We are reaching the time of year where festivity planning can really begin however, having a busy home can make decking the halls with Christmas colours not, clutter a challenge. Here are some practical tips on how to free up space, and suggestions for what you can put in storage over the festive period.
Learning about our minds
For many, the festive season is a time of nostalgia, family and comfort. This may influence our emotions when organising our homes as they are usually, full of the same.
If you struggle parting with possessions, understanding the psychology of our brains and emotions might help. The British Psychological society suggests that humans start understanding the concept of ‘possession’ aged 2 and throughout our lives, our minds tend to associate our belongings as extensions of ourselves and identities. Understanding our relationship with belongings can help us see that, while we may enjoy them, we can (as our minds are trying to convince us otherwise) live without them.
Similarly, it isn’t long till our high streets, supermarkets and online spaces are going to be filled with Christmas and New Year advertisements encouraging us to part with our money and free room in our homes. Advertisers capitalise on our stereotypical associations with the holidays which include, happiness, family and giving as suggested by Psychology today. Acknowledging and ignoring the temptation to buy more reduces the number of items in your home and can contribute to breaking emotionally based spending habits.
Create a plan
One way to get on top of clutter is creating a plan of action. While it might work best for some to allocate a room to sort through, others might be better clearing out smaller spaces they know will be used by relatives or guests over the holidays. These could be wardrobes, under bed space or utility rooms holding shoes and coats. Daily life can get hectic so, we might not spot all the space we actually have in our homes. Taking the time to allocate an area and seeing what it is used for can help free up space. If it just gets filled with junk, decluttering that area can create a designated space for upcoming presents, or, visitor suitcases while, giving your house a spring clean for the new year.
Research and recycling
Researching items that local charities or donation centres need can both, free up extra space in a home while, helping others. Old toys, games or old winter clothes could make great Christmas presents for those in need. Making the most out of used tree decorations or, last year’s wrapping paper, helps reduce waste and saves money. While these may not seem important, taking the time to benefit others and the environment can have a positive impact on your local community.
Prepare early
Whether you have not previously found time or, spontaneously decided to declutter, preparation can help make the process less stressful and time consuming. Making a list of everything you want to get through or, writing deadlines on a calendar can offer a visual representation of when you need to spend energy on decluttering and relaxing.
Organising self-storage can be a convenient solution to this process when preparing for guests by storing extra bedding, seating, or party decorations. Alternatively, putting existing furniture in storage can transform the room in case, the work from home office needs to be turned into a spare bedroom for a couple of weeks.
Utilise Self storage
Throughout the year, how we use our homes may change. Self-Storage offers an affordable and practical solution that enables homes to change with their inhabitants. Summer BBQs, outdoor furniture, sports equipment and even home office equipment can be stored safely and securely throughout the year. With all the visitors and parties, Christmas brings, fragile and prized possessions can accidently get broken. Self-Storage is also ideal for keeping these items temporarily away from the home ensuring, peace of mind to homeowners.
Whiston Farm Storage offers 24hr client access, multiple security measures and flexible rental arrangements to ensure belongings are always kept safe.
Making the most of these tips can contribute to a relaxing and enjoyable holiday season where we can all enjoy the celebrations and colours of Christmas without the chaos of a cluttered home.
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