Post-Christmas Organizing Makes Room for New

Many people give and receive gifts during the Christmas season. But what if you received more than you can keep?

Family and Consumer Scientist April Martin said decluttering the home can help make space for new items.

“If you have things you can’t use, you might be able to pass it on to someone else in your family that can use it,” Martin said. “Sometimes they can be used for other purposes, maybe at your workplace. It could be something that can be used there instead of at home.”

Martin said donating unneeded items can also free up space. Donating also gives back to the community.

Decluttering after Christmas can make room for the new Christmas gifts.

Martin said stores typically offer many organizational tools.

“You know nowadays there is a lot of really nice storage units, storage tubs that you can purchase that make getting really organized in your closet,” Martin said. “I’m a big fan of the clear totes so you can see what is in it.”

Martin said the key to effective storage is labeling the tubs and bins.

Martin said people can repurpose some items as well.

“Something I like to do a lot of times with some Christmas cards I get. Getting the Christmas card is really nice, but after Christmas is over,” Martin said. “What do you do with those cards is you can cut them up and use them for different decorations that you might use for the following Christmas. Give them to your children to make a collage with.”

Martin said reorganizing seems to be a common task after Christmas ends.