Is it your turn to host the holidays this year? Are you looking to tidy up your home before hanging the stockings, trimming the tree, or curling up on the couch with your favorite Christmas movie? If so, now is the perfect time to start decluttering. A clean, organized home will not only make hosting easier, but it’ll also help you embrace the joy and magic of the season without the stress of clutter.
Decluttering your home before Christmas can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach, you can turn the process into something cheerful and productive as you prepare for a house filled with laughter, love, and holiday cheer.
This guide will take you on a decluttering journey around your home, spotlighting five key areas to tidy up before the holidays and providing practical tips to make your pre-Christmas purge a breeze.
1. Entryway: Set the Tone for a Warm Welcome
The entryway is the first thing your guests will see, making it a high-priority space to declutter. Shoes, coats, umbrellas, and bags can quickly pile up, creating a cluttered and uninviting atmosphere. By tidying up this area, you’ll make it easier for guests to feel comfortable and for you to keep the space organized throughout the season.
Steps to Declutter Your Entryway:
- Clear out unnecessary items: Go through shoes, boots, coats, and other outerwear that have accumulated in your entryway. Donate or discard any that are old, damaged, or rarely used.
- Organize with storage solutions: Use bins, hooks, and cubbies to keep everything neat. A small bench with built-in storage can be a great addition.
- Prepare for guests: Make sure there’s room for guests to hang their coats or place their shoes. If you have an entryway closet, clear out a portion of it for guest use.
- Seasonal decor: Add a festive touch by incorporating holiday decorations like a wreath, a garland, or a small decorative tree.
Pro Tip: Encourage your guests to join in the spirit of giving by bringing lightly used winter items for donation. Find a local charity or shelter and spread the holiday cheer beyond your home.
2. Living Room: Create Space for Festive Fun
The living room is often the heart of holiday celebrations, whether it’s singing carols, watching Christmas movies, or exchanging gifts. A clutter-free living room ensures there’s plenty of space for decorations, cozy gatherings, and all the joy that comes with the season.
Steps to Declutter Your Living Room:
- Sort through blankets and pillows: Keep only the cozy essentials and store the rest. Swap everyday throws for festive ones to enhance the holiday ambiance.
- Tidy up entertainment items: Go through your DVDs, video games, and board games. Donate those you no longer use to shelters, schools, or community centers.
- Declutter surfaces: Clear coffee tables, side tables, and shelves of excess items like old magazines, trinkets, or unused decor. This will create room for holiday decorations like candles, garlands, and ornaments.
Pro Tip: Consider the layout of your furniture to make space for your Christmas tree. Rearranging the room slightly can create a more open and welcoming space for the holidays.
3. Kitchen: The Heart of Holiday Hosting
If you’re hosting Christmas dinner or a holiday party, the kitchen will undoubtedly be the busiest room in your home. Decluttering your kitchen ahead of time will make cooking, baking, and entertaining much more enjoyable.
Counters:
Start by clearing off your countertops. Put away small appliances you rarely use, such as blenders, toasters, or mixers. This will give you more space for food prep and holiday treats. If you have cookbooks taking up space, consider going digital or storing them away during the holiday season.
Cabinets:
Take a look inside your cabinets and pull out dishes, mugs, and glasses you haven’t used in years. Ask yourself, “Do I really need this many coffee mugs?” Donate or discard what you don’t need. Organize the remaining items so they’re easy to access during the festivities.
Pantry:
A pre-holiday pantry cleanout is essential. Check expiration dates and discard anything outdated. Donate unopened, non-perishable items you won’t use to a local food bank. Once everything is sorted, organize your pantry shelves for easy access to baking supplies and holiday ingredients.
Fridge and Freezer:
Make room for holiday dishes, leftovers, and beverages by cleaning out your refrigerator and freezer. Toss expired items and anything with freezer burn. Take the time to wipe down shelves and drawers, so everything looks as fresh as it feels.
Pro Tip: Create a designated space for holiday-specific items like cookie cutters, serving trays, and special ingredients. This will save you time when you’re in the midst of holiday meal prep.
4. Guest Room(s): Prepare for Overnight Visitors
If you’re hosting out-of-town family or friends, a clean and welcoming guest room is a must. Resist the temptation to turn your spare room into a catch-all for clutter from other areas of your home.
Steps to Declutter Your Guest Room:
- Clear surfaces: Nightstands, dressers, and shelves should be free of clutter to give guests space for their belongings.
- Organize the closet: Make room for your guests’ clothes by decluttering the closet. Donate or store items you no longer need.
- Freshen up linens: Sort through your bedding and towels. Keep only what’s in good condition and donate or repurpose the rest.
Pro Tip: Add thoughtful touches like a welcome basket with snacks, toiletries, and a handwritten note to make your guests feel extra special.
5. Bathroom: A Fresh Start for the Holidays
The bathroom is another essential area to declutter before the holidays. A clean and organized bathroom will ensure your guests feel comfortable and cared for during their stay.
Steps to Declutter Your Bathroom:
- Declutter cabinets: Go through your medicine cabinet and bathroom storage. Dispose of expired medications, beauty products, and old cleaning supplies.
- Organize essentials: Keep toiletries, extra towels, and toilet paper easily accessible. Consider adding a festive touch with holiday-scented candles or soap.
- Deep clean: Give the bathroom a thorough cleaning, including scrubbing the sink, toilet, shower, and mirrors.
Pro Tip: Use small baskets or bins to organize frequently used items like hair products, razors, and toothbrushes. This will keep the space tidy and functional.
Bonus Tips for a Stress-Free Declutter
Even though we’ve covered five specific areas, there are a few additional decluttering tips to help you get your entire home ready for Christmas:
Start Early:
Don’t wait until the last minute to declutter. Begin a few weeks before the holidays to give yourself plenty of time. Create a schedule to tackle one area at a time, and involve your family in the process.
Declutter Toys:
If you have children, now is the perfect time to go through their toys. Donate items they’ve outgrown or no longer use. This will create space for the new toys they’ll receive during the holidays.
Sort Through Christmas Decor:
While it may feel counterintuitive, take a critical look at your holiday decorations. If you have broken lights, outdated ornaments, or items that no longer fit your style, consider donating or discarding them. This will make decorating more enjoyable and less overwhelming.
Tidy Up Your Car:
If you’ll be driving guests around or picking up family members from the airport, take a few minutes to clean out your car. Remove trash, vacuum the interior, and give the exterior a wash for a polished look.
Decluttering Before the Holidays FAQs
What should I declutter before Christmas?
Focus on areas like entryways, living rooms, kitchens, guest rooms, and bathrooms. Don’t forget to sort through toys, decorations, and seasonal items.
How do I get started with decluttering?
Create a checklist and tackle one area at a time. Start small, such as dedicating five minutes each day to decluttering, and gradually work your way through your home.
What should I avoid when decluttering?
Don’t try to tackle everything at once, and avoid holding onto items out of guilt or nostalgia if they no longer serve a purpose.
Wrapping Up: Declutter Now, Enjoy the Holidays Later
Decluttering before Christmas might feel like a big task, but the payoff is worth it. A clean, organized home sets the stage for a festive, stress-free holiday season filled with joy and cherished memories. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or simply enjoying some quiet holiday moments, creating a clutter-free environment will help you fully embrace the magic of Christmas.
If you find yourself running out of space during the decluttering process, consider renting a portable storage unit for a short-term solution. My Stack Box offers flexible storage solutions, we can drop off your container and store at our secure location so you can make the most of your space over the holiday season! Contact Us today to get a quote.
With less clutter and more room, you’ll be ready to hang the stockings, trim the tree, and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!