Readying the Holidays: Decluttering for Christmas

Before diving in, outline your decluttering goals. Decide which areas of the house need the most attention—the living room, kitchen, guest room, and entryway are common hotspots. Break your plan down by room and set small, achievable goals for each. Dedicate a day to each space, tackle it over a weekend into one big declutter if you’re in a hurry, or include it in your holiday prep activities. A clear plan will keep you focused and make the decluttering process much easier.

As December approaches, it’s time to make room for your winter coats and gear and purge your closet.

Go through your closets and drawers, removing any clothing that’s no longer needed. Donate or recycle what you don’t wear, and store out-of-season items in bins or vacuum-sealed bags to free up space. Not only will you create more room, but you’ll also make it easier to find cozy layers for the season.

It’s tempting to hold onto every holiday decoration, but this can lead to storage woes. Take time to sort through your Christmas decorations. Keep only the items you love in good condition.

Donate gently used items such as ornaments, lights, and gift bags that no longer fit your style, and discard broken or old decorations. Consider organizing decorations in labeled containers for easy access when it’s time to decorate.

With holiday meals on the horizon, a clutter-free kitchen will make holiday cooking more enjoyable. Start by emptying out expired items in your pantry, fridge, and freezer, and donate any non-perishables you won’t use. Organize pots, pans, and utensils, and clear out any gadgets or appliances that have been gathering dust.

Decluttering your kitchen increases your motivation to cook your holiday feasts without the frustration of a messy workspace.

A clean living room is key to having a peaceful home during the holidays, as it often becomes the central gathering space for your family and friends. Make sure it’s ready to accommodate guests by clearing out any unwanted clutter – books, magazines, remote controls, or toys that don’t belong. You can also rearrange furniture to create open space for gatherings with the whole family and store unnecessary items to keep the room looking cozy and inviting.

If you’re hosting overnight guests, a tidy guest room is essential. Remove any items that don’t belong there, such as storage boxes or seasonal clothing. Freshen up the bedding, clean surfaces, and add some holiday touches to make guests feel welcome. Consider adding a small basket with essentials like toiletries, towels, water, and a spare charger to make their stay more comfortable.

Your entryway is the first impression guests will have of your home, so make it welcoming. Clear out any unnecessary shoes, jackets, and bags that clutter the space. Use storage solutions like baskets or hooks to keep your things tidy. You might also add a small mat or boot tray for guests’ shoes. A clean and organized entryway sets a warm tone for holiday visitors.

Holiday shopping means more items are coming into your home. Designate a space for storing Christmas gifts to keep them organized, out of the way, and out of your kids’ sight, too. If you’re wrapping gifts in advance, set up a wrapping station with all the necessary supplies, such as paper, ribbons, Christmas cards, and tags, to avoid last-minute clutter. Keeping gifts organized will also prevent any “Christmas clutter” from taking over your home.

Holiday cards, catalogs, and extra mail can quickly pile up. Sort through paperwork and toss anything you don’t need, like expired coupons and junk mail. Create a system for handling holiday cards – display them in a way that’s easy to update and manage. By keeping paper clutter under control, you’ll ensure that your home feels clean and orderly throughout the season.

Once you’ve tackled each area, do a final walk-through to identify any remaining clutter or remove trash and debris. Focus on high-traffic areas where stuff tends to accumulate. Make a quick sweep to ensure everything is in its place and that each room feels organized and inviting. This is also the ideal time to redesign your storage and better sort your possessions. This last step will give you peace of mind, knowing your home is ready to welcome guests and celebrate the holidays.