In with the New Year, out with the old clutter.

There’s nothing like the end of the Christmas Holidays to make us take a long hard look at our homes and especially our cupboards.

Did the Christmas Decorations really used to fit in that box? And where are we supposed to put that box that the expensive electrical gadget Bob got for Christmas? We don’t want to throw it out, in case the ‘thing’ breaks and we want to return it.

It’s time for a clear out.  Here’s some simple tips to help.

• Throw out the boxes you kept last year in case the ‘thing’ broke.
• Check all you fairy lights.  Don’t put any that don’t work back in the cupboard.
• You do not need a spare kettle, toaster or hoover.  If you got a new one for Christmas then you have two options.  The best option is to give the old one away.  Try posting to Glasgow Freeshare, or contact community charities.  If you aren’t quite prepared to get rid of it yet, at least try and fit in into the box the new one came in.
• If you don’t use it, and don’t love it then it is rubbish.  (In the trash rather than the not-good sense of the word).  You are not doing yourself, or anyone else any good by keeping it.  Throw it out.  Recycle it. Find it a new home. Get rid of it.
• Unless you bake a lot you are unlikely to ever re-use that Quality Street tin.  Bin it.
• Ditto carrier bags, no matter how nice and sturdy.  Don’t keep more than you will realistically ever use.
• Don’t lie to yourself.  Throwing things out does not make you a bad, wasteful person.  It makes you a person who can open cupboards without ducking.

Of course, the other thing taking the Christmas decorations down makes us feel is that the house looks bleak.  Buying yourself some flowers, or a new plant is a great idea.  Deciding that the house house needs re-painted is a drastic decision and one you really should think about properly.  Buying some new table lamps, cushions or lampshades may sort the perceived problem – but remember not to hoard the old ones!

And treat yourself with a nice glass or something when you’re done.  You deserve it.

Or, if it’s all too depressing or too big a job to face, call Girl Monday, and come to home to job done.