How to Declutter Before the Holidays
Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanza, and other important holidays are right around the corner, and with it comes the challenge of managing all that extra stuff that piles up over the year. Maybe you’re staring at holiday decorations that haven’t seen the light of day in ages, or trying to figure out where to put new gifts when the kids’ old toys are already taking over your storage room.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by clutter, especially when you want your home to feel welcoming and cozy. With a little pre-holiday decluttering, you can create some breathing room and enjoy a stress-free festive season. Here's how to get started.
1. Set Clear Decluttering Goals
Before the festive season kicks into full gear, it’s helpful to set clear decluttering goals. Think about the areas of your house that need attention the most. Do you want to create space in the living room for your holiday decorations, or is it time to tackle those overflowing closets before new gifts arrive?
Identifying your priorities helps quicken the process, making it less challenging. For instance, focus on freeing up storage space for Hannukah and Christmas decoration boxes or clearing out space in your living room for the Christmas tree and gifts. By being intentional about your goals, you’ll know exactly where to start and what you want to achieve.
2. Declutter Early
The earlier you begin, the easier the decluttering process becomes. Starting your Hannukah or Christmas declutter in early November or even October means you can set the pace and avoid last-minute stress. Plus, this helps set you up perfectly for decluttering for the new year, making it easier to start January with a fresh, organized space when you put all of the decorations away.
By spreading out the work, you can focus on one room or space at a time. Start with simpler tasks like sorting through kids' clothes and toys before tackling larger projects like the coat closet or kitchen pantry. Decluttering early also gives you time to donate or sell items you no longer need through places like your local Goodwill so that your pre-loved items find a new home in time for the holiday season!
3. Start with Old or Unused Decorations
Old or unused Christmas or holiday decorations often take up valuable storage space, so it’s wise to start your decluttering process here. Pull out those holiday decoration boxes and take a closer look at what you’ve collected over the years. Keep the timeless pieces that bring you joy and suit your current holiday style, while donating or selling ornaments and lights that no longer fit your decor. If you have broken or outdated items, consider recycling or discarding them responsibly.
4. Get Rid of Old Toys
With new Christmas gifts just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to sort through old toys that have been collecting dust. Clearing out toy clutter makes room for new arrivals on Christmas morning and helps prevent that overwhelming pile-up of toys during the holiday season.
Involving kids in this process can make it easier— they might even enjoy picking out toys they’ve outgrown to donate and learning the importance of sharing with other children in need. Donating these gently used toys to charitable organizations like Goodwill can spread holiday cheer to other families while you reclaim some space in your home. Plus, knowing that your child's old favorites can become someone else's treasure adds a rewarding feeling to the process.
5. Declutter High-Traffic Areas
High-traffic areas like the living room or the entryway tend to become hotspots for holiday clutter. With guests coming and going, it’s important to keep these spaces open and inviting. Focus on decluttering surfaces like coffee tables and shelves where items tend to pile up. Here are some tips:
Create a designated space for coats and shoes: Use bins or a coat closet to keep shoes and coats organized during holiday gatherings.
Clear out paper clutter: Old magazines, newspapers, and holiday catalogs can quickly stack up. Recycle or discard what you don’t need and make space for the holiday decor.
Keep decorations simple: A few well-placed pieces can still add festive cheer without making the space feel crowded.
A clutter-free living space sets the tone for a cozy and welcoming holiday environment, making it easier to enjoy those special moments with family and friends.
6. Clean Out Your Kitchen for Holiday Cooking Prep
The kitchen becomes the heart of the home during the holiday season, with Hannukah, Kwanza, or Christmas dinner and festive baking on the horizon. A clutter-free kitchen means easier meal prep and more space for storing those holiday treats. Here's how you can achieve this:
Toss expired items: Start by going through your pantry and refrigerator and tossing any expired spices, ingredients, or canned goods. This will free up space for fresh holiday ingredients.
Clear out unused gadgets: If you have kitchen gadgets that haven’t seen the light of day in a year, it might be time to let them go. Consider donating those gently used appliances so they can find a new home.
Organize cooking and baking supplies: Store items you frequently use, like cookie cutters, rolling pins, and mixing bowls in easy-to-reach places. This ensures a smooth holiday baking experience without rummaging through cluttered cupboards.
