How to Recover from all the Holiday Clutter

Now that Christmas is over, do you feel like your house is more cluttered? Are you still sifting through the presents, gift cards, and stocking stuffers?

I am! While I'm grateful for family members and friends that love us and give us gifts, it's overwhelming how much stuff acquires in such a short period of time.

I'm thankful my family members want to spoil my toddler, but it can be hard to be grateful for new toys and clothes that she didn't need (especially when I politely requested books for her library). On top of all of that, I feel horrible complaining about too much stuff when so many are suffering and don't even have the basic necessaries.

Can you relate? Please tell me I'm not alone in this after-Christmas dilemma!

Here is my plan of action to recover from the overabundance of Christmas clutter, while still being thankful and showing gratitude to loved ones.

1. Send Thank You Notes:  Your first step is to write out thank you notes for all the gifts received. This will help put your heart back in the right place by showing thanks. Even though I don't intend to keep all the gifts, I still want to have genuine gratitude towards those who gifted them.
2. Divide Up Gifts: Next, divide gifts by ones you plan to returns, re-gift, or keep. The re-gifting pile is meant for nice items that cannot be used or returned, but that can be gifted or donated to someone in need. The return pile will need to be taken care of in the next month, with the goal to get store credit for items or cash.
3. Swap Something Old for Something New: An easy way to welcome in new presents, without bringing on more clutter, is to exchange new gifts for something old you already have. For example; if you received a new sweater, then donate or sell the old one. New toys and clothes don't have to be a bad thing, but they should replace something else. This will prevent you from getting to the point of having stuffed closets and rooms a few years down the road.
4. Beware of After-Christmas Shopping: Most stores will be clearing out their winter/Christmas inventory before the New Year, which can mean big savings for you. However, be careful to not go on a crazy shopping spree just because the items are cheap. If you don't need any more Christmas gift wrap or decorations for next year, don't be tempted by the 90% off clearance stickers.
5. Consider a New Year's Purge: Since we're on the verge of welcoming in the New Year, why not start off with a little less clutter? Challenge yourself to find 1-2 things from each area in the home that you don't need or don't like. This has been especially easy for me since I'm eight months pregnant and in total nesting mode. I've been listing outgrown toddler shoes, pants, and media on eBay for quick sales. Pick a number and then challenge yourself to get rid of that many things in your home. Having a hard time parting with something? Just put the items in a box, and then place that box in the garage. If you forget about all of those items for a few weeks, then you truly do not need them.

I hope that your Christmas and holiday season was filled with love and special moments and not too much clutter. But if you find yourself with an excess amount of stuff, use these tips to regain control.

Don't wait until the New Year, start decluttering your home now!

Written by Ashley Eneriz for MoneyNing and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.