Christmas Declutter Using the Container Concept

[@gegeschannel8836]

After almost 50 Christmas’s, I decided to get ride of all those Christmas Theme decor. I am a follower of Minimal Mom as well as you. So this was my next minimal challenge . The key is a month before Christmas not after. This is when people are looking for decor and the decor is still at full price in most store. I sold them on Facebook Marketplace and was very successful. I sold my Christmas decor, minus what I really wanted to keep, and made hundreds of dollars. I used the money to buy Christmas presents for the grandchildren. I highly recommend it. Don’t sell it now, wait until before Christmas next year. I am down from 20 containers to 5.

[@erikastanger7848]

Our Little People Nativity is sentimental, so we still put it out even though our kids are teens.

[@katmcc1517]

Absolutely! I forgot about ours this year, but I know it's in the basement. My kids are 16 and 18 - on the list to display again next year!

[@susanperrault4128]

Something I realized when I was moving was that you can’t save every craft and piece of art that your kids make throughout their school years. So what I did was take pictures with my cell phone of their work so that I have the memory to look at but don’t have to find storage space for it. My photos are backed up on the iCloud. It was a game changer for me.

[@margiestiles8454]

The little Nativity play set is perfect to donate to a church nursery/toddler classroom.

[@darleneraines9674]

I have the Fisher Price Nativity for my grandkids. The oldest two are 10 and they still enjoy playing with it.

[@cm-nj]

I loved your comment about "renting the decor" and not feeling badly about letting it go on to someone else.

[@amykotlarski9250]

I agree...Dana K White has the best advice for a clutter free home. Her questions are simple and she is so relatable...like a good friend helping you.

[@Gavinsrents]

Great video. I decluttered before and after Christmas this year. I don’t want to just put up stuff because I have it, I want to put up in spaces that make me smile. Anything extra goes to the thrift store. After visiting family over the holidays and seeing more clutter, I am enjoying my less is more space even more.

[@jamiehowell9095]

Wow! You made such great headway! Next year Hilary will be so glad you did this.

[@karigruppen1405]

For me, the hardest part of decorating is deciding where things go. This year, I took pictures of my decorations before I took them down, so I have ideas for next year 🙂

[@OldWorldHome]

Great idea. Yes I think packing away my things by room will be very helpful for next year

[@christined2495]

Kari Gruppen , I did the same thing this year, I took pics because I loved how everything looked this year, I will repeat it again next Christmas, it will make it easy….

[@ashleydenesha8005]

I decorate very minimally and we basically replace our seasonal decor items out for holiday decor items. Minus our tree and ornaments, each of the holidays are housed in 1 box under our stairs.

[@OldWorldHome]

That’s a great system!

[@carolynwhitney5268]

I’d suggest keeping the Little People Nativity set! Later in life your grown children will be glad you did! Also, I use the tins in a junk drawer, hall closet, bathroom drawer, a work bench. The are wonderful for little things and organization! Plus, that tin was so cool!

[@clareorf8605]

The Little People Nativity is so precious. It's safe for little hands to play with and every year when it comes out my kids play with it and tell each other the story of Christmas

[@quiltednestvintage6347]

getting rid of and making room feels SO good! I'm on the same journey...

[@whoohoo7]

Since I've moved into a smaller house. I don't have tons of Christmas bins anymore. It's amazing how I really didn't need all that clutter.

[@OldWorldHome]

It’s truly amazing, once it’s gone, I never miss a thing

[@leezasims9959]

I think your declutter was so successful because you knew your why... and stuck to it. You knew you wanted more time and that served you throughout the process. You did so well... I loved the little wooden skis when you hung them last time with the ribbon but its nice to see that you can use them, enjoy them fully but know that you don’t want to use them again as we do change each year from Christmas to Christmas. I will try to bear these lessons in mind on my declutter. Many thanks for your content. I really love your Christmas style and appreciate the simplicity, mindfulness, and thoughts behind your choices. ❤❤❤

[@OldWorldHome]

It’s been a process but I’m learning to enjoy things for what they are without needing to OWN them 😅

[@laurieg6416]

I love the container system. I also use more season decor that stays up until February (Stars, snowflakes, pine) so Christmas cleanup is easier.

