Preparing for the Holidays with a Decluttered Home

The holidays are just around the corner, and as much as I love this festive season, it can be a whirlwind of activity. From hosting family gatherings to decorating, cooking, and managing endless to-do lists, things can quickly feel chaotic. One thing that makes the season so much more enjoyable is having a decluttered, organised home as the foundation.

For me, decluttering before the holidays is not just about tidying up; it’s about creating a space that feels calm and inviting. It sets the tone for a stress-free and joyous season. If you’re looking to do the same, let me walk you through how to prepare your home for the holidays with some straightforward decluttering strategies.

Start with a Pre-Holiday Declutter

Before you start decking the halls, it’s a good idea to take a step back and assess your space. Think about what areas tend to get the most chaotic during the holidays—perhaps the kitchen, the living room, or the guest bedroom. Focus your efforts there first.

For me, the kitchen is always my priority because it’s the heart of holiday gatherings. Clearing out expired pantry items, old spices, and any unused gadgets makes room for the festive cooking frenzy. It’s also a great time to clean out the fridge and freezer. After all, you’ll need space for all the extra food and treats that come with the season!

Create a Festive Donation Box

The holidays are a season of giving, so why not start by giving back? As you declutter, create a festive donation box for items that are in good condition but no longer serve you. This could be clothing, toys, or even kitchen items you no longer need.

I like to make it a family activity, especially if you have children. It’s a lovely way to teach them about generosity and the spirit of the season. Plus, it’s easier to let go of items when you know they’ll bring joy to someone else.

Declutter Your Decorations

Decorating for the holidays is one of my favourite traditions, but it can easily turn into a stressful activity if I’m rummaging through boxes of tangled lights and broken baubles. Before putting up your decorations, take some time to declutter them.

I like to go through my collection and ask myself, “Do I still love this? Does it fit with my current holiday style?” Anything broken or no longer used gets recycled or tossed. I also store my decorations in clear, labelled bins so they’re easy to find and pack away after the season.

Maximise Your Storage Spaces

If you’re hosting guests over the holidays, chances are you’ll need every bit of storage space you can find. This is a good time to tidy up storage areas like wardrobes, cupboards, and the garage.

For the guest bedroom, I always make sure there’s space in the wardrobe and drawers for visitors to store their belongings. It’s a small gesture that makes a big difference to their comfort.

In the garage or storage room, I try to create zones for holiday-specific items like extra chairs, serving platters, or even wrapping paper. Having these items organised and accessible can save so much time and stress during the busy season.

Streamline Your Everyday Spaces

During the holidays, your home tends to work overtime. The dining table might double as a gift-wrapping station, and the living room could become a hub for game nights or cosy movie marathons. To make these spaces functional, it’s important to streamline them now.

For instance, I like to clear out unnecessary items from the coffee table and side tables in the living room. This creates space for festive decorations, snacks, or hot cocoa mugs without the clutter. Similarly, clearing off counters in the kitchen makes it easier to cook and serve meals.

Simplify Gift-Wrapping Supplies

Do you have a stash of gift-wrapping supplies that’s a bit all over the place? Before the holiday rush, take a moment to organise them.

I use a simple wrapping station—a basket or box with wrapping paper rolls, ribbons, scissors, and tape. Keeping everything together in one spot saves me from the frantic search for missing supplies when I’m wrapping gifts at the last minute.

Create a Decluttered Guest Space

If you’re hosting family or friends overnight, a welcoming guest space is essential. Decluttering the room is the first step to making it feel inviting.

I start by clearing out anything that doesn’t belong in the room—old paperwork, out-of-season clothes, or anything random that’s found its way there. I also make sure the bed is made with fresh linens and add a few thoughtful touches like a small basket of toiletries or a festive candle.

Stay Consistent with Daily Decluttering

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that daily decluttering can make a huge difference during the holidays. Instead of letting clutter pile up, take a few minutes each day to tidy up.

It could be as simple as putting away stray items in the living room or sorting through the post as soon as it arrives. These small efforts add up and keep your home feeling calm and organised, even during the busiest weeks.

Enjoy the Festive Season

Once your home is decluttered and organised, take a moment to enjoy it. Light a festive candle, put on your favourite holiday playlist (who doesn’t love a bit of Wham and Mariah), and soak in the atmosphere of your beautifully prepared space.

A decluttered home isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an environment where you can truly relax and connect with your loved ones. The holidays are a time for joy, and having a clutter-free space allows you to focus on what really matters.

Preparing your home for the holidays with a decluttered approach is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your family. By starting early and tackling one area at a time, you’ll avoid the last-minute rush and create a home that’s ready to welcome the festive season with open arms.

I hope these tips inspire you to embrace a clutter-free holiday. If you’ve got any favourite decluttering strategies or stories, I’d love to hear them—let’s make this season the most organised and joyful one yet!

Hope this helps you prepare for the holiday season.
Thanks
Shelina