Day After Delight: Why December 26th is a GREAT Day to Start Your Decluttering Journey
The stockings are empty, the wrapping paper is (mostly) recycled, and the living room looks like a toy store exploded. Sound familiar?
While many people wait for the New Year to begin their resolutions, the day after Christmas, December 26th, is arguably the single most effective day of the year to start your major decluttering push, especially if you're a homeowner preparing to sell in the near future (remember our 2026 prep plan!).
I know that a clutter-free home sells faster and for more money, there is no question about it. Here is why you should put on some holiday music and tackle the clutter today.
The "One In, Two or Three Out" Rule: Holiday Edition
Christmas is a season of abundance, and while receiving gifts is wonderful, it often means your home's storage capacity is stretched to its limit. December 26th provides the perfect opportunity to implement the vital "One In, One Out" (with it being “one in, many out” ideally) ruled across key categories:
1. The Children's "Toy Purge" Power Play
This is the easiest win of the entire year! The excitement of new, shiny toys means that old, broken, or less-loved items lose their appeal overnight. Kids, even young ones, are often surprisingly eager to get rid of the old to make room for the new.
The Swap: Have your child hold their new favorite toy, then ask them to pick two toys they haven't touched in months to donate to charity.
The Broken Bin: Toss anything broken or missing essential pieces immediately. There is no better time than now to get rid of the inevitable post-holiday packaging and broken bits.
By harnessing the power of a child's short attention span, you clear out bins and make way for the new items to be neatly stored—a win-win!
2. The Great Throw Blanket Trade-Off
Did you receive another soft, cozy throw blanket? Fantastic! Now, go to your linen closet or sofa and pull out three old ones.
Keep the Best: Keep the new blanket and your absolute favorite.
Donate the Rest: Those blankets that are faded, pilled, or have been stored away unused for a year are perfect candidates for donation to a local shelter or animal rescue. This ensures you maintain a usable, intentional collection without cluttering every surface.
3. Kitchen Gadgets and Holiday Serving Ware
Your kitchen worked overtime this week, which means you have a clear picture of what you actually use.
New Gadgets: If you received a new air fryer or stand mixer, find the old, bulky equivalent (like that dusty bread maker) that is now redundant and send it to the donation pile.
Serving Pieces: Review your holiday-specific dishes and trays. If you didn't use that oversized turkey platter or specific wine glasses this year, are you really going to use them next year? If not, it's time for them to go.
4. The Real Reason to Declutter Now: Mental Health
Beyond the physical space, starting your decluttering immediately provides a huge mental reset. After the chaos of shopping, hosting, and celebrating, a messy home can contribute to post-holiday stress.
By dedicating just a few hours on December 26th to tackling the clutter aftermath—not the deep cleaning, but just the removing of excess—you create a sense of calm and control. You set a positive tone for the upcoming New Year, making it easier to transition back into your normal routine.
Ready to Begin Your New Year's Resolution Early?
Starting your decluttering journey the day after Christmas is a secret weapon for homeowners. It’s practical, timely, and leverages the "new stuff" motivation perfectly.
Even if you’re just considering the idea of selling your home, let’s talk. It’s never too early in your real estate journey for a conversation!
Published by Carissa Holmes from Driftwood Texas