[@Gracielooks]

Love that

[@paulacostello6912]

Love Dana K White 🧡

[@michellemarcisz7059]

I switched over to clear bins with red or green lids. I also list with a marker on a plain sheet of paper, that I can easily see, what is in the bin. Because, come November, I may have forgotten and even with clear bins, it isn’t always easy to tell.

[@midlifemom5829]

I do same😊

[@hoosierhunny5001]

For several years my trees go in a spare closet with the ornaments on them. 🤣 I just pull them out every year. Huge time saver. I always had a box/bin for each kids sentimental things.

[@monicamontezstine5877]

Very helpful video! We moved into a new home and I've been decluttering for the past 6 months. Once I realized I could give items away to someone who would use the item and love it, it made the process much easier. I also has to let go of the thoughts "I spent good money on this!" My priority is now a simpler space.

[@newenglandminimal]

I found that sentimental items that my children made for Christmas were taking up quite a bit of space in my two bins. My children are grown and I don’t display the items so I added them to their memory bins instead of having them take up space in my limited Christmas storage.

[@christinedisneyqueen5746]

Love Dana K. White! You did a great job implementing her ideas…brava! ❤

[@mercy2angl]

I have watched a few of Dana's videos. It was helpful to watch another person actually putting her advice into action. Your video will stick with me, as I repack my holiday items. I am proud of myself for repurposing my Autumn and Christmas tomato cage trees. I am gearing up for gardening, so they will be used. I will donate the garland and lights. My attic thanks me! I could swear that I heard my house take a long breath! 😂

[@clairetitus6904]

More time at some future time repeated until we retired. Then due to volunteer activities at church and at Toastmasters (a speaking and leadership organization) I feel like I am as busy as when I was working outside the home. I decided I like being purposeful and busy. Life continues. Thanks for sharing.

[@OldWorldHome]

Yes and amen 💚

[@christined2495]

Hillary, I put away all Christmas on New Years Day, but I knew there were things I haven’t used in two years but didn’t donate all of what I knew I should have, until I saw your video, I watched and then decluttered all I didn’t want… thank you I needed the push, I never have trouble decluttering but Christmas is hard for me… so back to the thrift store this week, with a beautiful tree skirt, two snowmen, and a few ornaments, and a wreath… thank you🎉🎊 I’m now down to two rubbermaid containers and a storage box with my ornaments..

[@OldWorldHome]

That’s so awesome, good for you 👏🏼

[@donush9139]

Happy New Year Hillary & Family.

[@chlexiel.1022]

I declutter more than I thrift now, which to me is just as much fun. Last year and this year I decluttered a lot of Christmas decor.. but I pack it in a box and store it away until the first week of Nov - then I drop it off at a local thrift store so it has a chance to be bought and used by someone looking for Christmas decor😊 Spot on about space. Like the idea of thinking as your home as a storage container 🤔Very smart.

[@OldWorldHome]

I agree, decluttering helps me realize how much I don’t need to add more. It’s a tough spot though because I love finding treasures and unique items, or things we actually practically need, I just need to be better about one in-one out

[@kathyterrell8024]

I did this in the opposite direction. New house, about 1/2 the size of our previous house. I gave our son, who has his own house all the decor that i knew wouldnt fit before we decorated. I only have space for a tree & some small things. He took our village that fills up about 2 8ft tables, spare wreaths, & extra small tree with misc ornaments. Decluttered before decorating. Now its time to take it all down.

[@annascavezze616]

Thank you for talking through your video, so much more fun to watch than a speed video to music. I like hearing your reasoning.

[@marge3157]

I have started going in the direction of wintery. We have had snow on the ground since November 1. So greenery, pinecones, wildlife and plaid. It should get me through February.

[@kathleenrussell254]

Keep the Nativity.....one of your children might want it for a keepsake......and use it in their own home.

[@vlink4071]

This is such a timely video for me as I just realized going through our Xmas decorations most of which I didn’t put out because of illness, that we have run out of space. For Christmas decor, for my collection of dishes which I do use. For many other things. I will try to go through things and keep the most precious. Great video as usual.

