Managing The Stuff We Already Have Before The Holidays Hit with Tracy McCubbin
In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I talk with professional organizer Tracy McCubbin about how to approach the holidays with less clutter and more intention. Tracy shares what it’s been like helping clients rebuild after the LA fires and how loss reshapes our relationship with stuff. We discuss mindful giving, thoughtful donations, and finding joy in using what we already have. Her reminder stayed with me: your home should support you, not overwhelm you—and small, simple steps can make that possible.
Watch this episode on YouTube HERE
KEY TAKEAWAYS
It’s the first Monday of November, which means the holiday season is officially here—ready or not. This time of year always makes me think about how much we bring into our homes, both physically and emotionally. So I sat down with professional organizer Tracy McCubbin for a conversation about decluttering, mindful giving, and what it means to create a home that truly supports you.
Living Through the Fires
Tracy lives in Los Angeles, and our conversation began with something heavy: the wildfires that tore through her community this year. She shared that around 30 of her clients lost everything. Others, whose homes survived, are struggling with a different kind of trauma—survivor’s guilt and uncertainty about returning to neighborhoods that no longer exist.
What stayed with me was her reminder that “it’s not just stuff.” These were childhood homes, filled with memories. And while Tracy has helped more than a hundred families rebuild by organizing donations, she’s clear that donating junk isn’t generosity. As she said, “Just because someone has nothing doesn’t mean they want your cat-pee-stained couch.”
Rethinking Holiday Giving
Moving into the holidays, we talked about the cycle of buying, gifting, and donating—and how easily it can get out of hand. Tracy suggested a simple shift: ask people what they actually want or need. Cash, grocery cards, or shared experiences can be more meaningful than another coffee mug.
She also reminded me that giving should feel good for both sides. When we donate, we need to consider the time and money nonprofits spend sorting through what we drop off. If it’s broken or dirty, it’s not helping—it’s creating more work.
Holiday Decor and “Enough”
We also got into the holiday decorating trap—how the industry sells us new bins and ornaments every year. Tracy loves that people find joy in decorating, but she gently questioned whether we need more of it.
I shared that in my own home, I’ve shifted toward natural greenery, candles, and ribbons instead of fake trees or plastic garlands. It’s simpler, softer, and it just feels right. Tracy agreed: the goal isn’t perfection—it’s balance.
Our Relationship with Stuff
Tracy sees a cultural shift happening. After COVID and now the fires, many people want to live more nimbly—less attached to things, more focused on experiences and connection. She’s noticed a comeback of home gatherings: friends cooking together, setting nice tables again, hosting dinner parties.
As she put it, “Home is where the heart is. It’s not the stuff that makes the home.”
Resolutions That Actually Work
When I asked about New Year’s resolutions, Tracy didn’t hesitate: she hates them. Instead, she suggests small, sustainable habits. For example, if you want to eat dinner as a family, start by clearing the dining table and giving everything else a new home.
Her philosophy is simple: make systems that make sense to you. Overly complicated setups never last. Tracy laughed about how her husband is messy but clean—he’s perfectly happy living out of a laundry basket. She’s learned to let that be okay.
Going Easy on Ourselves
By the end of our talk, Tracy reminded me—and all of us—to go easy on ourselves. Life gets busy. Closets fill up. Garages get messy. But instead of setting huge goals, focus on one small action.
As she said, “Your home should be a tool that you love.”
So before the season sweeps you up, take a moment to look around. Clear a shelf. Donate thoughtfully. Ask what’s really adding value to your home—and what’s just taking up space.
Until Next Time
-Zandra