Your calendar to declutter before Christmas…

The 2022 decluttering calendar that will ensure your home is spotless in time for Christmas – from clearing the bathroom cabinets in March to tackling your wardrobe in October

• Packaging retailer RAJA UK has shared some tips for decluttering your home
• Research revealed 35% of Brits found decluttering their home to b therapeutic 
• Experts have revealed the mental and physical benefits of keeping a tidy house

From the financial burdens to the tidy up before and after the big day, the lead up to Christmas can sometimes be really stressful. 

But one way to make the festive period more chilled is to be prepared. 

Research by packaging retailer RAJA UK revealed that 35% of Brits found decluttering their home to be a therapeutic experience – and one that can help people feel more at easy during the chaos in December.  

Here, FEMAIL has shared some tips for decluttering your home in the run-up to Christmas to make sure you’re not overwhelmed when the time comes. 

Packaging retailer RAJA UK has revealed your calendar to declutter before Christmas. Pictured, stock image

January – Recycle

Take down all of your Christmas decorations and pack them into cardboard boxes so they’re organised for next year. 

Dispose of your unwanted boxes and cards by recycling them. Return or donate any unwanted Christmas gifts.

February – Get organised in the kitchen

Reorganise the kitchen by checking the expiry date on foodstuff and putting anything that is out of date in the food waste bin.

Tackle the junk drawer. Recycle old takeaway menus, find proper storage for receipts and manage other miscellaneous items.

Take an inventory of your small appliances and cooking utensils and get rid of items that you no longer need.

March – Bathroom cleanse

The costs of a cluttered home –  from sleep deprivation to feelings of guilt 

A cluttered home can be a massive burden on your mental health and physical health. Here are some of the costs of a messy home that you may not be aware of:

Sleep deprivation

Attempting to sleep in a cluttered room can result in a higher risk of developing sleep problems, such as trouble falling asleep and waking up in the middle of the night.

Unhealthy habits

Mess can lead to bad coping and avoidance strategies like excess snacking and binge-watching TV shows.

Feelings of guilt

Clutter creates feelings of guilt and embarrassment when your house isn’t clean and tidy, especially when you have guests over for Christmas.

Heightened anxiety

It provides the mind with excessive stimuli, making the senses work overtime on things that are not important.

Clear out your bathroom including your medicine cabinet. Check to see if medicines are still in date and dispose of items that have expired. Store them by medicine type, such as liquids, pills and emergency first aid.

Clear out your vanity drawer by assessing if creams, make-up and bath products are still okay to use.

April – Donate or sell 

Go through your closet and cut your winter wardrobe down. Pick out anything you didn’t use and donate or sell them.

If you have children, do the same for their closet. See what clothes fit them (and will still fit in the next six months).

June – Sort storage space

Go through your storage space such as a garage, shed or attic. 

Sort your space into specific zones, one for household tools, sports equipment, seasonal decorations and garden supplies.

July – Get crafty

Craft items such as paints, pens and other bits can create clutter quickly. Store various craft items in cardboard storage boxes.

Sort out all of your books, boardgames and DVDs in your living room or games room.

August – Summer spruce

During the summer holidays, cull your linen cupboard. Recycle thread-bare towels, sheets, blankets and linens or donate them to your local animal shelter.

September – Tackle the home office 

Take time to organise your home office space. Invest in some desk organisers, such as pen pots and filing systems for documents that you have to keep.

Cable organisers are an easy way to ensure that your desk looks tidy.

October – Store away

You’ll want to repeat the process you did in April with winter clothes. Look at the items you didn’t use and sell, donate or repurpose them.

Store away your sandals, flip-flops and other summer shoes. Get rid of the ones you won’t use next year.

November – Sort decorations 

Go through the decorations that you packed away in January. Donate or sell what you won’t use.

Again, make sure you’re up to date with what is in the kitchen cabinets since you organised it in February.

December – Kick back and relax!

Pour yourself a mulled wine and enjoy all the festivities in a clutter-free house!

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