Tis the Season to purge!

With the average American family attending more than one Christmas celebration each year our homes are bursting at the seams after the holiday season. The more people in your family, the more “stuff” that you have to make room for after the holiday season. The sudden influx of belongings usually leads many people to resolve to get organized in the New Year. Unfortunately, like many resolutions they have great intentions but rarely have follow through.

There is a solution to this vicious cycle at the holiday season, purge before the holidays begin. I encourage clients and families to set aside time during the month of November to go through and clean out items in their home that do not get used or worn often. Here are some big areas to consider taking some time to purge this month:

• Kids Closets
• Toy Rooms/Toy Boxes
• Clothing Closets
• Kitchen Cabinets and drawers
• Garage tools and equipment
• Books
• Videos
• CDS

Get rid of clothes that are the wrong size or style and will no longer be worn by donating them to a local charity or clothing drive to help the less fortunate in your area ensure they have warm clothing this winter.

Toys that are broken or missing pieces can be tossed out; however toys that are still in good shape but simply not being played with by your children can be donated along with clothing.

Kitchen items, old tools, and equipment can often be donated or even sold if they are in good condition, which can be a great way to make some extra money for your own holiday shopping.

Books, Videos, and CDs can be traded in, sold, or donated to free up more storage space in your home.

This holiday season, I encourage you to take the time to purge your belongings so that you and your family can better enjoy your holiday season without having to fight with your storage space!