How to Get Decluttered Before the Holidays
by Yuwanda Black

Description: Tips for getting organized for the holiday season.

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It's that time again — the holidays are right around the corner, and if you're like me, you're wondering where on earth you'll put all the holiday gifts and accessories — not to mention the holiday guests! Clutter does not consist of one little area, or a few little items out of place; clutter is made up of a combination of overstuffed drawers, under-the-sink what-nots, squished closets, corners of napkins riddled with scribble, too-tight clothes, etc.

Here are seven specific areas to get de-cluttered before the holidays:

1. Clothes Closets: If you haven't worn it in a year, give it away to someone who will. And, DON'T wait until you have an appropriate "box" to put it in. Simply pull it out of the drawers and out of the closet and put it in a large lawn garbage bag.

It'll never make it out of the house if you're waiting on free "time" to sort it out nicely. The thrift store has people for that any way. Yank it out and toss it in the trunk of your car. You're half way to the second hand store with it when you follow this route. Er, speaking from experience here.

2. Kitchen Cabinets: Close your eyes and clear your cabinets of all the mix-matched glasses and plate sets. I'm not saying throw away your favorite coffee mug, now, but a new dish set can be purchased for under $30 at Target or Wal-Mart. If you're feeling bold, get rid of those old pots and buy a new colorful set to start of the holidays in good cooking fashion.

3. Important Papers: Buy a file cabinet (or two!) and use them. You know all those little pieces of paper, receipts, napkins, etc. taking up valuable drawer space (or stuck to the sides of your monitor and slid under your keyboard)?

Alas, they have a place in an appropriately-labeled manila folder. Start a filing system; if you have one in place, add a few more labeled folders to help clear the clutter. Two must have files: "Miscellaneous" and "To Be Filed." When in doubt or short on time, stick the papers in one of those. You'll feel so much better when it's at least in a file.

4. Address Book: If at all possible, start storing telephone numbers, addresses and appointments electronically. This cuts down on those little slips of paper all over the house.

5. The Freezer: What are those plastic containers of goodness knows what hogging up valuable freezer space. Are you really gonna eat those leftovers? Toss 'em — tonight! You'll need that space for extra ice trays and ice bags over the holidays.

6. Update your Christmas Decor: If the blinking tree lights didn't work last year, they probably won't work this year either. You know the ones I'm talking about—that string or two you have all rolled up at the bottom of the holiday decorations box.

If you didn't take the time to stick a test bulb in each hole to see which defective light was keeping the string from working last year, you most likely won't take the time to do it this year either. Toss it, forget the culprit, and spend a few bucks on some new strings.

7. Kid toys: Kids getting a new video game this year? Give the old one to charity. He'll never go back to Version 1 anyway.

Getting the picture here, seeing a pattern? When in doubt, toss it or give it away. Resist the urge to clutter and make space for the holiday season — which is right around the bend! Ahh, the relief of de-cluttering.

Reprinted with permission.

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