This Christmas, avoid the clutter of unwanted items and make holiday gift giving an opportunity to downsize.
“The chaos and clutter of holiday gift giving is stress-inducing,” said Gail Rubin, CT, author of KICKING THE BUCKET LIST: 100 Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die. “Yes, it is possible to use the holidays to downsize and start meaningful conversations when the family gatherings start at Thanksgiving.”
Rubin offers these seven tips to make your holiday gift giving an adventure in downsizing:
- Prior to Thanksgiving, tell your friends and relatives that you’d like experiences or consumables for holiday gifts – and let them know that’s what you’ll be giving them.
- Also before Thanksgiving, donate your excess gift wrap, bows and unwanted Christmas decorations to a charity that can use them for those in need or for fundraising.
- Put unused fabric such as sheets, pillowcases, tablecloths, napkins, bandanas, handkerchiefs and decorative towels to work as gift wrap, instead of paper.
- Repurpose boxes, baskets, tins, jars, vases and bowls as gift containers for consumables.
- Give heirloom items to family members while you can still tell the stories behind those objects.
- Downsize and distribute family photographs by having a scrapbook session with family members and tell the family stories that the photos document. Feel free to toss photos that are blurred or unremarkable.
- Give copies of KICKING THE BUCKET LIST: 100 Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die along with a home-made coupon for your time as a downsizing assistant.
Gail Rubin has dozens of other creative clutter clearing ideas that can help you keep calm during a hectic holiday season. Bring her to speak to your organization by calling 505.265.7215.