The holidays are right around the corner, and with them comes family gatherings, festive decorations, and often a whirlwind of activity. The last thing you want is to feel overwhelmed by clutter when you’re trying to enjoy the season. By taking a little time now to clear out key areas of your home, you’ll create space for decorations, gifts, and guests—making your holiday season more joyful and less stressful. Here are the top 10 areas to declutter before the holidays.
If you are new to the blog, welcome! I blog about cleaning, decluttering, and organizing. You can find my free printables to help you get organized in the drop down menu under the Printables category.
Also, you can get the complete digital printable copy of the Year Long Thorough Declutter Series Calendar and Checklists here. The printable digital download is delivered to your email. It includes 25 pages of printable calendar pages and declutter checklists like the one linked above to help you declutter every room in your home.
Ready to decorate for Fall? Check out my post here on 15 Fall Home Decor Ideas.
You can also check out this post: Decluttering for Fall: What to Keep, What to Toss, What to Store.
Top 10 Areas To Declutter Before The Holidays
1. The Entryway
Your entryway sets the tone for everyone who steps into your home. Clear away old shoes, coats, and random items that have accumulated. Make space for guests to hang their coats and store shoes neatly. A clutter-free entry feels welcoming and festive from the moment people arrive.
2. The Living Room
This is often the heart of holiday gatherings. Clear off coffee tables, side tables, and shelves to make room for décor and to avoid a cramped feeling. Consider donating books, magazines, or knickknacks that you no longer love. A simplified living room makes space for a Christmas tree or other seasonal décor.
3. The Kitchen Counters
Holiday baking and cooking take center stage, and crowded counters can make it stressful. Put away unused appliances, recycle old mail, and keep only the essentials handy. Clear counters not only make cooking easier but also give your kitchen a warm, inviting feel for family time.
4. The Pantry
Before you start stocking up on holiday treats and ingredients, sort through your pantry. Toss expired items, donate nonperishables you won’t use, and organize what’s left. This will make it easy to find what you need and ensure you’re not buying duplicates.
5. The Refrigerator and Freezer
Your fridge and freezer will need to handle extra holiday groceries. Go shelf by shelf and clear out expired condiments, old leftovers, or freezer-burned items. Wipe down surfaces so everything feels fresh and ready for holiday cooking.
6. The Dining Area
If you’re hosting holiday meals, make sure your dining table and chairs are free from clutter. Remove stacks of papers, crafts, or laundry piles that might have taken over the space. Decluttering now means you’ll be ready to set a beautiful table without last-minute stress.
7. The Guest Bedroom
If loved ones are staying overnight, prep the guest room in advance. Clear out any storage boxes, piles of clothes, or miscellaneous items. Freshen up linens and create a cozy, welcoming space that feels like home away from home.
8. The Bathrooms
Guests will almost certainly use your bathroom, so it’s worth taking time to declutter here. Toss expired toiletries, organize under the sink, and clear the counters. A fresh hand towel, candle, or small seasonal touch makes the space extra inviting.
9. The Coat Closet
Holiday weather means guests will be bringing coats, scarves, and bags. Make room by removing out-of-season items or extras you don’t use. A decluttered closet helps avoid the “pile everything on the bed” situation and keeps your entry tidy.
10. The Garage or Storage Area
Holiday decorations, extra chairs, or bins of wrapping paper often live in the garage or storage area. Take time to declutter these spaces so you can easily access what you need without digging through chaos. You’ll thank yourself when you’re pulling out the decorations or stashing away gifts.
Decluttering before the holidays isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about creating space to truly enjoy the season. By focusing on these 10 key areas, you’ll free up room for decorations, guests, and holiday cheer. Start small, tackle one area at a time, and you’ll feel lighter and more prepared to make the most of the holidays.
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