A Declutter Challege for Christmas

With Christmas just a few short weeks away, how about a mini declutter challenge as a gift to yourself? To me, this is a great time to address the overflow of decorations and/or dinnerware.

A rule of thumb that I use for how many dishes and serving items I need is this. Keep as many as you need when you have company over. For example. If your holiday gatherings usually bring a total of ten around your table - save ten place settings.

Oh, I can hear the squeals of protest. “What if I have TWELVE people over?!” And I would ask, when was the last time you had twelve? If it’s been 15 years, you’re probably good to let some stuff go. And should you need more place settings, I’m sure your guest would not frown upon a mismatched plate. (Anymore, I like to get sturdy paper plates when I have a houseful. Yeah, I know it is not as “nice” but listen - gone are the days of china and linen napkins for the vast majority of families.)

And that big ole electric roaster you got on Black Friday 10 years ago from Target but have only used once? Yeah, I see you! How about donating it to a non profit who does holiday meals for the homeless and lonely?

How about the box of decorations you inherited from your great aunt but you don’t really like but would feel guilty if you parted with it? It is the perfect time to donate it instead of it getting tucked back away into the attic.

I know it can be scary letting go of the china set that you’ve had for so many years but never use. I wouldn’t be such an advocate of purging such items except for the fact that I see time and again the JOY people experience when they lighten their load.

So I encourage you…Give yourself the gift of less this holiday season!