Declutter for the Holidays: A Simple Home Guide
BY TARA LAURENT
As the leaves start to turn and that familiar autumn chill creeps in, you know what’s coming. Halloween decorations will soon fill the stores, followed by Thanksgiving prep, and before you know it, Christmas lights will be twinkling everywhere. But here’s the thing: nothing puts a damper on holiday joy quite like trying to navigate through cluttered spaces or frantically searching for decorations buried somewhere in your garage.
Getting your home organized before the holiday season kicks into high gear isn’t just about making things look pretty (though that’s a nice bonus); it’s about creating space for what matters most during this special time of year: memories, traditions, and quality time with the people you love.
Start with the Big Picture
Before you dive into any specific room, take a walk through your entire home with fresh eyes. Notice what’s taking up unnecessary space and what areas will need to accommodate holiday activities. That dining room table buried under mail and miscellaneous items is going to need to be clear for Thanksgiving dinner. Is the entryway cluttered with shoes and coats? Your guests will need to use that space soon.
Make a simple list of the spaces you’ll need for holiday entertaining, decorating, and gift storage. This will help you prioritize which areas need the most attention.
Tackle the Entryway First
Your entryway sets the tone for your entire home, and during the holidays, it’s working overtime. Create a welcoming space by clearing out summer items like beach bags and flip-flops. Install hooks for coats if you don’t have them already, and designate a spot for umbrellas and boots.
Consider adding a small basket or tray near the door for items that tend to get dropped when people walk in: keys, sunglasses, or small packages. A clutter-free entryway not only looks more inviting but also makes hosting so much easier when guests arrive.
Create Space for Seasonal Decorations
Go through your current decorations and be honest about what you actually use. Those Halloween decorations from five years ago that never made it out of the box? It might be time to donate them to someone who will actually enjoy them.
For each holiday, create designated storage areas. Clear plastic bins work wonderfully because you can see what’s inside without opening everything. Label each bin clearly: “Halloween Front Yard,” “Thanksgiving Table,” “Christmas Lights Outdoor.” Store these bins in accessible places because you’ll be pulling them out soon.
As you’re organizing decorations, take photos of your favorite setups from previous years. This saves time later when you’re trying to remember how you arranged everything and ensures you don’t forget any special touches.
Prepare Your Kitchen for Holiday Cooking
The kitchen becomes command central during the holidays, so it needs to be in top form. Start by clearing your countertops of appliances you don’t use regularly. That bread maker gathering dust? Store it elsewhere to make room for holiday baking essentials.
Clean out your refrigerator and freezer to make space for holiday ingredients and leftovers. Check expiration dates and toss anything that’s past its prime. Organize your pantry so you can easily see what you have and what you need for holiday recipes.
Don’t forget about serving dishes and special cookware. Now is the perfect time to locate your roasting pan, serving platters, and holiday china. Make sure everything is clean and accessible so you’re not scrambling on Thanksgiving morning.
Declutter Guest Spaces
If you’ll be hosting overnight guests, give those spaces some love. Clear out guest room closets so visitors have space to hang their clothes. Make sure guest bathrooms have fresh towels and aren’t cluttered with your everyday items.
Even if guests won’t be staying overnight, they’ll still be using these spaces. A clutter-free powder room and tidy common areas make everyone feel more comfortable and welcome.
Organize Gift-Giving Areas
Start thinking about where you’ll store gifts as you buy them. Having a designated gift storage area prevents that last-minute panic of wondering where you put something. A closet shelf, under-bed storage, or even a corner of your bedroom can work perfectly.
Create a simple system for keeping track of gifts. A notebook or phone app where you jot down what you’ve bought for whom can save you from accidentally double-buying or forgetting someone entirely.
Make Room for Holiday Memories
Consider creating space for new holiday memories by clearing out items that no longer serve you. This doesn’t mean getting rid of treasured keepsakes, but rather making conscious choices about what deserves precious space in your home.
That stack of magazines from six months ago? Recycle them. Clothes that don’t fit or that you haven’t worn in over a year? Donate them to make room in your closets. Broken items you keep meaning to fix? Either fix them now or let them go.
The Two-Week Rule
As you’re decluttering, use the two-week rule for questionable items. If you can’t decide whether to keep something, put it in a box and set a reminder for two weeks. If you haven’t needed or thought about those items in that time, they can probably go.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s creating a home that feels peaceful and functional during what can be a hectic time of year. A well-organized space gives you more time and energy to focus on what the holidays are really about: connecting with loved ones and creating beautiful memories.
Start small, be patient with yourself, and tackle one area at a time. Before you know it, your home will be ready to welcome the season with open arms, and you’ll be able to enjoy every moment of the holidays without the stress of clutter and chaos.
