I’m a professional organizer who grew up in Brazil, where Christmas is quite different from what you may know and love.
It’s hot, we celebrate outside, and the gift-giving culture isn’t as intense as here in the US. When I moved to California, I was shocked by how much stuff accumulates during the holidays.
That’s why, for my clients, I always recommend what I call the ‘One In, One Out Preview’ in October, a decluttering method I picked up from my grandmother. Now is the perfect time to get started. Here’s how to do it.
What is the One In One Out Preview Post-Christmas Decluttering Trick?
Essentially, you go through your kids’ toys and clothes with them in October, as part of your fall decluttering, way ahead of Christmas and all the gifting that the festive season brings, and have each child pick out items they’ve outgrown or don’t play with anymore to donate or sell.
The Preview rule is simple: For every new toy or clothing item they’re hoping to get for Christmas, something old needs to find a new home now.
Why the One In One Out Preview Really Works
It’s the timing that makes it work so well. Kids aren’t emotionally attached to gifts they have recently received, but it’s close enough to Christmas that they’re thinking about what they want.
It's also the perfect time to make toy donations to your local charity store, as so often, families donate old toys after Christmas during January decluttering. But those who need great thrift-store finds for Christmas presents need them ahead of the season.
If you have time to sit down with your kids and help them craft their wish list or letters to Santa in October or early November, that can give you an easy starting point to make a decluttering list.
For example, if your child puts a particular book on their festive wish list, prompt them to declutter a book they no longer read for the October Preview.
I've Tried It
I had a client who did this with her three kids last year, and instead of the usual post-holiday chaos, they had empty bins ready and labeled for the next event to declutter for, such as a birthday.
In fact, this method stems from something my own grandmother did. Before each birthday in our family, my Avó, as we called her, would have us go through our things and pick out toys to give to younger cousins or neighbors.
She’d say, ‘Você precisa fazer espaço para as bênçãos novas’, which means that ‘you need to make space for new blessings’. My Avó was teaching us that things have a lifecycle and shouldn’t just pile things up forever.
It’s a lesson that has stuck with me and one I like passing on to clients. To make it easier, I tell clients to get clear storage bins with labels before they start.
This stackackle six pack of clear bins is perfect for the job. When not in use, they nest inside each other, and when in use, you can see what's inside, or use a label/permanent pen to mark if it's donate, sell, or trash.
For the October Preview job itself, I like these fabric plastic bins from Target. They work perfectly because you can label them by category, for example, donate, sell or keep.
That way, you’re creating an organizing system before the holiday rush hits, which means when Christmas comes, you’re not scrambling to find space, and January becomes so much more peaceful.
Tips for Making This Method Easier
Professional organizer, Isabella Flores, of Sparkly Maid San Diego adds a few tips for the Preview method, which she also learned from her grandmother.
Isabella advises tackling children’s bedrooms and play areas:
- Pick out items: These can be things the kids have outgrown, no longer use, or are broken. ‘This will create a little space for all the new toys that will come,' she says. Isabella's grandma, having raised five children, involved her family in doing this every fall, even sharing a few stories or playing music, to keep it fun and collaborative.
- Designate time: Pick an afternoon or evening in October when the whole family is available.
- Use clear storage bins: Use bulky and clear storage bins, or sturdy donation bags, so that sorting is easy even for children. Clear and robust moving bags from Walmart can work well and fold away when not in use.
- Have donate baskets: Isabella loves to create a ‘donate basket’ in each child's closet all year to build the habit and avoid last-minute clutter when the holidays approach. Using storage baskets properly can transform your home.
The Benefits
Isabella adds that this Preview technique ‘frees up prime drawer and storage space, so there is no post-holiday chaos.’
It also instils gratitude and generosity before the season of giving.
If you are decluttering with health challenges in play, this slow decluttering tip is a great way to chip away at various clutter hot spots with intentionality and gentler, more doable pacing in mind. Making the streamlining job a family bonding activity is always a bonus, too.
What to Shop
Clear, stackable bins with lids like this four-pack help streamline the process of decluttering toys and fit under beds for any hand-me-downs or toy rotation.
If you don't want to bring in clear boxes into your compact home, try these robust clear packing bags instead. They will allow you do separate the things you earmark for removal, and can be folded down and stored easily when you're finished.
This 16" X 16" basket is perfect for stashing in your child's closet, with the intention being that any unwanted or unplayed-with items or outgrown clothing can be placed in here, ready for donation when it's full, year-round.
If you're in the mood for streamlining, our Ultimate Fall Decluttering List is sure to help you hit problem areas with ease, especially those with duplicates taking up space they shouldn't be.
