The holiday season is here, and with that comes festive decorations, cozy gatherings, and an air of excitement. But before you haul out the holiday bins and deck the halls, there’s one thing you should do first: declutter and organize your home. Getting your space in order before the decorations go up will make your home feel fresh, inviting, and ready to welcome the season with open arms.

As a professional organizer, I’m here to share my best tips on how to declutter and organize your home before the holidays hit. Let’s make sure you can enjoy the season in a space that feels clean, calm, and clutter-free.

1. Start with a Pre-Holiday Purge

Before adding any new decorations or gifts to the mix, it’s important to purge the items you no longer need. The holidays often bring in an influx of stuff—from gifts to seasonal décor—so now’s the perfect time to clear out anything that’s overstayed its welcome.

• Go room by room: Begin your decluttering journey one space at a time. Start with high-traffic areas like the living room, kitchen, and entryway, where you’ll spend most of your time during the holidays.
• Toss the broken and unused: Get rid of items that are broken, no longer useful, or haven’t been touched in the last year. This could be old kitchen gadgets, outdated décor, or worn-out holiday items.
  
• Make room for new: Clear out closets, toy bins, and storage spaces to make room for any new items or gifts that will inevitably arrive during the holiday season.

A thorough pre-holiday purge ensures that your home feels light and fresh, and you’re not adding more clutter to an already crowded space.

2. Organize Your Holiday Décor

One of the joys of the season is pulling out your festive decorations and transforming your home. But if your holiday décor is in disarray, it can quickly feel overwhelming. Take this opportunity to organize before decking the halls.

• Sort through your décor: Unpack your holiday bins and take stock of what you have.Group your decorations by type—tree ornaments, wreaths, lights, and outdoor décor..Toss or donate any broken, outdated, or unused items. Keep only the pieces that you love and that fit your style.
• Categorize by type: Organize your décor by category—think lights, ornaments, garlands, and wreaths. Keeping similar items together makes decorating (and cleanup) much easier.
• Create a Décor Plan: Decide where each item will go before you start decorating. Whether it’s your mantel, dining table, or entryway, having a vision helps you stay organized.
  
• Keep Essentials Handy: Keep hooks, fasteners, and extra extension cords in a designated bin so you’re prepared for any last-minute adjustments.

An organized décor stash means less stress and more time to enjoy the season’s magic and the  fun part of decorating!

3. Tackle the Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holidays when you’re whipping up festive meals and sweet treats. Before you start baking those holiday cookies, take time to declutter and organize your kitchen.

• Clear your countertops: Free up valuable counter space by clearing off small appliances, papers, and any random items that don’t belong. This will give you more room to cook and decorate!
• Declutter the pantry: Go through your pantry and get rid of expired food items or ingredients you know you won’t use. Organize what’s left by grouping similar items together (e.g., baking supplies, snacks, canned goods).
  
• Tidy the fridge: Make room for holiday leftovers and party platters by cleaning out your fridge. Toss anything that’s expired or forgotten, and wipe down shelves for a fresh start.

A well-organized kitchen sets the stage for stress-free holiday cooking and hosting!

4. Make Space for Guests

If you’re hosting holiday guests, now’s the time to get your guest rooms and common areas in order. Preparing your home for visitors ensures they’ll feel comfortable and welcome.

• Declutter the guest room: Clear out any unnecessary items, old clothes, or storage boxes that have found their way into the guest room. Keep the space simple, clean, and inviting.
• Tidy the entryway: Organize shoes, coats, and bags that may clutter your entryway. Consider adding hooks or a small storage bench to keep things tidy during the busy holiday season.
  
• Set up guest essentials: Stock the guest room with fresh linens, towels, and a few toiletries. A little thoughtfulness goes a long way when it comes to making guests feel at home.

By preparing these spaces ahead of time, you’ll avoid the last-minute rush to make your home guest-ready.

5. Simplify Gift Wrapping Supplies

The holidays mean lots of gift giving, which also means wrapping supplies galore. Instead of letting your paper, ribbons, and tags get out of control, take a few moments to organize your wrapping station.

• Designate a wrapping area: Set up a space in your home for gift wrapping, even if it’s just a small corner or table. Keep all your supplies in one place so you’re not scrambling to find tape or scissors.
• Organize by type: Group wrapping paper rolls, gift bags, ribbons, and tags by type for easy access. Use a small bin or caddy to keep everything in order.
  
• Recycle old or damaged supplies: Toss any crumpled or torn wrapping paper and consider donating extra supplies that you won’t use this year.

An organized wrapping station will save you time and stress when it comes to wrapping gifts for friends and family.

6. Create a Donation Box

As you declutter, be sure to keep a donation box handy for items you no longer need or want. The holiday season is a time for giving, and donating gently used clothes, toys, and household items is a great way to spread cheer to those in need.

• Set up a donation box: Designate a box or bin where you can toss items to donate as you go through your decluttering process.
  
• Find local donation centers: Look for local charities or shelters accepting donations during the holidays. Many organizations are in need of extra items during this time of year.

Giving back during the holidays feels great, and it also helps you clear out space in your home for the things that truly matter.

7. Clean before you decorate

• A thorough cleaning after decluttering will set the stage for your festive décor to shine. Plus, it makes the decorating process more enjoyable!
  
• Optimize your layout.  Rearrange furniture to accommodate holiday decor and make space for your Christmas tree or holiday tablescape.

So, before you dive into holiday decorating, take the time to declutter and organize your space. A well-organized home not only makes decorating easier, but it also creates a calm and inviting environment for you and your guests to enjoy throughout the season. By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your home is ready for a festive, clutter-free holiday!

Happy organizing, and enjoy the magic of the season!

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