Christmas is fast approaching, and with it comes an increase in possessions—more gifts, decorations, hostess presents, and more of everything. Now is a smart time to get ahead of clutter, especially as the weather turns colder and more time is spent indoors.
Living in a small space makes this even more urgent. Since I share less time outside tending a yard and more time at home, I’ve decided to tackle several areas that have been slipping into disarray. Organizing can feel daunting, but with the right approach you can make steady progress without getting overwhelmed.
Have No Space, Will Declutter
I’m probably more motivated than most to keep things tidy: I live in a 400 sq. ft. house with only a couple of small closets and a wall of laundry-room shelving. There are virtually no kitchen cupboards and just one bookcase—space is at a premium. When storage is limited, any extra seasonal items quickly create pressure, so I try to be proactive before holiday influxes fill every nook.
Because I’m indoors more in colder months, I focus on manageable organizing projects that won’t spiral out of control. The temptation when cleaning is to jump from one area to another—start with the closet, move a few things to the bookcase, then reorganize the bookcase—and suddenly you’re surrounded by piles of stuff with no finish line in sight. I used to give up mid-project fairly often, leaving piles to linger before eventually shoving them somewhere out of the way. Over time I’ve learned strategies that help me finish tasks and maintain modest order.
Start Small, Stay On Task
It’s tempting to set an ambitious goal like “organize the entire garage today,” but unless you thrive on long, intense cleaning sessions, such plans often produce incomplete results and increased frustration. Instead, choose a small, well-defined task. For example, focus on one closet or even just the top shelf of a closet. Finishing a small area gives a sense of accomplishment and reduces the risk of getting distracted. If you still feel motivated afterward, tackle another small area; if not, you’ve made progress and can celebrate that small win. Consistent, manageable accomplishments are better than occasional, half-finished overhauls.
Start With the Old Stuff
One of the easiest ways to create momentum is to start with boxes you haven’t opened for years. Those items are rarely essential and are often the easiest to let go of. Decluttering these neglected boxes not only frees physical space but also simplifies decision-making. Instead of agonizing over whether to keep each item, start with the assumption that if you haven’t touched something in years, you likely don’t need it.
Opening old boxes can also be a gentle, nostalgic experience—a quick trip down memory lane—while still providing clear evidence that many things are best released. Using this mindset reduces emotional friction and speeds up the process.
Take a Picture — It’ll Last Longer
This technique—suggested by the Everyday Minimalist—has helped me and friends many times. Often during decluttering you’ll find items with sentimental value that are damaged or unlikely to be used again: a broken necklace given as a gift years ago, an old childhood book, drawings, or other keepsakes. The memory attached to the object matters more than the physical item itself.
Instead of keeping the item and sacrificing precious space, photograph it. Place the object by a window for good light and take several shots from different angles. A digital image preserves the memory without the physical burden. After photographing, you can donate, recycle, or discard the item without worrying you’ll forget it. I keep a dedicated folder of these memories on my computer and back it up, which gives me the reassurance I need to let go.
I’ve used this method for over a year with excellent results—discarding toys, schoolwork, and jewelry while preserving the memories digitally. The photos are enough to remind me of what mattered without occupying limited living space.
Use this quieter stretch before the holiday rush to organize both your living space and your finances. Getting ahead of clutter now prevents a chaotic explosion of items once gifts and decorations arrive.
Finally, a word of caution: creating extra space isn’t permission to fill it again immediately. Aim to be intentional about what you bring into your home so your efforts at decluttering have lasting effect.