holiday

7 Things to Declutter After Holiday Season for a Fresh Start

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.

in Home Decoration / winter in Alaska

Holiday Season Stress Relief Tip – Create Experiences not Clutter

As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves overwhelmed with the pressure to buy gifts, decorate our homes, and accumulate more stuff. How many of us spend hours shopping for gifts when we could be spending quality time with loved one? This year, why not take a different approach and prioritize creating memorable experiences over clutter? By shifting our focus, we can truly embrace the spirit of the holidays and make lasting memories with our loved ones.

Material possessions often lose their value over time. The latest gadget or trendy item may bring temporary joy, but it quickly fades. Instead of exchanging material gifts, consider giving the gift of an experience. Experiences can be more fulfilling for both the giver and the receiver. They can bring people together and strengthen relationships.

 

Here are some ideas for memory making experiences with your family:

 

  • Go ice skating, gliding across the ice hand in hand and creating joyful memories that will warm your hearts for years to come.
  • Organize a game night filled with laughter and friendly competition. Enjoy board games, card games, and laughter.
  • Take your family on a magical trip to a winter wonderland, where you can build snowmen, go sledding, and have snowball fights.
  • Visit a local museum or art gallery to learn about different cultures and artistic expressions.
  • Attend a holiday concert featuring traditional music from around the world where you can all sing along to your favorite songs and create a night filled with laughter and joy.
  • Attend a theater performance.
  • Share a spa day.
  • Take a family trip.
  • Share a cooking class.
  • Baking cookies and make homemade decorations.
  • Spend a day volunteering as a family at a local charity, spreading kindness and making a positive impact in your community.
  • Treat your loved ones to a day at an amusement park, where you can all laugh and scream together on thrilling rides.
  • Plan a holiday movie night, where you can cuddle up on the couch with hot cocoa and watch your favorite festive films.
  • Organize a family hike in a nearby park, immersing yourselves in the beauty of nature and creating memories while appreciating the world around you.
  • Have a picnic in a park.
  • Take a camping trip and roast marshmallows over a campfire, tell stories under the stars, and explore nature together.

 

These activities not only create wonderful memories but also allow for genuine connections and meaningful conversations, fostering a sense of closeness and warmth. Engaging in cultural activities and experiences can provide us with unique perspectives, enrich our lives, teach us valuable life lessons, and broaden our horizons. The holiday season is the perfect time to explore new interests and expand our knowledge, creating memories that will shape us and stay with us long after the festivities are over.

 

This year let’s embrace the true spirit of the holidays and remember that the best gifts are the ones that cannot be wrapped – the gift of time, togetherness, and shared experiences.

in Uncategorized