[@donnarakitzis2719]

Plan to do same tomorrow. Let it go let it go! Lol!

[@quorrakai]

I love Christmas but I was ok taking things down earlier than we usually do. Besides the tree and ornaments which are stored separately, I have all the decor in one giant bin. Feels great! Decluttered my Master bedroom walk in. Three bags of donations later... Lol. I'm definitely in the mindset of my stuff will not rule my life. Married, no kids and live in a cozy 1200 square foot house. Happy 2023 everyone! 🎉

[@jeannettec375]

After Christmas, I make my list for the next year. This year I wrote a suggestion to myself at the bottom of the list: "Minimalist decorating in 2023! Two small undecorated prelit trees, stockings, Christmas pillows, favorite Christmas cards from years past. Enough!" A decorating video that you recommended showed the guy using old Christmas cards in his decorations. I loved that idea.

[@OldWorldHome]

Yes I love Brian’s card display!

[@jackiesnewnormal7649]

I was so impressed with your Christmas Planner that I’m hoping you’ll make a Daily/Monthly Planner to include these types of tips. I remember there being lots of tips, etc that you tell us about every week/month on your KZbin channel. Every month there’s something to do in our homes, cleaning, updating, a holiday, painting, decorating etc. depending on the month. I would absolutely love to have you there daily and to share with my daughters and son for that matter. ♥️

[@Gracielooks]

I’ve struggled to do this because I see it as a pre Christmas job because charity shops in Ireland have tiny square footage compared to the US thrift stores I see online. Storing a lot of Christmas things for the year is a burden for the charity. But I’m inspired! I’m going to go through everything as I pack it away now and put aside the donation bag ready for November! Thank you Hilary for the continued inspiration!

[@stormychavez4018]

OH I would have bought the copper gingerbread cookie molds from you . LOVED this de clutter video

[@sandypalmer6200]

I don't think I knew about the container system but I definitely try to keep my Christmas decorations to the same amount of boxes. I probably do have one box of sentimental items that don't go out that often:) I think long and hard each year about what I loved and didn't love before packing away. It must be an age thing, because last year I really loved everything and did the exact same thing this year. Woohoo...something to look forward to about aging, but enjoy every single one of those days with kids. It flies by.

[@MindyourMatters]

Yea this was me also! 😅

[@kimfarrar4328]

Loved the video. I’m almost ready to start doing this myself. Several yrs ago I did a good purge and organized what I wanted to keep by priority…..a non-negotiable bin filled with things I put out every year without fail (stockings, ceramic Santa’s village, table runners, etc), a small bin for lights, a bin of ribbons & faux flowers & greenery, one of glass ornaments, etc. This helped immensely and now I’m ready to to go thru the bins filled with maybe/someday items and keep only those things I can’t readily find at thrift stores as 2023 holiday season approaches. I’m sure I can reduce my Christmas by at least one bin. 🎄❤

[@debski8694]

Hillary, cookie cutters ... I decided to tie my extras on to gifts next year.

[@OldWorldHome]

Such a cute idea!

[@sharie5706]

This was such helpful decluttering walkthru, thank you! And yes, the "Container Concept" is life-changing!

[@lauriemullins8140]

Enjoyed your declutter today. I now live in a small condo so have had to let lots go. I agree with you that you keep what's really special for you and let the rest go. I too have purchased lots from resale shops over the years and never had regretted it. I feel I am helping a charity of some kind when I buy (at a lower price than retail) and when i tire of it I can let it go and let someone else enjoy for awhile. I love the container concept and have used it for years and it works great for me. This year I cut down 2 bins, I am an empty nester so I don't need all the stuff I once used. There is a season for everything! Thanks for sharing your ideas.

