This is it! We’ve reached the final week of the 52-Week Decluttering Challenge. This week, we’re wrapping up the last item on our checklist by decluttering Christmas decorations and other holiday items.

You might be thinking “Wait! How is week 49 the last week of a 52-Week Decluttering Challenge?” It’s a fair question.

In week 1 I introduced the challenge by sharing my 52 Weeks of Decluttering and Organizing checklist. As we worked through the challenge, there were some weeks where it just made sense to tackle multiple items at the same time. We even added a couple of bonus items along the way. So, wrapping up early is a bonus and it means we can take a break from decluttering and enjoy the holidays.

Are you ready for week 49? Let’s get decluttering!

This post was originally published in December 2021 and republished in December 2024.

What is the 52-Week Decluttering Challenge?

In this year-long journey, we’re tackling one task at a time with the goal of cleaning up and organizing our homes. If you’ve just joined us, no worries. You can jump right in with this week’s challenge. Just check out the first two posts in the series to download your free checklists.

• 52-Week Decluttering Challenge
• Week 1 – Easy Decluttering Checklist

You can get easy access to all previous weekly posts on the main Decluttering page.

Week 49 – Decluttering Christmas decorations

We love to decorate the house for Christmas. Over the years, we’ve accumulated a large collection of Christmas decorations. We keep most of our Christmas stuff in tote boxes in the basement. It’s always so exciting to get them out every year.

We used to follow a “no decorating before December 1” rule every year. We’ve relaxed that a bit in recent years, but we still avoid decorating or turning on our exterior lights before the American Thanksgiving holiday. Much as I love the season, I don’t want to be tired of it by the time Christmas Day comes around.

Let’s have a look at what I have.

I keep the things I know I’ll want to get out first in a blanket box in our bedroom. We also have a large tote box of Christmas decorations.

In addition to these, we have a tote box of Christmas tree ornaments. Then, there are two tote boxes of decorations that belong to our daughters. We keep them separate because they will be taking them when they move out one day.

And, just when I thought I was done, I remembered this box…

The extreme minimalists out there might say I have a problem. I disagree because these are all items that bring me joy—and most of them have sentimental value! And, I’m not alone in my love for holiday decorations. A 2020 study showed the average American spends $269 on decorations each year, and I don’t think Canadians are much different.

This week’s decluttering and organizing tips

My tips for decluttering Christmas decorations are quite simple.

• Adopt a use-it-or-lose-it mentality. Whether you have one box of Christmas decorations—or six like me—decide to keep only the things you’re going to use. Declutter anything left in the tote box after you’re finished decorating.
• A couple of weeks before Christmas—so basically right now—is the best time to get rid of unwanted Christmas items on Buy Nothing groups or Buy and Sell sites. There’s always someone looking for free or low-cost seasonal items.
• Resist the temptation to add more decorations to your collection. Make a point of using what you already have and being mindful when you’re tempted to buy more!
• Finally, to keep things organized, label your tote boxes so you can easily identify what’s inside.

For more excellent ideas on how to store and organize Christmas and other seasonal decorations, visit the recent post I collaborated with for Redfin. Fall Holiday Decoration Storage Tips from the Experts is a roundup of helpful tips from several decluttering and organizing experts.

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What I got rid of

Here’s what I got rid of this week. A total of 15 items. Yes, that’s right. Out of all those tote boxes, there were only 15 unused items.

• 6 coffee mugs
• a pair of slippers
• a Christmas stocking
• 2 serving dishes
• a snowman lamp
• digital photo ornament
• Christmas figurine
• a fridge magnet
• a candle holder

2024 Update

It has been three years so I’m rebooting the 52-Week Decluttering Challenge to see how much I can get rid of in 2024.

Despite seeing the cutest decorations when Christmas shopping, I have been about to resist the temptation to add more decorations to my collection. This week, I got rid of 12 small decorations at the bottom of our large tote.

That’s a wrap! We’re finished the challenge, and it feels great. In next week’s post, I’ll wrap up my progress and learnings from this year-long decluttering frenzy.

If you have friends or family members who could benefit from a little less clutter in their lives, please share this post and spread the word!

Do you have any tips for decluttering Christmas decorations? Share them with us below.