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No time of year is the quest to overcome clutter more difficult to deal with than during the holiday season. This is a time when unwanted and unneeded items can stack up the matter how hard you try to prevent it. Can’t figure out what to do with unwanted Christmas gifts? Here are a few ideas:

• Pass them on to someone else in your household. Even if you do not like something you have received, somebody else in your household think that it is the best gift ever. If so, do not hesitate to pass it on to them.

• Donate. If you know that you will definitely never use (or rarely use) a gift you have received, the best thing you can do with it is simply take it to the thrift store at the first opportunity. There is always somebody who can use what you cannot. Being quick to remove unnecessary items from your home the moment they appear is one of the best tips to prevent clutter.

• Gift to family or friends. While re-gifting it sometimes looked down upon, it is a very smart practice for preventing waste and clutter. If you put real thought into re-gifting, you should end up with happy recipients. After all, if you kept the item, they might be envious of what you have. But since you are giving it to them, they can use and enjoy it.

• Return items if you have that option. Sometimes, it is possible to return an unwanted gift. A thoughtful gift-giver might have provided you with the receipt. This typically happens with clothing which might not fit. You do not need to feel bad about taking an item back to the store. If you were given the option, the person who gave you the present will understand.

• Upcycle. Another idea for what to do with gifts you don’t want is to turn into something you do want. You might not like an item as it is, but you may be able to modify it into something that you will use.

• Sell. Sometimes, it may be possible to sell an item you have just received and receive a reasonable price for it. Just keep in mind that it will clutter your home for longer.

To make this process as easy as possible, it is a good idea to purchase a few large plastic containers for sorting. You should do this before you open your presents. You can label each one with your intention for the items inside. So one could be labeled “Donate,” while another could be labeled “Re-Gift,” and a third could be labeled “Keep,” and so forth.

This allows you to sort your gifts as you are opening them instead of saving the task for afterwards and finding yourself too busy or tired to get to it. You can then take bins with items you intend to donate straight to the car, immediately freeing up space in your home. The faster you take care of this entire process, the less clutter you’ll find yourself with after the holiday season is over.