Declutter Your Home and Heart This December: Easy Tips for Year-End Donations

As the year winds down, December offers the perfect opportunity to declutter your home, reset your space, and make a positive impact on your community through donations. With tax deadlines looming, this is also an excellent time to boost your charitable contributions. The best part? You don’t need to spend days sifting through your belongings. Here are five quick and effective decluttering hacks to help you clear out the clutter and spread a little holiday cheer.

1. The “One Room, One Bag” Rule Choose one room in your home and commit to filling just one bag with items to donate. Whether it’s clothes from your bedroom closet, books from the living room, or unused gadgets in the kitchen, focusing on one space keeps the task manageable. Bonus tip: Use a bag you already have lying around to avoid creating additional clutter!

2. The “Reverse Hanger Trick” Closet bursting at the seams? Flip all your hangers backward at the start of December. Each time you wear something, place its hanger back in the correct direction. By the end of the month, any clothes still on backward hangers can be considered for donation. This visual cue makes it easy to decide what you truly wear versus what’s just taking up space.

3. The “15-Minute Purge” Set a timer for 15 minutes and tackle one small area—a drawer, a shelf, or even a corner of your garage. Sorting items into three piles (keep, donate, trash) is easier when you know the clock is ticking. Repeat this quick burst of decluttering whenever you have a spare moment, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish without feeling overwhelmed.

4. Digitally Declutter, Too Decluttering isn’t just for physical spaces. December is also a great time to go through your email inbox, delete old photos from your phone, or organize your computer files. For every file you purge, consider matching it with a small donation to your favorite charity as a way to celebrate your progress.

5. Get the Kids Involved Turn decluttering into a family activity by involving your children. Have them sort through their toys and clothes to find items they no longer use. Frame it as an opportunity to “help Santa” by giving their unused items to other kids in need. It’s a fun, meaningful way to teach the value of giving.

Bonus Tip: Make It Easy to Donate Research local charities or donation centers that accept year-end contributions. Many organizations offer contactless drop-offs or even free pick-up services. Check their websites for guidelines on what items they accept, and keep a list of donations for tax purposes.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a monumental task. With these simple tips, you can start the new year feeling lighter, more organized, and with the satisfaction of knowing you’ve made a difference. Happy decluttering and happy holidays!