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The Best December Declutter Challenge: How to Leave Your Home Spotless
Kickstart the holiday season with a December declutter challenge. Follow these simple cleaning tips to transform your home completely.
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As New Year approaches, you may be finding yourself overthinking and feeling overwhelmed with the thought of hosting gatherings and welcoming guests into your home. But don’t worry, you are not alone! This is pretty common around this season, and we all go through it.
Thinking about how to approach this time of the year, Fresh Home Cleaning has put together a December declutter challenge to help us all get atop of the cleaning tasks that need to get done before the new year arrives. Keep on reading this article to kick-start this cleaning challenge.
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Undoubtedly, December is the perfect month to start preparing for what is yet to come: the new year. Indeed, this is the perfect time to get your home in tip-top shape for welcoming guests and creating a cozy and festive atmosphere that will invite and charm everyone.
Transforming your home before New Year can be a seamless process if you have a clear cleaning plan in mind. And what better way to get the task done than by making it a challenge that keeps you engaged and motivated to clean. Let’s get this started!
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A Guide to Decluttering Your Home this December
Tackle the Kitchen First
Tackling the kitchen first in your December declutter challenge is a strategic move to ensure your home is ready for the bustling New Year cooking endeavors. The kitchen is often the heart of the home, so we need to start our cleaning challenge over here.
Go over the kitchen cupboard
December is the perfect time to declutter your kitchen cupboards, so we suggest you start by removing expired items and reorganizing shelves to maximize space. Then swipe your surfaces clean with a microfiber cloth. During this process, you can also consider donating unneeded canned goods to a local food bank, or offering it to another family member who can make use of them.
Sort the kitchen drawers
Start by emptying each kitchen drawer, and sort items into categories: utensils, gadgets, or miscellaneous. Discard broken or unused items, and consider donating duplicates. Wipe down the drawers before returning the items to their place. Using organizers and dividers can also be a good idea to maximize space.
Clean the fridge and freezer
Begin your New Year prep by thoroughly cleaning the fridge and freezer. Remove expired items, wipe down shelves with a mixture of baking soda and water to eliminate odors, and reorganize food for optimal space. This step will ensure your kitchen is ready for the influx of festive ingredients in the following weeks.
Move on to the Bedroom
As New Year approaches, the bedroom is often overlooked, but it is proven that decluttering this space can enhance relaxation and improve your sleep quality. Embrace the December declutter challenge and create a peaceful space for yourself.
Go over your closet
Move on with the December declutter challenge by changing rooms and heading to the bedroom. Tackle your closet by going over your clothes and accessories. Store away the summer and spring outfits, and also consider donating or selling items you haven’t worn in the past year. Then, reorganize your racks, shelves, and drawers to maximize space for the cozy wear.
Organize the nightstand
Start by clearing off the surface of your nightstand, removing unnecessary items like old receipts or empty water bottles. Keep essentials such as a lamp, alarm clock, and a small tray for jewelry or glasses. Use drawer organizers to store books and personal items neatly.
Vacuum the floors and carpets
Vacuuming the floors and carpets in your bedroom is a crucial step in the December declutter challenge, as it helps eliminate dust, allergens, and dirt buildup. Make sure to use attachments to reach under furniture and in stubborn corners. Remember that a clean floor always enhances air quality and creates a more inviting, cozy space.
Cleaning the Bathroom
Ensuring your bathroom is spotless is crucial for creating a welcoming environment for guests. Take the ideas mentioned below as a guide to kick-start your bathroom cleaning process this December.
Clear up the medicine cabinet
Clearing up the medicine cabinet is essential for a tidy bathroom and safe home. Start by discarding expired medications and old prescriptions. Organize remaining items by category, and consider using labeled bins for easy access. This simple declutter step not only frees up space but also ensures safety for all guests.
Wash your bathmats
Washing your bathmats is essential for maintaining a clean and hygienic bathroom at all times, but especially when you’re preparing to have people over. Over time, bathmats accumulate moisture, dirt, and bacteria. To keep them fresh, wash them every two weeks in hot water. Use a mild detergent, and add a cup of vinegar to eliminate odors, and keep them extra clean.
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Sort Your Storage Items
For this December, organizing your storage areas becomes essential for a stress-free home. Sorting your storage items not only creates space for seasonal decor but also helps you rediscover forgotten treasures.
Organize Seasonal Decorations
Getting organized now can make packing away your Christmas decorations a breeze when the time comes. Clear out space and gather sturdy, labeled boxes to keep fragile items safe and easy to find next year. A little preparation now will save time and stress after the holidays!
If There Are Kids In the House
Preparing your home for the New Year can be particularly challenging when you have children. From toys to school supplies, clutter seems to multiply overnight. But don’t panic, tackling one task at a time, it is possible to get your home in shape for the festivities.
Say broken toys goodbye
Broken toys can quickly accumulate in homes with children, creating unnecessary clutter. As part of your December declutter challenge, and considering the New Year is just around the corner, it is a good idea to sort through toy bins and shelves, discarding or recycling damaged items. This not only frees up space for new cherished gifts but also ensures a safer playing environment.
Organize art & crafts supply
To organize art and crafts supplies, use clear bins or drawer organizers to sort items by type, such as markers, paints, and paper. Label each container for easy access. Consider creating a dedicated space or station to encourage creativity while maintaining tidiness, and a clutter-free environment for the New Year.
Designate a space for board games only
Designate a space for board games only to keep your living area tidy and organized. This dedicated spot will not only reduce clutter but also encourage family bonding. Use shelves or a storage bin to neatly arrange games, making them easily accessible for spontaneous game nights during the New Year.
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Helpful answers
Frequently asked questions
Why should I start decluttering in December?
Starting your decluttering process in December allows you to systematically prepare your home for the New Year. It ensures you have ample time to tackle each area without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, early decluttering reduces stress, making holiday hosting and decorating more enjoyable and organized.
How can I effectively declutter my kitchen?
Begin by clearing out expired items from your cupboards and fridge. Organize your shelves and drawers, donating unused goods. Use organizers to maximize space. This methodical approach not only frees up space for cooking but also creates a more efficient kitchen environment.
What are some benefits of decluttering my bedroom?
Decluttering your bedroom can improve sleep quality by creating a calm, organized space. It enhances relaxation, making it a peaceful retreat. Removing excess items also helps eliminate dust and allergens, contributing to better air quality and overall well-being.
How do I ensure my bathroom is guest-ready?
To make your bathroom guest-ready, start by clearing the medicine cabinet of expired items. Organize remaining necessities for easy access. Regularly wash bathmats to maintain hygiene. These steps ensure your bathroom is not only tidy and welcoming but also safe and functional for visitors.
What should I do with my Halloween decorations?
Store Halloween decorations carefully to preserve them for next year. Use labeled boxes for efficient storage, and opt for sturdy containers to protect fragile items. Storing them in a cool, dry place prevents damage and ensures decorations remain in good condition for future use.
How can I manage children’s clutter before New Year’s?
Manage children’s clutter by sorting through toys and discarding broken items. Organize art supplies using labeled bins. Dedicate a space for board games to reduce mess. These steps not only create a tidier home but also make room for new gifts and encourage family interaction.
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