7 Things To Declutter Before Christmas

Get your home ready to receive gifts by freeing up some space.

Is it the most wonderful time of the year or the messiest? It’s a hard call. Getting ready for Christmas isn’t always easy. But taking a little time out to declutter Christmas essentials is important. After all, you don’t want to be left scrambling for supplies on Christmas Eve. Here are seven things to declutter before Christmas. Even if you tackle just a few of these things right now, you’ll still be way ahead of the game.

Related: How to Organize and Store Your Holiday Decor

Broken Ornaments

Whether it’s that charming Santa ornament that’s missing a wire for hanging or a silver bell without a clapper, it might be time to nix it. While your holiday memories may last a lifetime, your ornaments probably won't. So, it’s a good idea to declutter them every year.

This especially applies to glass ornaments because there’s nothing like cutting yourself on broken glass to ruin the festivities. There are enough hazards this time of year—so it’s best to try and eliminate one.

Christmas Decor That’s Seen Better Days

Is your tinsel looking sparse? Did your Elf On The Shelf fall last year and lose its hat? Toss any Christmas decor that’s not in good shape. It doesn’t look nice and most decor can easily be replaced with something higher quality that will last longer.

Tangled and Broken String Lights

Between holiday shopping, work, and family obligations‚ do you really have enough time to untangle Christmas lights? Or worse, do you want to untangle and plug in those strands only to discover some of the bulbs don't even work? Life can be frustrating enough. Skip this one and treat yourself to something new this year and learn how to store tree lights to keep them tangle-free.

Fake Christmas Trees

In many ways, artificial Christmas trees are better than the real thing. They’re more affordable over the long term and you don’t need to shop for one every year. But, while they last longer than a month, they really don’t last forever. If your tree is missing a few branches or has faded—it might be time for something new.

Related: Real or Artificial? Here's How to Decide Which Christmas Tree to Purchase

Baking Supplies

Do you bake your famous Christmas cookies every year? Remember, those snowflake cookie cutters don’t last as long as your memories. Go through your holiday baking supplies and make sure all of your cookie cutters are still in tip-top shape. Throw out anything that’s broken and replace it before your next baking session.

Then scan your cake pans. Anything with a worn-out, peeling or chipped non-stick coating should go. The same applies to cracked ceramic bakeware, and don’t forget to evaluate your decorating supplies like sprinkles, flour, sugar, baking soda, frosting, and icing. Throw out anything past its expiration date.

Niche Holiday Attire

Are you going to an ugly sweater party? Is your ugly sweater from last year still wearable or was it a moth’s snack in the off-season? Peep your Christmas pajamas and holiday party wear. Anything that’s worn out or has rips or holes should be decluttered and replaced. You might be able to score something new on sale or find cooler, more unique items at a vintage shop.

Almost-Empty Wrapping Supplies

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that tiny piece of wrapping paper that’s half stuck to the roll isn’t quite enough to wrap that box of boots. Same for the quarter inch of tape that’s still left over. Anything that can’t be used should go.

Related: 3 Smart Ways to Organize Your Wrapping Paper

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