How to Declutter Your Christmas Decorations

It is common for our clients to have an abundance of Christmas decorations. They either delight in decorating, inherit decor from their parents, or just love to hit those after-Christmas sales! That makes for a Ho-Ho-whole lot of stuff! Whatever the case, people don’t always take the time to declutter their collection during the holidays.

Let’s look at a few challenges you’ll face when decluttering Christmas decorations.

Challenges to Purging Christmas Decorations

The holidays are packed with meaning, memories, and traditions, making decluttering Christmas decorations daunting. Here are some common challenges—and practical ways to address them—to help you confidently create a more intentional holiday collection.
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“I can’t get rid of it. It means too much to me.”

The holidays hold special memories, but it’s important to remember that love and memories aren’t stored in things. They’re in you! To help you part with sentimental decor:

• Keep your favorites. Let go of the excess and cherish the pieces that truly bring joy.
• Take a picture. Preserve the memory with a photo before letting the item go.
• Write about it. Capture the piece's significance in a journal—it may mean more than the item itself ever could.

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“It might be worth something someday.”

​If you think an item might be valuable but don’t have space or love for it, consider selling it! Holiday decor is in demand this time of year, so you might recoup some costs and bring someone else joy. Nothing beats the value of a beautifully simplified home.
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“It was given to me by family.”

Family heirlooms can come with emotional strings. If you feel obligated to keep something you don’t love:

• Pass it on. Ask if other relatives or younger family members would like it to start their own traditions.
• ​Set boundaries. Only keep heirlooms you truly love and have space for—remember, you’re not obligated to keep everything.

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“I’d like to keep it, but I don’t have the room for it.”

Limited storage? Focus on keeping smaller or more versatile items, and let go of oversized or bulky pieces. If that 20-foot inflatable Frosty is cramping your style (or attic), it may be time to bid him farewell.
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“I might need it someday.”

Dreaming of a bigger house or saving decor for your future kids? Those are valid aspirations, but consider your reality today:

• Will you still love that item when you move, or your kids grow up?
• Is it worth keeping something that doesn’t fit your space or lifestyle?

If you can comfortably store it, that’s fine! If not, let it go, and trust that you’ll find what you need when the time comes.
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“It’s tied to our family tradition!”

Traditions evolve, and your decor can too. Kids grow, tastes change, and traditions adapt. Some ideas to keep things meaningful yet manageable:

• Pass it on. Share traditional decor with kids moving out or starting their own families.
• Modify traditions. Switch to simpler decor, like a fresh wreath or poinsettias each year.
• Keep only the essentials. Stick with what you truly love and use to make the season magical.

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Tips for Decluttering Your Holiday Decor

So, when is the best time to declutter Christmas decor? Right after decorating your home for Christmas! Go ahead and take a hard look at the decor you didn’t use this year to decide what stays and what goes!

Decide What Christmas Decor is Valuable to You

While it’s tempting to have a decoration for every inch of your home, remember that less can be more. Choose quality over quantity and keep the items that hold sentimental value or add significant aesthetic value to your holiday decor.

Ask yourself four questions:

1. Do you love it?
2. Will you use it next year?
3. Does it align with your current taste?
4. Is it in good condition?

If the answer to those questions is “no,” there’s no reason to hang on to them. Christmas decor takes up a lot of space that could be used for something else more important. 

Channel Your Inner Minimalist

Picture a cozy Christmas cabin: a tree, some garland, a wreath, and a few tasteful decorations. Simple, right? Minimalist decor can be just as festive! If you’re holding onto tubs of snowmen or nutcrackers, challenge yourself to downsize—from six tubs to four or even fewer. Keep what you love, and let the rest go. Make it fun!

Discard or Donate Unwanted Christmas Decorations

Christmas is the season of giving, so why not spread some holiday cheer? Imagine a young couple hunting thrift stores for affordable holiday decor or someone preparing for a Christmas wedding. Your unused decorations could make their season magical! Donate to thrift stores, nursing homes, or local families in need. ​

Don’t Overdo After-Christmas Deals

Another way to keep your decoration collection in check is to resist the urge to go to the post-Christmas sales to buy more! I’m looking at you, Hobby Lobby! Of course, you can find some good deals (and trust me, I’m all about frugality), but be cautious about adding unnecessary items to your piles.

If after-Christmas shopping is just your thing, I recommend going into it with a list. There may be a few things you need to replace. Christmas lights are always on my list. Those bulbs always seem to go out! As you go through the Christmas season, keep a list on your phone as you think of things so that if you go shopping, you have some boundaries to stick to!

Consider using the one-in, one-out rule. For every new decoration you find, consider letting go of an old one. This rule helps maintain a balanced collection and prevents unnecessary accumulation.

Pro tip: Invest in storage solutions that keep your decorations safe and organized. Use clear bins, label them, and consider using dividers or compartments to separate delicate items. Systematically putting away your items makes decorating next year a breeze, as everything is neatly organized and easy to find.
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Focus on What Matters

The first Christmas was pretty simple, so let’s take a page from that book. Focus on what matters most—your value isn’t in things. Instead, create meaningful traditions. Keep only the decorations that truly add value and meaning to your holiday.

Decluttering your Christmas decorations doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By approaching it systematically and thoughtfully, you can create a curated collection that brings joy and holiday cheer without all the clutter. Remember, the holiday season is about creating memories, not accumulating stuff. If you are looking for some holiday help, contact us! Happy decluttering, and Merry Christmas!

FAQs about Decluttering Christmas Decor

When is the best time to donate Christmas decorations?

The best time to donate is right after you declutter while the items are still in good condition and in demand!

Where should I donate unwanted Christmas decorations?

Check local thrift stores, nursing homes, shelters, or community centers. You can also post in local online groups to find families or organizations in need.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published December 4, 2023, and has been updated with fresh content.