Holiday Tip #7: Clutter Free!

As we get closer to the holidays it is natural to feel a little pressure to get that "perfect gift" for a family member or friend. Rather than rush out to the mall or the nearest big box store, consider gifts that are both useful and clutter free.

Tip #7: Give Clutter Free Gifts!

The last thing most of us need is more "stuff" in our homes or offices. Now, if the folks that you are buying for have asked for an Xbox and you were lucky enough to get your hands on one this year, by all means give them what they want. But for the rest of the people on your list (and if you couldn't get an Xbox), try to give a gift that won't be looked upon as clutter come July or August.

What is a clutter free gift?
Simply Organized Life considers clutter free gifts to be anything that the person receiving has requested, can use and/or will not take up much space. This can include consumable items such as food, home spa items, bird seed, or basically anything that will be used up in the months ahead. Clutter free gifts can also include services such as oil changes, snow removal, spa treatments, or any kind of service that offers gift certificates. It can also be a charitable donation in honor of that person that has everything.

In addition, a clutter free gift does not have to cost anything but your time and can be homemade. In a recent conversation, a friend told me that she (along with her siblings) prepares and gives complete frozen meals to their elderly parents. What a wonderful way to share and care for someone you love!

A note about gift cards
Gift cards are great, but are not always clutter free. When working with clients, we at Simply Organized Life often stumble across unused gift cards. Please be sure that the gift card is for a store or restaurant that the person frequently visits and that using the gift card will not add more clutter to their space.

In our next post we will share more on Tip #8: Accept Imperfection!