The holiday season is full of joy, happiness, and excesses. We can’t help but collect gifts, decorations, baking supplies, packaging and more that we just don’t know what to do with. Now that the season is over, and we are beginning a brand-new year in our Alaskan homes it’s the best time to sort through these belongings to declutter and donate the excess. One bonus to this project is that you could recover some cash by selling a few of the items. Once you’ve decluttered you can start to organize and capture some calm as we move ahead into the new year. How do you know where to start? We are here to help!
Get rid of those duplicate gifts!
We are grateful for our loved ones, but sometimes those special gifts lead to us having duplicate items around the house. If you have found that you have more than you need of any item considering selling or donating the older item.
Freshen up your bed sheets and towels!
During the holidays we often have guests and pull out our best guest sheets and towels. You may have noticed that some of these items have seen better days and it’s time for them to be swapped out. If you ended up buying new sets, take a minute and declutter the older items. If you still haven’t picked up a new set, January is a great time for bedding sales. You can plan for next season and replace the older sets.
Take a moment to sort through that winter sports gear!
All those winter sports we love here in Alaska require us to maintain items to keep them in good working order. If you’re planning on going ice skating take a moment to make sure the skates still fit and are still sharp. Check skis. snowboards, and their accessories as well. If any item needs replacing now is the time to donate or sell the older items rather than them hanging around unused.
Sort through winter coats and accessories!
Not that you’ve had time a few months to embrace our beautiful Alaskan winter, you are for sure aware of the gloves, coats, hats, and mittens that have seen the most love and use. If you’re noticing that there are certain items that are just stuffed in the back of the closet untouched it might be time to donate or sell any item in good condition.
Check your holiday decorations!
Holiday decorations can easily start to accumulate over the years. We often collect family heirlooms, kids’ creations, or something shiny and new from the store that season. Take a moment to evaluate your decorations for any items that are damaged or never used. If they are a keepsake put them in a safe storage, otherwise take a moment to toss, donate or sell items that have outlived their use in your Alaskan home.
Take inventory of your baking supplies!
Are you finding that your cupboards are overflowing with pie plates, cookie cutters, Bundt pans and more? If you’re starting to realize you must close the cupboard and run, it may be time to donate or sell.
Thin out holiday dresses and outfits!
We love our clothes, and sometimes we have an emotional connection to them, but if you ask yourself if you truly love it and are going to wear it again and the answer is “No” it’s time to let it go! Take an honest look at holiday clothes and shoes and donate or sell anything that is just gathering dust.
These are just a few of the things you can declutter after the holiday season and there are many more that we didn’t get to. This general guideline can help you on your way to having a cleaner, calmer, and clutter free start to your new year in your Alaskan home.