[@joyceprice6749]

Our Christmas decor was taken down last night except for some outside. We have some that coincides with winter and it doesn't matter to much. I also need to declutter. I always enjoy watching your decluttering Hilary. It reminds me I have things to get done. ❤️⛄❤️

[@annw1395]

The container concept is so useful! Really helps me. Re: glass ornaments: I love red at Xmas, but I also switched to shatterproof ornaments when the gkids were tiny -- they're every bit as beautiful as glass, and much more durable. I have a tiny tree like you just let go, but I keep it decorated, and then it's simple to set out. I organize my decorations by the room they're going to be used in. That works well for my house layout, and simplifies decorating for me. The nativity scene you got when married -- personally, I prefer that to your current one. I would keep that one, too; it has more history. You're my totally favorite KZbinr! 💟

[@OldWorldHome]

I’m going to try organizing by room this year too, I think it will be very helpful to decorate next time! I don’t feel any sentiment towards the old set, I hope it finds a new happy home 💛

[@heidireynolds5598]

Feeling all of it- same story, exactly! Dreading putting all away!

[@ifthecreekdontrise]

Thank you so much for sharing all of this information! I haven’t watched or even heard of some of the people you mentioned so all of these systems were new ideas for me. I watch every video you put out and always enjoy them. Happy new year! 🎉

[@marywatkins6798]

I did a major (for me) Christmas purge this year as I was getting out my decor. I sold a Xmas platter and a big set of ornaments, both that were nice quality, and gave away decor items/ornaments, posting for Free on FB Marketplace and Nextdoor. I edited down the number of Christmas totes I store. I only put up what I love the most, in decor and on the trees. It was freeing.

[@OldWorldHome]

Oh I love that!! ❤️

[@terryruiz7417]

You did what I will do this week, the Lord willing! I enjoy Dana K White's logic which helps so much as I care for an elderly parent, having unexpected interuptions in my days. You truly did well, Hillary! Natural decor, if available, the best! I will check with grandchildren as I go to offer items I decide to part with, but needs to be done, hopefully, blessing them in the process. Happy New Year!

[@Sarah_Kilmer]

I do the same system as you when Christmas is over. If I haven’t used it I need to donate it. The idea of having no more than you can store is spot on, that’s how I manage our home too. Great advice as always! Happy new year to you & your family!😊

[@kathleenscholten8592]

Thank you so much for this video. I have trouble decluttering Christmas items. You have really motivated me.

[@tammyduff14]

My thrift store doesn’t take out is season items I just put my box ready to go on top of the decorations and next November I just grab and go it’s ready to donate.

[@shannonpepe5901]

Don’t take down Christmas decorations at least until Epiphany! 😊

[@megroux]

Same here💗 We take things down after Epiphany and enjoy eating King Cake as our little reward.

[@lreid7805]

We keep decor up until Epiphany and make a Kings' cake - complete with baked-in items such as a coin, ring, etc. We invite friends in for cake. It's also a great way to finish off any Christmas baking that might otherwise linger in tins.

[@debbiem6406]

Just subscribed to Dana K White’s channel. Again, thanks! Funny that the first two items you decluttered are exactly what I’ve been looking for. “One woman’s trash…” haha. You know when you finally actually have more time? When the kids’ are grown and gone. Until then not so much. I now have time to rethink, seriously declutter, reorganize and reset, but so terribly miss their younger years when I didn’t!

[@christaludwig9395]

I was watching this video as I take down Christmas decorations in my house.

[@RaeC]

The fisher price nativity set is so sentimental to me that I almost freaked when you were getting rid of yours. My kids are older and it’s so precious to us I bought two more so each kid can put it away for when they eventually move. I would suggest don’t donate but sell. They are hard to come by new. And around $50 last time I checked. Enjoy the day.

[@3timeslucky566]

I was find it funny that when I am watching decluttering videos I always lean to keeping some of the things people declutter and decluttering stuff they keep lol.the green book box, the timber spools of ribbon and the timber skis without the ribbon though...I wish I lived near your goodwill after donated, I would be like...get in my basket...lol... good motivation though.. TFS 🤗

[@krisfranz8912]

Good job

[@RiseShine123]

❤

[@cameragrl2222]

Thanks Hilary! Perfect timing. I am returning to work tomorrow and needed a little push to de-clutter before taking down the tree. I am sick with a cold but I know I will feel so much better if I can accomplish something today.

[@IamSnowbird]

I do the same thing after each season. If I don't use something I usually let it go. Trying to pare down to what I love.

