Santa’s cookies are long gone. The presents have been unwrapped. More than likely you need to take out the trash. Christmas Clean Up might entail more than you realize though. This year, stay organized physically and financially with these quick and easy ideas.
Donate Items
For every new item you or your kids received, it’s a good idea to consider donating another item you already have. Look for outgrown clothes and neglected toys. Avoid being bogged down by too much laundry or clutter and take advantage of the opportunity to be generous. Keep clear records of your donations and get a receipt from charitable organizations. Store the documentation where you keep tax information.
Organize Receipts
Whether gift receipts accompanying items from your friends and family or your own personal spending, you must keep your receipts organized and in a central location. It doesn’t need to be a complicated system and can be as simple as a box or envelope. If you need to do an exchange or return, you’ll know exactly where to look.
For more ideas, read: How to Organize Your Monthly Finances
Make Note of Decor Needs
Did that strand of lights need replaced? Really need new stockings? The 2-3 weeks after Christmas are the best times to take advantage of clearance sales and stock up on next year’s celebration decor. Christmas trees, decorations, home goods, and more can be purchased at a fraction of the cost. But don’t hit the clearance aisle without a plan. Keep a running list of what you really need to avoid buying items on sale just for the sake of a good deal.
Don’t miss 5 Can’t Miss Christmas Clearance Purchases (Plus What to Avoid)
Make a Christmas Cash Plan
If you were lucky enough to receive cash or a gift card this holiday season, resist the temptation of placing it right in your wallet or depositing it into your checking account. Instead make a specific plan for your gifts. My first suggestion is always paying off debt first, buying things you need next, and then splurging on a wish list item or two. No plan for the money = not knowing where it went.
For more ideas, read: What to Do with Christmas Cash
Consolidate & Organize Your Fridge
The delicious dinners and bountiful breakfasts consumed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day might mean your refrigerator is bursting at the seams. Take 15 minutes to pair down large casserole dishes into smaller leftover plasticware. Put items that need to be eaten first toward the front in see through containers so that you remember to fix them before they spoil or you simply forget about them. Spending 10-15 minutes on this task will help you make the most of your holiday grocery budget.
For more ideas, read: Your Mess Fridge is Costing You Money
Check out my ebook Keep the Happy in Your Holidays: 21 Ways to Save Time, Money, and Your Sanity This Christmas for more money saving tips!
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
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