Decluttering Before the Holidays: Make Space for What Matters
With the holiday season fast approaching, many of us start thinking about decorations, family gatherings, and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere at home. But before the festivities begin, taking some time to declutter can make all the difference. Decluttering now helps you create a welcoming space, reduces stress, and allows you to focus on what matters most: celebrating the season with loved ones. Here’s your step-by-step guide to creating a cozy, clutter-free home for the holidays!
Begin with High-Traffic Areas
High-traffic areas in your home—like the entryway, kitchen, and living room—will likely see the most activity during the holidays. By focusing on these spaces first, you’ll set the tone for a calm, organized holiday season.
Entryway: Clear the entryway of unnecessary items and add a designated area for guests’ coats, shoes, and bags. You can use a coat rack, a row of hooks, or a stylish basket for small items like gloves and hats. Add a thick doormat to keep snowy boots from bringing in dirt.
Kitchen: The kitchen is often the heart of holiday gatherings, so keeping it organized is essential. Start by clearing countertops of unused appliances and excess decor to make room for cooking. Organize your pantry, grouping holiday essentials like baking supplies, spices, and hot drinks together. A tidy kitchen makes holiday cooking and baking much more enjoyable!
Living Room: The living room is usually the main gathering spot, so arrange seating to maximize comfort and flow. Clear off coffee tables and bookshelves to leave space for seasonal decor, and add a basket for cozy blankets and throw pillows. If you have kids or pets, designate a toy storage area to keep things tidy during gatherings.
Tip: Tackle one area at a time over several days. Starting with the most frequently used spaces will give you an instant feeling of accomplishment and motivate you to keep going!
Declutter with Intent: Simplify Before You Decorate
As tempting as it may be to dive right into decorating, starting with a little pre-holiday decluttering will give you a fresh canvas for your seasonal decor. Decluttering with intention can also make holiday decorating more fun and stress-free.
Clear surfaces: If you plan to add seasonal decorations, simplify your existing decor by removing items you won’t need during the holidays. For example, if you’re planning to decorate your fireplace mantle with holiday garlands, store away other small decor items. Clearing surfaces helps each holiday item shine without feeling crowded.
Sort through holiday decorations: Before you begin decorating, go through your holiday decor and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. If there are items you no longer love, consider donating them to a local charity. Streamlining your decor makes it easier to create a cohesive holiday look without feeling overwhelmed.
Store out-of-season decor: Put away non-holiday items temporarily to avoid overcrowding. Keep storage bins handy so that after the season, it’s easy to swap decorations again. A dedicated holiday decor bin in an accessible spot will make setup and takedown a breeze each year.
Tip: If you want to add new holiday decorations, consider a “one-in, one-out” approach. For each new item you bring in, donate or store another item to prevent clutter from building up.
Make Space for Guests with a Welcoming Setup
If you’re hosting overnight guests, it’s worth spending a little extra time creating a comfortable, clutter-free environment where they can relax and feel at home.
Guest Room or Area: Clear any clutter from your guest room, and make space in the closet or dresser for your guests’ belongings. Add a few thoughtful touches like fresh towels, a cozy blanket, and a small welcome basket with toiletries. This small gesture makes your guests feel valued and comfortable.
Closets and Coat Racks: Ensure there’s ample space for guest coats, scarves, and bags by temporarily relocating your own out-of-season items. You might consider adding a few extra hangers or hooks in closets or setting up a designated coat area in the entryway for easy access.
Bathrooms: Guests will appreciate a clean, organized bathroom. Store everyday items out of sight and leave only the essentials on the counter. A small basket with extra toothpaste, shampoo, and hand towels adds a nice touch. This setup not only reduces clutter but also keeps guests from needing to ask for essentials.
Tip: A few small touches—like adding a nightlight, scented candle, or holiday-themed soap—can make your guests feel welcome and enhance the cozy atmosphere of your home.
Declutter Kids’ Areas and Gift Storage Spots
The holiday season often brings extra toys, gifts, and surprises, especially for kids. A little pre-holiday organization in kids’ rooms and storage areas makes it easy to keep new items organized.
Kids’ Rooms and Play Areas: Go through toys and games with your kids, choosing items to donate. This can teach them the importance of giving while also creating space for new gifts. Set up toy bins or storage baskets to keep the room tidy and make clean-up easier.
Closets and Storage Areas: Clear out closets and storage areas to make room for gifts and wrapping supplies. Keep items that aren’t currently in use or that can be donated in bins, making extra room for new items during the season.
Set Up a Wrapping Station: To streamline gift-wrapping, create a small wrapping station with wrapping paper, ribbons, tape, and scissors. This can be as simple as a designated table or a rolling cart that you can tuck away when not in use. A wrapping station keeps everything in one place and prevents last-minute wrapping chaos.
Tip: Involve the whole family in a pre-holiday decluttering session. Working together not only makes it quicker but can also create a fun holiday tradition!
Declutter with Purpose: Keep What Matters
Decluttering doesn’t just create space—it also brings focus to what you truly value. Instead of keeping items out of habit, be intentional about what stays and what goes.
Focus on sentimental items: Set aside items that hold sentimental value, like holiday decorations passed down through the family. By highlighting these meaningful pieces, you bring joy into your home while minimizing clutter.
Donate or Rehome Unused Items: If there are items you haven’t used in a while, now is the perfect time to donate or rehome them. Giving items a new life with someone else can be both rewarding and practical.
Plan for Quality Time, Not Just Things: A cozy, clutter-free space makes it easier to enjoy time with loved ones. Instead of focusing on material items, think about the traditions, experiences, and connections that make the holidays special.
Tip: Use the “Does this add value to my life?” question while decluttering. If an item no longer brings joy or serves a purpose, it may be time to let it go.
Maintain Your Decluttered Space with Simple Routines
Creating a cozy, organized home for the holidays is all about balance. A few quick routines each week can help keep your home tidy and ready for holiday activities without extra stress.
Daily 10-Minute Tidy-Up: Set a timer for 10 minutes each day and do a quick cleanup of high-traffic areas. This helps maintain order without feeling overwhelming.
Weekly Declutter Sessions: Schedule a weekly decluttering session in the lead-up to the holidays. Focus on one area at a time—entryway, kitchen, or guest room—to keep your space under control.
Make Tidying Up a Family Activity: Getting everyone involved, even with small tasks, helps keep things running smoothly. Assign simple responsibilities like wiping down surfaces, putting away toys, or clearing dishes.
Tip: Don’t aim for perfection! The goal is to create a comfortable, welcoming space, not a magazine-ready home. Embrace imperfection and enjoy the process.
Make Space for What Truly Matters This Holiday Season
Decluttering before the holidays allows you to focus on what’s most important: spending time with loved ones and enjoying the season together. By following these steps, you can create a home that’s cozy, welcoming, and ready for the holidays. Happy decluttering—and may your home be filled with warmth and joy this season!
