Here’s what you should do before hauling out the holly.
Do you take a few moments to declutter before the holidays?
The holidays bring joy, family, and festive traditions—but they also bring stuff. Decorations, gifts, guests, food, and travel gear can pile up quickly. If your home is already cluttered, the season can go from magical to overwhelming in a hurry.
That’s why it’s so important to declutter before the holidays. By taking a little time now to clear out what you don’t need, you’ll free up space for decorations, reduce holiday stress clutter, and make room to enjoy new memories without feeling cramped. Think of it as a seasonal reset—a way to prepare your home for joy.
Let’s dive into some practical holiday decluttering tips that will help you get ready without the overwhelm.
Why Pre-Holiday Decluttering Matters
Before you haul out the holly, pause for a quick pre-holiday declutter. This step makes everything else—decorating, cooking, hosting—easier and more enjoyable.
More space for décor and guests
Holiday decorations deserve to shine, but if your surfaces are already crowded, they can look messy instead of festive. Clearing out the everyday clutter makes your seasonal décor pop. You’ll also have more space for overnight guests and gatherings.
Less stress when hosting
Hosting is stressful enough—don’t let clutter add to it. Clutter increases cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, making it harder to relax and focus. Declutter before the holidays so your focus is on enjoying company, not apologizing for the mess.
Easier to enjoy new gifts and traditions
The holidays often bring an influx of new items—presents, kitchen gadgets, cozy blankets. By organizing before the holiday season, you create space to welcome them without chaos.
Start with the High-Traffic Areas
Not sure where to begin? Target the spaces where clutter builds fast and guests are most likely to see.
Entryway
Coats, shoes, and bags pile up quickly. Hang only current outerwear, store out-of-season items, and use baskets for accessories. A tidy entry sets the tone for your whole home.
Kitchen
The kitchen is the hub of holiday activity. Clear counters of appliances you don’t use daily. Toss expired pantry items to make space for holiday groceries. A quick pantry check doubles as an organize before holiday season prep step.
Living Room
This is where décor, gatherings, and gift opening happen. Clear surfaces of papers, random knickknacks, and unused décor. Leave space for seasonal touches like garlands, candles, or a tree.
Guest Areas
If you’ll be hosting, now’s the time to declutter spare rooms. Remove piles of storage boxes, old linens, or forgotten laundry baskets. Freshen the space so guests feel welcome.
Quick Decluttering Wins Before the Holidays
Decluttering doesn’t need to take days. Use these simple holiday decluttering tips for fast wins:
10-minute tidy sessions
Set a timer and focus on one small space—like a junk drawer, shelf, or bathroom counter. You’ll be amazed how much progress you make in just 10 minutes.
One bag rule
Challenge yourself to fill one donation bag before the holiday season starts. Outgrown clothes, duplicate kitchenware, or toys no longer used can all go. It’s a quick and satisfying declutter for Christmas preparation.
Declutter décor, too
Holiday decorations can pile up over the years. Before adding more, check your storage bins. Toss broken lights, frayed garlands, or outdated ornaments you never use. Keeping only what you love makes decorating more joyful.
How to Involve the Whole Family
Decluttering is lighter (and more fun) when everyone pitches in.
- Family declutter challenge: Give each person a goal, like finding five things to donate. (Interlink with your 30 Items in 30 Days Declutter Challenge.)
- Assign spaces: Kids can tackle toys, teens can sort clothes, adults can focus on shared areas.
- Make it fun: Put on holiday music, set a timer, and reward progress with cocoa or cookies.
Emotional Clutter: Letting Go Without Guilt
The holidays stir up emotions, and decluttering can trigger guilt—especially with gifts or sentimental items. Here’s how to declutter memories guilt-free:
- Gift guilt: You don’t have to keep every gift you’ve ever received. The love was in the giving, not in the object.
- Sentimental clutter: Choose one or two keepsakes instead of dozens. Curating is more meaningful than keeping everything. (Interlink with your Decluttering Sentimental Items post.)
- Shift perspective: Letting go of excess makes the treasures you keep even more special.
Declutter Now, Stress Less Later
When you declutter before the holidays, you’re giving yourself the gift of less stress.
- Hosting becomes smoother with less to clean.
- Guests feel more welcome in open, inviting spaces.
- Your home feels calmer, so you can focus on joy instead of clutter.
Holiday prep isn’t just about recipes and decorations—it’s about creating a space that supports the season.
Declutter Before the Holidays to Reduce Christmastime Stress
The holidays should be filled with joy at Christmas, not stress. A little pre-holiday declutter helps you make room for décor, welcome guests with ease, and embrace the season without feeling buried in stuff.
Start small: clear one drawer, fill one donation bag, or toss one broken strand of lights. Each step frees up space for the traditions and memories you truly value. This year, give yourself the gift of a calmer, more joyful holiday home.
