New Years Resolutions Tips For Holiday Clean Up

End of year means new beginnings and it’s time to look ahead to a clean and organized New Year! In Japan they have a New Years tradition for clearing clutter, dirt and disorganization from the old year because each year is seen as separate and distinct.

This ritual is called Oosouji and it is performed during the final week of the year. This resonates with me. I know all too well that clutter can derail productivity. It’s distracting and it keeps you from moving forward. This is a wonderful tradition and by removing the clutter from the old year you’re creating a clean state of mind to welcome in the New Year, which invites prosperity in the year to come. I have some great organization tips that will guide you from room-to-room to help you declutter and organize your home from the top to the bottom!

Santa’s rule: Get one, Toss two! Try this simple rule as you pack away your holiday decorations. Sort your holiday decorations, lights, linens and specialty holiday items and store them by playing it forward and not just sling it away.   Declutter and clean up as you go.

Cut away the broken, tattered and tired from the pile and toss them away. Stained linens can be repurposed as cleaning clothes, or you can recycle or donate decorations that are no longer what you want to see next year… By streamlining the holiday décor you will not only have the space for new and fun ones but you will be ultra organized for next year!

Not enough storage space? Make shelves by taking advantage of every available space – We suggest these shelving units that provide enough space for books, photos and other decorative pieces. Or you can make a closet or buy an armoire and make it into closet space. At the Santa Barbara Design Center we have several on our floor! Add in a decorative storage piece that also serves a purpose – like these wonderful buffets in the kitchen or it can also double as a bar!

Or if you have spare rooms convert it into a walk in closet or a home office! We have a collection of desks and chairs to choose from. An office doesn’t have to be complicated it just has to fit a simple desk, a place for the laptop, and a comfortable chair may be all that’s required.

You can gain some extra surface space by adding accessories like a bench at the foot of the bed. Or picking pieces that are flexible like an ottoman that can double as storage by placing a tray on top.

Make Oosouji your annual ritual! Start you’re year off cutting off the clutter and adding smart additions. Santa Barbara Design Center would like to wish you and your family a happy, prosperous and healthy 2016!