The Gift of Space: How to Help Kids (and Adults) Declutter Before New Gifts Arrive
The holiday season is full of joy, magic, and... stuff.
Between the gifts, the wrapping, the decorations, and the “just one more” purchases, it’s easy for our homes to start feeling a little crowded by the end of December. That’s why one of the best gifts you can give your family this season is the gift of space, a chance to clear out what’s no longer needed before all the new things arrive.
Whether it’s your kids’ playroom, your closet, or the kitchen cupboards, doing a quick pre-holiday edit makes the whole season feel lighter and more intentional.
START WITH A CONVERSATION
For families with kids, it helps to begin with a simple, positive conversation. Let them know you’re getting ready for all the fun things that are coming and that making space now means they’ll have room to enjoy their new gifts later.
You can say something like:
“We’re going to make room for all the great things coming our way this Christmas! Let’s look for toys and clothes that other kids might love to use.”
Framing it as an act of generosity helps kids feel empowered rather than deprived. You can even talk about where the donations will go and how other families will enjoy their gently used toys.
MAKE IT A FAMILY ACTIVITY
Turn on some music, make hot cocoa, and set a timer for 30 minutes. Work together to:
Sort through toys, games, and books that your kids have outgrown.
Look at clothing that no longer fits or doesn’t get worn.
Check shared spaces, like the family room or craft cabinet, for items no one is using.
You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in a short amount of time when everyone pitches in.
MODEL IT FOR THE GROWN-UPS
It’s not just the kids! Adults can take this time to edit their own spaces too.
Clear out kitchen gadgets you never use (you know the ones).
Donate books you’ve finished and won’t reread.
Rehome décor or serving pieces that don’t fit your style anymore.
Let your family see you making decisions about what stays and what goes, it teaches by example and helps everyone feel part of the same process.
SET CLEAR BOUNDARIES FOR WHAT’S COMING IN
Once you’ve cleared out a few things, take a moment to think ahead. Are there certain categories that tend to get overloaded each year? Maybe it’s toys, clothing, or craft supplies.
Consider setting gentle boundaries, like “one in, one out” for new items, or encouraging relatives to gift experiences, lessons, or memberships instead of more things.
ENJOY THE GIFT OF BREATHING ROOM
When the wrapping paper settles and the new gifts find their places, you’ll notice how much easier it is to stay organized. You’ll have fewer things competing for space and attention, and more room to enjoy what you truly love.
A pre-holiday declutter isn’t just about organization, it’s about creating calm, gratitude, and intentionality during one of the busiest times of the year.
Here’s to making space for joy, not just things, this holiday season :)
