The hustle and bustle of the holidays is finally winding down. While my schedule starts to look more “normal,” my house is quite the opposite and is in desperate need of organizing. I’m thinking Santa really needs to include some cleaning elves once Christmas is over!
I’ve asked a few seasoned moms how they keep their house in check, and here are 3 simple tips to help us get on the right track for the New Year.
Get one, give two.
This rule can apply to anyone and anything. Did you get a new sweater for Christmas? Find two pieces of clothing you never wear that are taking up space in your closet and toss in the donation box. I love this rule when it comes to toys. We are in the phase of transitioning to “bigger” kid toys for my son. So when he received several new toys this year from Santa and family, we set quite a few toys aside for the donation box or placed in a storage bin to rotate out in a month or so. Some of our lovely Dallas Moms Blog contributors have posted a few toy organization ideas here and here.
Take inventory of your Holiday Décor
I don’t know about you, but somehow my holiday storage bins keep getting fuller each year. By the time I’m 40 I will need an entire wall or two in my garage for it all! After New Years, it would be beneficial to take inventory of your décor: from your outdoor decorations to your mantel garland and tree ornaments. Check for anything that needs to be thrown out or donated.
It’s also really important to take time sorting and stowing everything properly. (Raise your hand if you’ve ever opened your holiday bins the following year and end up cursing yourself as you untangle strands of outdoor Christmas lights…No? Just me?)
If you have bins that include multiple holidays, now would be the time to separate those or to at least label it clearly so you aren’t digging through boxes and bins next year. I know it’s REALLY tempting to throw everything in the storage bins and call it good, but taking some extra time now could save you next year.
Learn from the Japanese: Oosouji
I read about this Japanese practice recently and think it’s so neat! Much like we do Spring cleaning in America, the Japanese practice Oosouji (which translates to “Big Cleaning”) at the end of the year. Its purpose is to rid their homes of the old to welcome the new. It is a top to bottom cleaning, and everyone gets involved. Even more than just a deep cleaning, Oosouji is also a state of mind that helps you mentally feel refreshed for the new year.
I like doing this type of cleaning around New Years, but instead of thinking of it as a chore, I will try this mindset of Oosouji. Heavens knows us mamas could use some inner calm and decluttering of our minds.
