Celebrate! And 5 More Ways to Make the Most of This Weekend
Say goodbye to 2017 with a decluttering sprint and thoughts about what you really want from your home next year
Laura Gaskill
December 26, 2017
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
It’s time to say farewell to 2017 — and hello to 2018. Make time this weekend to hang up a pretty new calendar, toss some clutter and celebrate New Year’s Eve on Sunday, Dec. 31, with all-out festivities or a quiet, reflective night in. Happy New Year, Houzzers!
1. Un-deck the halls (or not). If you typically take down the Christmas tree on Jan. 1, this is the weekend to do it. But if you prefer to wait until closer to Christmas to decorate, you might still be reveling in all of those twinkling lights … and that’s OK too!
Christmas Cleanup Tips for the Not Naturally Organized | Holiday storage boxes
Christmas Cleanup Tips for the Not Naturally Organized | Holiday storage boxes
2. Make space with a decluttering sprint. Take advantage of that new-calendar, fresh-start feeling and set your timer for a quick decluttering sprint (or two). You might be pleasantly surprised at how much unneeded stuff you can cull in just 15 minutes.
10 Decluttering Projects You Can Do in 15 Minutes or Less
10 Decluttering Projects You Can Do in 15 Minutes or Less
3. Purge old toys to make room for the new. Post-holiday is an ideal time to help kids let go of less-loved toys. Make the experience positive by choosing a children’s organization together and learning about how the items they give away will help another child who likely would enjoy the toys or clothes.
8 Home Projects Perfect for Holiday Downtime
8 Home Projects Perfect for Holiday Downtime
4. Ring in the New Year. Whether you’re splurging on a getaway or ringing in the New Year with a quiet night at home, take the time this Dec. 31 to reflect on the year you’ve had. And if making a big fuss over New Year’s Eve isn’t really your thing, skip the production and focus on a fun New Year’s Day brunch instead.
Simple Pleasures: Welcoming the New Year
Simple Pleasures: Welcoming the New Year
5. Celebrate Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa festivities culminate on Jan. 1, with a feast and gift giving. Celebrate African heritage and culture through your gifting and decorating with fair trade handmade goods from Africa or the African diaspora, like traditional mud cloth, beaded gourds, baskets and art.
Celebrating Kwanzaa: Honor African Heritage All Over the Home
Celebrating Kwanzaa: Honor African Heritage All Over the Home
6. Consider what you really want from your home in 2018. Is this the year for you to downsize, go more minimal, be more daring with color, move to the country or finally settle on a decorating style that feels really you? Make a list in your journal, or create an ideabook on Houzz to capture your goals for the year ahead.
Decorating for Contentment: How to Live the ‘Lagom’ Life
Tell us: What are you looking forward to this weekend? Let us know in the Comments.
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8 Life-Enhancing Home Resolutions for the New Year
Your Clutter-Clearing Plan for the New Year
10 Ways Your Christmas Tree Can Live On After the Holidays
Decorating for Contentment: How to Live the ‘Lagom’ Life
Tell us: What are you looking forward to this weekend? Let us know in the Comments.
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8 Life-Enhancing Home Resolutions for the New Year
Your Clutter-Clearing Plan for the New Year
10 Ways Your Christmas Tree Can Live On After the Holidays
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Have been lightening the home over past months with new window treatments, fireplace screen and kitchen rug; painted kitchen brighter color.
Updating living room chairs with new striped and colorful upholstery (I will send photo when completed).
Have been decluttering for past year or so. What to do with sentimental family items? Try consignment shops. When someone purchases an item from consignment I know it has gone to someone who chose either because they love it or can use it or both. Better than sitting in boxes in basement (still have some of those items, must admit).
I am having fun with our home of 25 years, it is my hobby.
I hoped we would have snow for the week-end here in the Great Hungarian Plain in Central Europe Hungary. With or without snow this is a quiet and safe and peaceful place for our family and those who visit us. Wishing all of you a Happy New Year Dorka from dorottyaudvar.co.hu