Declutter Your Mindset

Although this isn’t a traditional decluttering project, choosing to declutter your mindset before and during the holidays is very important.

Try to let go of any unrealistic standards or expectations you’ve set for yourself during the holidays. Embrace a “perfectly imperfect” mindset during the holidays instead.

Cut yourself some slack and create a holiday season both you and your family can enjoy, instead of trying to live up to some impossible standards of perfectionism that will only leave you overwhelmed, burnt out, stressed and exhausted.

Declutter Your Holiday Obligations

A great way to simplify the holidays is by simplifying your holiday obligations.

There is nothing wrong with choosing to slow down and do less over the holidays. In fact, choosing to do less during the holidays can often lead to a much more enjoyable, relaxed and stress-free holiday season for you and your whole family!

Remind yourself often that every time you say yes to one thing, it means saying no to something else. Make sure your “yeses” are saved for the things that matter most to you. Not the things you feel obligated or guilted into doing.

Start Small

Your goal is to work smarter not harder. All you need to do is find small, manageable ways to begin. It can be as simple as:

Cleaning out your utensil drawer while you are making dinner.
Pulling out expired items from your pantry while you are putting away groceries.
Going through one dresser drawer while putting away your laundry.

You don’t even have to do it every day. The goal is to find what works for you.

Simplify Your Mental Life

Not everything that is going on in your mind is of equal importance. It is necessary for you to figure out what matters the most. Certain things might be bothering you because they are actually of relevance while others can be sometimes just figments of your imagination.

Separate out what matters the most.

Let go of the rest.

Anything that you deem to be not as important you must let go. It can be a very difficult feat to achieve, especially if you are anxiety-prone. But, with practice, you will find it easier to manage.

Even the toughest things become doable with practice. If you can persevere and stick to it then it will become a habit.

More Hacks for Moving Day

Put Saran Wrap Under the Lids of Your Bottles: Remove the lids or caps on bottles like spices and shampoo and body wash, place Saran wrap over the top, then put the lids back on. That way if the lids come off, you won’t have a big mess on your hands.

Make a First Day Basket: Grab some paper products like plates, napkins, plastic utensils and napkins so you can eat at the new place without having to unpack your dishes.

Use Two Fitted Sheets to Protect Your Mattress: Put a fitted sheet on top like normal, then put one on the bottom for complete coverage before you load it up.