I dash to hide everything in cupboards!
As the festive season approaches with all its decorations and decadence, I have been thinking about how to make those clear surfaces and artfully arranged spaces a little more permanent.
Photo by Dane Deaner on Unsplash
So where to start?
I try to take a leaf out of my favourite designer William Morris’ book by only having items in my house that I find to be useful or beautiful. With that in mind, I suggest going through each room in your home removing broken, faded, obsolete clutter. Even if great Aunt Bertha gave it to you as a wedding present – if you hate it, recycle it.
Remove pot plants that are dead or on their last legs, as this stymies the flow of energy through your rooms.
Work through your wardrobes. Remove all clothes that don’t fit anymore or you haven’t worn in the last year. This can bring up some emotions (I remember when I wore that) but if you’re serious about decluttering, you have to be a bit ruthless. I use the trick of turning all the coat hangers around the wrong way. If they haven’t been turned back by the end of the year, I don’t need that item of clothing.
Put things in piles that need mending or fixing and do it while it’s top of mind. This can be very satisfying, especially if you have been putting it off for some time.
Remember all the hidden areas under beds and in attic spaces and garages. Again, if you haven’t used it in the last year, you probably don’t need it. Remember not to keep things ‘just in case’ as this clutters up your space.
What to do with your ‘to go’ pile? You can donate good condition items to your local op shop, or offer them up on your local Buy Nothing Facebook page. You never know, Aunt Bertha’s casserole dish might be just what your neighbour is looking for!.
By bringing order to chaos, you will not only have lots of room to inject Christmas cheer into your space, but you will also find your mind and home becoming open to new and exciting things over the summer and into the new year. And that is sure to bring you lasting joy!