The Ultimate Christmas Decluttering Checklist

The Christmas season is magical—but it can also feel overwhelming. Between shopping, hosting, decorating, and family gatherings, it’s easy for clutter to pile up. A little pre-holiday decluttering makes space for joy, not stress. Whether you’re preparing for guests or just want a calmer holiday season, this checklist will help you tackle your home step by step.

Check out my 7 Day Christmas Declutter Challenge here.

Also, check out this post on 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.

🎄 Why Declutter Before Christmas?

Make room for new gifts (especially kids’ toys and clothes).
Create a welcoming home for holiday guests.
Reduce stress so you can focus on enjoying traditions.
Start fresh heading into the new year.

✅ The Ultimate Christmas Decluttering Checklist

1. Living Room & Guest Spaces

Clear off coffee tables and side tables.
Tidy up shelves—remove old magazines, excess décor, or dusty knick-knacks.
Wash throw blankets and cushions; donate extras.
Create open surfaces for Christmas décor.

2. Kitchen & Pantry

Toss expired pantry items and spices.
Clear space in the fridge/freezer for holiday cooking.
Donate unopened non-perishables to a food drive.
Organize baking supplies—you’ll thank yourself later!

3. Kids’ Rooms & Toys

Involve kids in donating toys they no longer play with.
Sort through games and puzzles (check for missing pieces).
Purge broken crayons, dried markers, and worn-out art supplies.
Make space for new holiday gifts.

4. Closets & Entryway

Declutter coats, scarves, gloves—donate gently used ones.
Toss mismatched or worn-out shoes.
Create space for guests’ coats and bags.
Add baskets for hats and mittens to reduce clutter.

5. Decorations & Holiday Supplies

Test lights and toss broken strands.
Donate unused ornaments and décor.
Recycle worn-out wrapping paper and gift bags.
Organize holiday bins for easy decorating next year.

6. Bathrooms

Toss expired toiletries and medicines.
Stock up on guest essentials (soap, toilet paper, clean towels).
Clear counters for a tidy, welcoming feel.

7. Digital Decluttering

Clear phone storage for holiday photos.
Delete unused apps and organize your home screen.
Back up important files before the new year.

✨ Pro Tips for Success

Set a timer (20–30 minutes per room) so decluttering doesn’t drag on.
Use the “one in, one out” rule—for every new item you bring in, remove one.
Make it festive—play Christmas music or sip cocoa while you declutter.

🎁 The Gift of Space

Decluttering before Christmas isn’t about having a “perfect” home—it’s about creating breathing room for what matters: family, joy, and traditions. By tackling this checklist, you’ll welcome the holidays with less chaos and more cheer.