The Winter Storage Purge: How We Prepare Our Home for Incoming Gifts & Toys
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The holidays are officially right around the corner, and I’m dreaming of twinkling lights, cozy nights, and all the magic that the season brings. But if you’re anything like me, that excitement is also coupled with a deep dread of the inevitable clutter that comes with the wave of incoming gifts and brand-new toys.
We've learned over the years that the secret to enjoying a calm and festive home for the holidays isn't waiting until January to clean up the mess—it’s starting right now.
That’s why, around this time every year, we complete what we lovingly call in our house, the winter storage purge. It’s a crucial step in our seasonal home prep routine, and it's the absolute best way to prepare our home for incoming gifts.
The "Why" of the Pre-Holiday Purge
You might be thinking, why clean before the gifts arrive? Simple: the goal is to minimize clutter.
The truth is, when a child (or even an adult!) receives a new item, they need physical space to enjoy it. If every bin is already overflowing and every shelf is packed, those beautiful new toys end up scattered across the floor, and the holiday cheer evaporates faster than melted snow. This holiday decluttering process ensures that every gift has a designated spot, making toy organization after the big day a breeze instead of a burden.
Our 3-Step Winter Storage Purge Method
Ready to dive into the bins? Grab a big mug of coffee and let’s tackle this winter storage purge together!
1. The Golden Rule: One In, One Out
For every new gift you anticipate coming into the house, something comparable must leave. This rule is especially critical in areas prone to overflow, like kids’ bedrooms.
Focus on categories: for example, if you know a new train set is coming, you should clear out a bin of old, unused building blocks. This keeps the inventory level manageable and helps you feel truly prepared for the holidays.
2. Target the High-Clutter Hotspots
This is not a whole-house deep clean; it’s a surgical strike! Focus your seasonal home prep on areas that are guaranteed to absorb the new items:
The Toy Zones: Playrooms, children's bedrooms, and living room corners with toy baskets. This is ground zero for toy organization.
The Linen Closet: We always have a surge of new pajamas, blankets, and towels from family. Purge the worn-out, stained, or ill-fitting items now.
3. The Keep, Donate, Toss Strategy
As you conduct your holiday decluttering, sort items into three large piles or containers. Be swift and ruthless—don't let nostalgia paralyze you!
TOSS: Anything broken, missing pieces (that you can’t immediately find), or stained beyond repair. These go straight to the trash.
DONATE: Items that are gently used, complete, and still in good condition. These are often the items kids have outgrown but others could enjoy. Look up local charities or shelters now so you can drop them off before the rush of getting ready for Christmas.
KEEP: Only the truly beloved items, the things still played with weekly, or the sentimental keepsakes.
Smart Storage Solutions for the "Keep" Pile
Once you’ve drastically reduced the amount of "stuff," you can implement intelligent storage solutions to contain the "Keep" items and the incoming gifts.
My secret to maintaining a tidy home during the holidays is embracing simplicity and avoiding organizational overload. I've learned that excessive organization of my children's toys can backfire—it either discourages play or causes them to entirely forget what they have. My solution involves using inexpensive, practical storage like plastic bins from the Dollar Tree or sturdy fabric containers that slide easily onto shelves. I skip the labels and instead prioritize putting like items together in a bin. This straightforward system makes it intuitive for the kids to clean up after themselves, ensuring a smooth transition post-holiday without a daunting cleanup.
Don’t wait for January 1st! By completing your winter storage purge now, you are intentionally choosing a more peaceful and organized holiday season. Go ahead, clear that space, and get excited about filling it with happy memories and wonderful new treasures!
I’m a mom of two and wife to a seriously supportive hubby, living our best life in our forever house by the preserve! I'm all about helping you create a stylish, Pinterest-worthy home on a budget. Let's obsess over interior design, home decor, DIY, and home improvement projects to help you create your best home. Follow along and say hello! I love hearing from you.
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