The holiday season is synonymous with influx: gifts, treats, and decorations piling up at home. Before the rush of new possessions arrives, minimalists take a preemptive step: decluttering. The principle is simple: for every item coming in, one must go out. This isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about preventing overwhelm and creating space for genuine enjoyment. Here are six categories professional organizers always address before the festivities begin.
Outgrown Toys
Children accumulate toys quickly, and keeping them all isn’t necessarily beneficial. Too many options can lead to sensory overload, reducing engagement with the toys they do have. Jamie Hord, founder of Horderly Professional Organizing, suggests rotating toys to maintain interest.
The criteria are straightforward: broken items, missing parts, or those unused for months should be donated. This teaches children about intentionality and gratitude—enjoying new gifts while letting go of the old.
Unworn Clothing
Cluttered wardrobes are a common source of stress, especially during the holidays when outfit planning should be enjoyable. Ashley Hines, founder of Thee Tailored Life, recommends removing clothes that no longer fit, are worn out, or remain unworn.
This creates space for new pieces and ensures you see what you actually have for special occasions. Donating unwanted items facilitates a fresh start in the new year.
Dated Holiday Decorations
Holiday décor tends to accumulate over time, often ending up forgotten in storage. Before adding more, assess what you truly love. MaryJo Monroe, owner of reSPACEd, suggests asking yourself whether you used an item this year or plan to in the future.
If it feels tired, doesn’t fit your style, or consistently stays in the bin, it’s time to donate or discard it. The same principle applies to Christmas cards: keep a few meaningful ones, but discard the rest to avoid unnecessary clutter.
Worn Linens
Sheets and towels wear out over time, becoming thin or stained. Before the holidays, check for fraying edges, discoloration, or anything you wouldn’t offer to a guest. Donate usable items and responsibly recycle or repurpose those beyond repair.
Paper Overload
Christmas inevitably brings more paper clutter: bills, receipts, manuals, and cards. Minimalists tackle this head-on. Clearing out old documents reduces chaos and sets an organized tone for the season. The influx of holiday mail makes it even more crucial to minimize existing piles.
Unwanted Candles
Candles are a popular gift, but not all scents are created equal. If you dislike a candle’s fragrance or it’s nearly burned down, discard it. Monroe explains that keeping unwanted scents clutters your home and detracts from the joy of new fragrances.
Ultimately, decluttering before the holidays isn’t about deprivation; it’s about intentionality. By making space for new possessions, you ensure they bring joy rather than adding to a sense of overwhelm. A minimalist approach to the holidays means enjoying what you have—and welcoming what you truly need.
