While my family doesn't rush to undecorate our home, leaving it fully decorated until a week or two into the new year, something we do always tackle the day after
Christmas is handling any gifts we received. Here are some tips for this project:
1. Sort and Categorize: Before embarking on the quest to find suitable homes for your gifts, take a moment to sort and categorize them. Grouping similar items together, such as clothing, gadgets, or kitchenware, will significantly ease
the organization process. This simple step ensures that each item finds its designated place seamlessly.
2. Don't Add to Your Clutter: Embrace a mindful approach to managing your belongings by adopting a "one-in, one-out" or "one-in, two-out"
policy. For every new gift that enters your home, consider parting ways with an item or two that you already own by donating it to a charitable cause.
This not only helps you maintain a clutter-free space but also allows you to share the joy with others in need.
Regularly assessing and decluttering your possessions promotes a sense of mindfulness and gratitude for the items you choose to keep.
3. Organize Gift Cards: Keep track of the gift cards you received by maintaining a well-organized system. Corral all physical gift cards into one designated envelope, box, or your
wallet.
For digital gift cards, create a dedicated folder on your computer or smartphone.
To avoid the risk of forgetting or misplacing them, designate specific "shopping" dates on your calendar. Americans collectively hold onto $21 billion in unspent gift cards, so make it a priority to use them promptly.
4. Promptly Use Gift Cards: Building
on the previous point, ensure that you don't let your gift cards linger unused. Schedule dedicated "shopping" dates on your calendar to utilize them efficiently.
Unspent gift cards contribute to a substantial amount of unclaimed value—taking action promptly
will help you make the most of these thoughtful presents.
5. Exchange, Donate or Regift Unwanted Items: When faced with holiday gifts that don't quite align with your taste or needs, explore the options of exchanging them for something more suitable, donating them to a worthy cause, or regifting to someone who may
appreciate them more. This not only ensures that the gifts find a better home but also allows you to actively contribute to minimizing clutter in your living space.
By incorporating these additional tips into your post-Christmas routine, you can efficiently manage and make the most of the gifts you received during the holiday
season.
