We have lived in the same house for over 20 years and it’s amazing how much stuff one family can accumulate. A few years ago we started doing an annual purge right during that magical window between Christmas and New Year’s. You know the one… the house is quieter, the leftovers are endless, your schedule is wide open, and nobody knows what day it is anyway.
Let me explain why this works so well.
The holiday rush is over, guests have gone home, and suddenly you can see your space again. You’ve lived through the chaos, you know exactly what worked and what drove you absolutely nuts. That week gives you time off + clarity, which is a powerful combo.
Here’s why that window is gold:
You finally have time. No appointments, fewer obligations, and no pressure to be anywhere. Perfect for short, satisfying declutter sessions.
You’re surrounded by proof. You can clearly see what didn’t get used, what’s in the way, and what needs to go after the holiday whirlwind.
You can deal with the influx immediately. New gifts, new clothes, new gadgets—this is the moment to make room before they become clutter too.
It sets up a calm January. Instead of starting the year exhausted and behind, you start organized, lighter, and already ahead.
What to focus on during that week
Don’t try to do the whole house—this isn’t a punishment.
Seasonal Decor: Those items that stay in the storage box season after season.
Closets: Those clothes that you don’t love, are not your style or simply don’t fit
Kitchen & storage: If you didn’t use it over the holidays, you probably won’t.
Kids’ stuff: Match new toys with outgoing ones—fair and effective.
Bathrooms: Expired lotions, free samples of things you will never use and towels that have seen better days.
Your home office: This needs its own blog post especially if you’re self employed and work out of the home
How to keep it easy
I limit myself to one room at a time because when I purge, EVERYTHING comes out of the closet or cabinet before I start sorting and putting away. Yes, things are going to look worse before they look better.
Set a timer for 20–30 minutes. One drawer. One shelf. One category.
Ask yourself: Did I use this in the last 90 days—and will I in the next 90?
If not, it’s time to thank it for its service and move it along. When the time goes off, take a quick break and start again.
What to do with the stuff you don’t want
Do I donate this, sell it, or just let it go? Yep, this is the most difficult part.
Donate it if:
It’s clean, in good condition, and someone else could actually use it.
Clothing still fits someone, just not you.
Small household items, décor, books, or toys that still have life left.
In the Okotoks area, there are multiple places that accept donations: Mission Thrift Store, Foothills Thrift Store (formerly known as the salvage centre) and My City Care. There’s also a very active Let’s Buy Nothing Okotoks FB group
If you’d be happy to give it to a friend, it’s donation-worthy. If not… keep reading.
Sell it if:
It’s worth real money (not “garage sale hopeful” money).
Think: quality furniture, newer electronics, tools, collectibles, or higher-end clothing.
You’re willing to list it this week, not “someday.”
Facebook Marketplace seems to be the best place to sell stuff. If you don’t list it within 7 days, it automatically becomes a donation. No guilt, no second chances.
Garbage it if:
It’s broken, stained, missing parts, expired, or worn out.
You wouldn’t donate it because you’d be embarrassed for someone else to receive it.
It’s been sitting in a “deal with later” pile for years.
This is where permission matters: you are allowed to throw things out. Keeping broken items doesn’t make you responsible, it just makes your house heavier.
A few bonus pro tips
Donations should leave the house immediately. Trunk of the car or by the door, no exceptions.
Don’t overthink. Decluttering is about progress, not perfect decisions.
Match items to effort. A $20 item isn’t worth 3 weeks of mental energy.
Final words
You’re home anyway. You’ve got the time. And there is nothing better than ringing in the new year with less stuff and more calm. Oh and if you accidentally get rid of something and then realize that you need it…there’s a good chance the salvage centre still has it. Ask me how I know ;)
