Why Decluttering Before the Holidays is a Must
Prepare for a Stress-Free Season
By Lia Menna Gross
The holiday season is one of joy, celebration and togetherness with those you treasure most.
But, it can also be a time of chaos and stress (cue the hair pulling), especially if your home is one toy away from starring in an episode of Hoarders.
Decluttering before the holidays is an easy way to nip seasonal stress in the bud (and as necessary as pumpkin spiced lattes and booties during the fall season)!
Before the festivities begin, taking the time to declutter your space can keep your cortisol levels in check and a few more hairs on your head. Not only will it create a more inviting ambiance for guests, it’ll also help you enjoy the holidays with a clear mind (clutter-free home = clutter-free mind).
Here’s why decluttering before the holidays is a must and how it can set the tone for your family’s season.
Lessen Stress and Anxiety
Clutter can be a significant source of stress and anxiety, especially during the holiday season when your schedule’s already maxed out.
A cluttered environment can make it difficult to relax, focus and stay present. According to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, while clutter may appear harmless, its effects on the brain add up over time. On the other hand, a clean, organized space promotes a sense of calm and wellbeing, which is paramount during a time that can be overwhelming. Think clutt-ah-free…
Feng Shui Rx:
Give yourself ample time to declutter, the Feng Shui way, before the holidays. Set aside a few minutes a day and work gradually.
Join the One Week Decluttering Challenge to jumpstart your journey!
This will help create a serene atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy the season with less stress. It’s easier to clean, host gatherings and spend quality time with family and friends when your space is clutter free and organized.
Make Space for Intentional Holiday Decor
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you picture home for the holidays?
Ok, besides Grandma’s buttery, melt-in-your-mouth pie crust…decorations!
Whether it’s a Christmas tree, Hanukkah lights, seasonal Coca-Cola ornaments or a snowcapped ceramic village, the holiday season rolls and homes are flooded with holiday extravaganza.
Feng Shui preaches that there’s a balance to everything in life - including seasonal decorations. One to many and you’ve got the antithesis of clutter free. If your home’s already filled to the brim with everyday items, finding space for these trinkets can be challenging. Decluttering before the holidays provides an opportunity to make space for those ornaments you’ve collected while globe trotting and everything in between.
Feng Shui Rx:
Declutter your home first. Then, move on to holiday knickknacks. Let go of anything that’s worn, aged or broken. Intentionally choose holiday decor that lifts you and your family’s spirits and the ch’i (or energy) of your home!
Prepare for New Gifts
The holidays often bring an influx of new goodies. If your home is already cluttered, finding space for these new items can be difficult and perpetuate the cycle of disorganized chaos.
Feng Shui Rx:
When decluttering, focus on the areas where you need to make space for new items. Doing so will prevent your home from becoming overwhelmed with excess stuff. It also gives you the opportunity to donate or recycle items you no longer need, allowing you to share the good ch’i of that item with someone else.
Enhance Your Home’s Energy
From a Feng Shui perspective, clutter blocks the flow of positive energy, or ch’i, creating a stagnancy in your home and life. By decluttering, the Feng Shui way, you can reset the energy in your home, making it feel lighter, more vibrant and more conducive to holiday cheer.
Feng Shui Rx:
A decluttered home not only looks better but also feels better. That’s what it’s about in the Feng Shui world! The positive energy that comes from a clean and organized space enhances your mood, boosts your creativity and makes your home a feel cozy and inviting for the holidays.
Streamline Holiday Preparations
The holiday season involves some heavy lifting. From cooking and baking to wrapping gifts and planning events, there’s never a dull moment. A cluttered home can make these tasks even more difficult and time-consuming. By decluttering, the Feng Shui way, you can streamline your holiday prep work, making it easier to find what you need and have a home that recharges your battery.
Feng Shui Rx:
A clutter-free space allows you to move through your holiday to-do list more efficiently. You’ll spend less time searching for items and more time enjoying the season. Plus, a tidy environment can make the whole process of preparing for the holidays feel less overwhelming.
Set the Stage for a Fresh Start
Decluttering before the holidays doesn’t just benefit you during the festive season - it helps you sets the stage for a fresh start in the new year. By clearing out the old and unnecessary, you make space for new opportunities, experiences and growth in the coming year ahead. Starting the new year with a decluttered home can boost your motivation and help you achieve your goals. According to Feng Shui tradition, decluttering is a powerful way to begin the year on a positive note.
Enjoy your holiday season with a clear mind and a clutter-free space!