As the holidays approach and a new year looms on the horizon, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the mountains of “stuff” accumulated over the years. Downsizing can feel overwhelming, but with a little creativity and holiday cheer, it’s possible to make meaningful progress—one step at a time. Inspired by The 12 Days of Christmas, this guide offers 12 manageable decluttering tasks to prepare your home for the season and set yourself up for a fresh start in 2025.

 

DAY 1: A PARTRIDGE IN A PILE OF PAPERS

Begin your journey by tackling a stack of paper clutter. Sort through mail, old receipts, and junk flyers. Recycle what you don’t need and file away important documents.

 

DAY 2: TWO TATTERED TOWELS

Open your linen closet and find two towels, sheets, or blankets you no longer use. Donate them to a local shelter—they’re always in need of these items during winter!

 

DAY 3: THREE FORGOTTEN FRAMES

Look around your walls or shelves for old picture frames that no longer serve your style or purpose. Keep the photos and repurpose or donate the frames.

 

DAY 4: FOUR FESTIVE TRINKETS

Day 4 of the 12 days of decluttering may be one of the easiest… Pull out your holiday decorations and identify four items you haven’t used in years. Pass them along to someone who will love them or donate to a thrift store.

 

DAY 5: FIVE GOLDEN… KEEPSAKES

Keepsakes are the heart of any home, but too many can be overwhelming. Select five sentimental items you’re ready to let go of and give them new life by gifting them to family members or photographing them for memory’s sake.

DAY 6: SIX MISMATCHED MUGS

Go through your kitchen cabinets and find six mismatched or unused mugs. Keep only your favorites and let the rest go to free up cabinet space.

 

DAY 7: SEVEN SWEATERS SITTING

Closets can quickly overflow with clothes we no longer wear. Pull out seven sweaters, jackets, or other warm items you don’t need and donate them to a coat drive or charity.

 

DAY 8: EIGHT EXPIRED SPICES

Take a peek in your spice rack or pantry. Toss out expired spices, oils, or canned goods. This small step creates a fresher, more organized kitchen.

 

DAY 9: NINE BOOKS FOR GIVING

Books bring joy, but not every book needs to stay on your shelf. Choose nine books to pass along to a local library, senior center, or Little Free Library.

 

DAY 10: TEN TRINKETS TIDIED

Scan your shelves and surfaces for small decorative items (knickknacks) that you no longer love or use. Declutter ten of these to reclaim a more open space.

 

DAY 11: ELEVEN EXTRA ELECTRONICS

Gather old gadgets, chargers, or accessories you no longer use. Donate or recycle eleven items to eliminate electronic clutter.

 

DAY 12: TWELVE THINGS FOR THE NEW YEAR

To wrap up the 12 days of decluttering, choose twelve miscellaneous items—anything that doesn’t bring you joy or serve a purpose—and either donate, gift, or recycle them. It’s the perfect way to end the year with intention and set a downsizing mindset for 2025!

 

Downsizing doesn’t have to be a daunting task, and the holidays are a perfect time to start. By taking these 12 baby steps, you’ll not only create a more manageable and meaningful home for yourself but also spread the joy of giving to others. Keep the momentum going in 2025, one small step at a time!

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a clutter-free New Year! 🎄

If you’re ready to take the next step in your downsizing or organizing journey, Organized Haven is here to help. Visit our contact page to learn more about our services and how we can support you in creating a calm, clutter-free home for the new year.

If someone you love could use extra support with decluttering or organizing, consider giving the gift of an Organized Haven gift card. It’s a thoughtful way to help someone start their downsizing journey and embrace a more organized home in the new year. Click here to purchase a gift card.

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At Organized Haven, we specialize in helping people reclaim their spaces and find purpose in their possessions. Whether you’re ready to downsize, declutter, or reimagine your home, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

💙, 

Nicole and the Organized Haven Team

 

By: Nicole Ramer, CPO®, SMM~C® | Senior Home Coach™

(Certified Professional Organizer®, Certified Senior Move Manager®, and Chronic Disorganization Specialist®)

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