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A clutter-free Christmas
Apologies for the late arrival of the December newsletter. I'm approaching the deadline for my second book and so am racing against the clock this month! So I'm planning to do the feedback on the Photo Decluttering in January.
With Christmas
fast approaching I'm sure you're feeling the pressures too, so here's
a few ideas to keep clutter at bay this festive season.
- Start clearing your dining room now, particularly the table if you're entertaining this year
- Sort out party outfits in advance - try them on and see if they fit and still look good and get them dry cleaned.
- Dig out and declutter your Christmas decorations well in advance. It's a lovely tradition to see the same decorations every year but there's a time when the fairy or tinsel is too tatty and needs to go
- Read Sally
Lever's great tips for a green Christmas (here).
Her monthly newsletter has great ideas for downshifting and living a
more fulfilling lifestyle
Sally Lever
Sustainable Living Coach
w: www.sallylever.co.uk
T: +44 (0)1749 841554
E: sally.lever@btinternet.com
- We all like to put our feet up and watch nostalgic films at Christmas. If you still have a video recorder you can get old favourites at the charity shop for a couple of pounds. Watch them and return them in the New Year. That way the charity makes its money twice over and you end up with no clutter. Or dust off videos you haven't watched for years like Mad Max or Dirty Dancing. Watch the video one last time over the festive season and then donate to charity.
- If money is tight offer to give your time as a gift - for babysitting, gardening, cooking dinner or if you're a wiz at technology - teach someone to upgrade their skills! Or agree to keep presents to a money limit like £5-£10 this year for adults.
- Give a goat (or other ethical gift) to someone who has everything. Check out
- For the
hoarders out there why not give a copy of Sue's book no more clutter
and check
out December's tip which is all about shopping
this Xmas
Clutter
Clinic
Andrea asks:
Any tips on decluttering the kids' stuff, especially before Christmas,
in anticipation of more clutter?
Sue replies
Decide whether to declutter before Christmas or in the lull period between
Christmas and New Year. If your kids are older than toddlers get them
involved. Make it fun and keep the length of time per session age-appropriate.
Use a kitchen timer for 5-10 minutes and see if they can fill a carrier
bag in that time with unwanted things.
Think about where to donate unwanted toys or books - is there a toy library,
nursery or after school club that would benefit? Charity shops are the
other obvious place. Get the kids involved in taking them to the shop
and feeling proud of helping others.
Finally don't overbuy loads of different Christmas presents - it will
be overwhelming to the kids. If they have received countless gifts from
friends and family you could always break down the gift opening into sessions
- first thing in the morning, after lunch and a few for Boxing Day
If you've
any questions for the clutter clinic contact clutterclinic@nomoreclutter.co.uk
Great Book!
You might
enjoy a book I've just been reading The Pampered Child Syndrome by Maggie
Mamen 
which
I can thoroughly recommend. She talks in detail about how caring parents
have got into a cycle of overgiving to kids. It's a thought provoking
read and has great ideas on how to curb the cycle.
TV Documentary
Century Films is making a documentary for BBC3 focusing on people who
resist the urge to spend and over indulge. They are looking for families,
couples and individuals who are careful with their finances, not out of
necessity but because it is a lifestyle choice. As more and more people
live in debt, live off credit and fall victim to the desire to “spend
spend spend” we would love to find out more about the people that
reject these pressures or who have never been seduced by them.
If you are interested by the documentary or are keen to find out more please feel free to contact Juliet Riddell or Nick Angel at Century on 0207 378 6106 or email juliet.riddell@centuryfilmsltd.com or nick.angel@centuryfilmltd.com .
Have a great
Christmas and do schedule time into your diary to relax and take care
of yourself!
"Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store nor under a
tree but in the hearts of true friends."
Cindy Lew
Sue Kay works with a wide range of clients to organise home offices, small businesses, declutter before a house move, prepare your spare room for a new baby and organise your wardrobe ready for the new season. If you're selling your home, she can help you present it clutter-free for the market to achieve a quick and profitable sale. For practical sympathetic help call Sue on 07974 076 675 or 020 8444 5149 or check out the website at www.nomoreclutter.co.uk