[@stephaniecripe9745]

Ohhhh.... the little people nativity...please keep!

[@alikruger6030]

I love that vintage tin. All my favorite Christmas is my vintage. I've never seen anything like that.

[@staciefreeman4396]

Hi Hillary, this year my goal is to put into place the value of the real estate "storage" space versus continuing to hold on to decor. You are so right, we have only so much space and need to let it dictate. I did sort through and donate fall and Christmas decor prior to the change in seasons, that also helped. Thanks for the inspiration as always!

[@lisaremy4817]

Happy New Year Hilary! Every year I declutter a little more of my Christmas decorations. I keep only what I have used. 😊

[@shesacamper1497]

Hilary, this was an excellent declutter video about keeping only what you value and use for Christmas decor/decorations. I’ve had to downsize my holiday decor since I moved and have really enjoyed less to have to store and have blessed people with what I donated.

[@anniecharlotte4469]

This is exactly what I am doing today!

[@bethmann3283]

This is on my agenda this week. I have everything upstairs and ready to be decluttered and reorganized. Thank you for the inspiration and guts to get rid of stuff!!!

[@msmary126]

It was so awesome seeing your storage room in the same state of chaos as mine!!!! We have an amazing free room at my transfer station. There's always Christmas decor to find and it's free. I also donate everything to it. It's just for my little village and I always find treasures.

[@OldWorldHome]

That’s so awesome!

[@phyllisanngodfrey6137]

At age 72, you can imagine how much is accumulated with 50 years of adult Christmases. I did what you just did in my storage shed in October. I wanted the thrift store to be able to move it quickly and not have to store it either. I still have too much, but have two older granddaughters 15 & 20 and am willing to hold it another decade for them before donating it 😉

[@lauriel.86]

That is wonderful. I remember all the vintage Christmas items my Grandparents had, but they downsized and moved when I was 20 and I wasn’t thinking then to ask for anything. Now when I thrift I often look for things that remind me of my grandparents.

[@momof2momof2]

We took everything down yesterday, and put it in our storage room, which is a room I had built that is attached to the house. It is pretty full. But I was so tired after the season that it is not as organized as I would like. We have a thrift store called Savers, which you might have there too, and they call it the Savers Cycle , when people like me buy things there, then later on donate it back :) So my goal for January is to take almost everything out and be ruthless which isn't easy for me because I decorate and entertain all year. Wish me luck lol 😊❄☃🏜💗✝🇺🇲Happy New Year !😊❄☃🏜💗✝🇺🇲

[@Mommyonthegoplustwo]

I’m doing the same today with my left behind items. Great video! ☺️

[@jannier9766]

For me, space is valuable! I always tell my husband, if we don’t use things or have extra- why keep them? There are people who don’t have those things and need them. Maybe God is using us to deliver their need!

[@aprilh5186]

For the Little People nativity, I've found that putting a basket next to the nativity helps keep all the pieces together and not scattered everywhere.

[@Linda-gi8pr]

Some items you are getting rid of, I thought, STOP, I will buy that, lol

[@OldWorldHome]

Hopefully they’ll find a new happy home!

[@donna8212]

Happy new year Hillary 🎉🥂🕛!!! Great job. This is something I need to do too. I did a tiny bit this year but I need to do more 😁. Next year for sure ☺️. Have a good day!

[@arlenecoury9976]

Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement to Let thing GO... I do LOVE the thought process behind it. Very helpful!

[@donnawall6922]

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOUR SWEET FAMILY!!

[@terricheney1724]

Did you know you can buy replacement ornament tops? You can even change the color of the tops from gold to silver or even a darker metallic color. They are very reasonably priced too.

[@OldWorldHome]

Great tip!

[@susanvelez6534]

Great job darling I have a bin system and cleaned it out last Christmas and it felt so GREAT!