With a well-organized kitchen, you’ll be ready to whip up holiday meals without the frustration of a messy space.
7. Create Space for New Gifts
Gifts are a big part of the holiday season, so it’s smart to make space before the Christmas gifts or Hannukah gifts start piling up. Whether it’s new clothes, toys, or gadgets, creating space for these items ahead of time can help you avoid the post-holiday chaos and clutter.
Empty out drawers and shelves: Go through your drawers and closets to make room for new additions. Donate old clothing or accessories that you haven’t worn in the past year.
Organize gift wrap supplies: Store wrapping paper, ribbons, and gift bags neatly in a storage container to keep everything in one place. This makes gift wrapping a breeze and prevents the last-minute scramble.
Store away seasonal items: Pack away fall decorations and items you won’t need until after the holidays to create more space for the Christmas gifts that will soon arrive.
8. Establish a ‘One-In, One-Out’ Rule
To keep your home from filling up with unnecessary clutter even after the holidays, adopt a ‘one-in, one-out’ rule. For every new item that comes into your home, let go of one that you no longer need. Some additional tips include:
Apply it to clothing and decor: If you receive a new sweater as a gift, donate an older one that no longer fits you or your style. The same goes for holiday decor and appliances. If you pick up a new ornament or appliance, consider parting with one that’s no longer useful or a favorite.
Teach the kids: Involving children in this practice can help them understand the importance of keeping a neat and balanced space. For each new toy they receive, they can donate an old one that they’ve already outgrown.
By following this simple rule, you can keep the Christmas clutter at bay and keep your living space manageable.
9. Get Creative with Storage Solutions
Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of creativity to keep your space organized during the holiday season. Look for some clever storage solutions to make the most out of your space without feeling cramped. Here are some tips:
Use decorative bins: Store holiday decor like Christmas cards, ornaments, and wrapping paper in decorative bins that double as festive accents.
Under–the-bed storage: Take advantage of under-the-bed storage for items like Christmas decoration boxes, extra linens, and out-of-season clothing.
Repurpose unused furniture: If you have an old chest or cabinet that’s collecting dust, give it new life as a storage space for holiday decorations or gifts.
These strategies help you stay organized while still keeping your home cozy and inviting.
10. Donate and Recycle the Pre-Christmas Clutter
One of the most effective ways to declutter for Christmas is by donating or recycling items that you no longer need. Plus, it's a great way to create extra space while spreading holiday cheer! Consider donating gently used holiday decor, old toys, and clothing to Goodwill, allowing your pre-loved items to become perfect Christmas gifts for others.
Recycling paper clutter, such as holiday catalogs, and wrapping paper, helps reduce waste during the festive season. Some items, like empty cookie tins, can even be repurposed for DIY holiday projects. By choosing to donate and recycle your Christmas clutter, you can support a good cause and enjoy a tidier, more organized home during this festive period!
11. Maintain Your Decluttered Space Through the Holidays
Once you’ve put in the effort to declutter before the holidays, it’s important to keep your space neat throughout and after the festive season. A little maintenance goes a long way in making sure that your home remains organized while enjoying the holiday excitement. Spend just a few minutes each day tidying up — putting things back in their place can prevent clutter from building up again.
Continue using the ‘one-in, one-out’ rule as new items enter your home. Also, make it a habit to revisit high-traffic areas like the living room and kitchen weekly to ensure they stay tidy. With these simple practices, you’ll maintain a clutter-free, welcoming home that makes it easy to enjoy every moment of the holiday season.
Prepare for a Decluttered Home in the Holidays
Once you’ve finished your Christmas decluttering process, take a moment to appreciate your refreshed space. A home that feels open and organized is the perfect setting for creating new holiday memories with loved ones. Plus, knowing that your donated items to Goodwill have made a difference can bring an extra dose of happiness. Now, you can relax, sip some hot cocoa, and enjoy the festive season in a home that feels just right!
Sources:
WebMD. Mental health benefits of decluttering. (2024) https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-benefits-of-decluttering
Houlton, L. (2024, January 25). Is the “one-in, one-out” rule the only decluttering technique you’ll ever need? https://www.homesandgardens.com/solved/one-in-one-out-rule