[@pennynickels5216]

Great job! Are the skis available? I have smaller bins for my small space. I store them in the order that they are loved lol. If there was a fire.... I was hoping to cut them in half but only managed a third. What's funny is how cheap and fun DT items are at holiday time. All you need is $20/yr with nothing to store 🤪🎄🎅🎁

[@mildredbc5425]

Thank you for the motivation! 🏡💕

[@hollyamay]

I wish our thrift stores would take Christmas items after Christmas. Here in Arizona, we can't drop off Christmas until September so I had to decorate my house and then look at what was left and make a decision whether to donate the rest. Oh well, at least it was done so I don't have to deal with it now. It's interesting to see how different regions do things differently. Happy New Year!

[@matildadevere785]

We have a similar system here in Melb, Australia! I have put the “donate” box with the others ready to pass on when the time comes

[@trina.v1964]

Happy new year Hilary! Always enjoy your content, truly very inspiring I’m looking forward to decluttering

[@tg3609]

Great inspiration as I am going to do this project today.

[@rockers689]

I'm going to start the take down process soon and am looking forward to saying goodbye to alot. Lol Great video. Happy New Year!!

[@jeanieyelton1564]

Happy New Year 🎉. What great suggestions. Thank you so much. ❤️🥰

[@nancynomura8230]

You would be surprised how different the felt wreath with red berries looks when each leaf is splayed out: it's fuller and dimensional. I accent mine with two birds cuddling together.

[@OldWorldHome]

I think it’s an adorable wreath! But I want a simplified collection and it just didn’t make the cut ❤️

[@nancynomura8230]

I understand. I like what you wrote about learning to enjoy things for what they are without needing to own them.

[@thecozycottage6555]

This was so helpful! Thank you!

[@jamiemcgrew849]

I need to do this. Good advice.

[@mombythec]

I love that little wooden mirror, I can see that for year round use! Other than that, this was a very inspirational declutter to watch!!

[@OldWorldHome]

Yes it’s very cute! I just don’t have a place for it 💛

[@juanitahill4832]

Hillary you definitely motivated me to get started on my decluttering of Christmas. I've purchased the bins, just need to get started! Happy New Year!

[@cynthia6055]

Great video !

[@elycevwestby1521]

I love this! I am doing the same thing today. :) Happy New Year!

[@staceyw2599]

Boy oh boy did I need to see this today!! Thank you for reminding me that it's ok to let stuff go!! Can I ask about the Christmas cards you receive every year? Do you toss the majority, make gift tags out of some, how do you store the ones you decide to keep and why? (I've kept too many over the years!!) Happy New Year from Las Vegas!! 🎉🎄🌠❤🎰🗽

[@OldWorldHome]

Honestly, I toss them. I have so many other photos of loved ones and ways to contact them that I don’t feel the need to keep their card. But those other options are great alternatives!

[@jessicaz.1901]

Perfect timing! I am packing up Christmas now and this was so helpful. P.S. You had an imposter creeping the comments of your last video selling some kind of "investment opportunity"

[@tracybruce3034]

I would die for the spools of ribbon! Would u be willing to sell & ship??

[@OldWorldHome]

I gave them to my mom who loves to decorate with ribbons ❤️

[@lindaroyal8161]

Wow, you eliminated quite a bit. I've been downsizing over the years as I got older and my kid has grown. I went down to a 3' tree many years ago. I only use it when my daughter will be here for Christmas, she's in another state. I have a 1' tree for the off years. This year, I'm repacking items so they are easier to get out and decorate for upcoming years. Everything that goes up the 1st Sunday in one bin, Nativity scene, Advent wreath, etc. All tree decor in one bin, separated for which tree it goes on, smaller ornaments for the 1' tree. I put the tree up the 2nd Sunday; a little decorating at a time. I won't have to get all the bins at once, only what's needed per the time of month. I have a small bin for the keepsakes. I eliminated 5 books of holiday decor ideas already. Items I haven't used in years, I'm letting go of this year as well. Our thrift stores only accept holiday stuff a few months prior.

[@carolineholly7996]

Is it crazy I am attached to your glitter letters? They arent really your style now/suited more at your old home but I remember when you bought them ( both Ls even before Luke was born as that was your boy name). Great inspiration in this vlog! Thank you hilary

[@OldWorldHome]

Yes they were lovely for a time, but I replaced them with something for each kid I hope to save forever 💛