Top 5 Spaces to Declutter Before the Holidays
The holidays bring so much joy - but also a bit of chaos. Between holiday gatherings, meal planning, and gift-giving, it’s easy to feel like you don’t have enough space in your home or in your head for it all! That’s why a little pre-holiday decluttering can be such a game-changer. By creating more breathing room now, you’re not only setting yourself up for a smoother season, but you’re also making space for what truly matters - quality time with loved ones and the comfort of a peaceful home.
Here are five areas to target for a pre-holiday refresh that will make your space feel open, organized, and ready for all the joys of the season.
1. The Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of holiday gatherings, which makes it one of the most important areas to declutter. Start with a pantry cleanout, tossing any expired or almost-empty items taking up valuable space. Then, take stock of holiday essentials like poultry seasoning, flour, sugar, and baking spices, so you’re not caught short in the middle of Thanksgiving turkey prep or a cookie baking session. You can even set up a dedicated shelf or bin for these items to make meal prep and baking easier.
Also consider relocating seasonal kitchen tools - like that big roasting pan or holiday cookie cutters - to an easy-to-access spot. This way, they’re on hand when you need them, and you won’t have to dig through lesser-used items when it’s time to prepare those holiday meals.
Imagine how much easier hosting will feel when you know where everything is. Instead of scrambling to find supplies, you can focus on being present with your family and friends - and perhaps even find time to sit down and relax with them!
2. The Playroom
If you have kids, the playroom can easily turn into a toy-overload zone, especially with the influx of gifts during the holidays. Take a little time now to go through the space with your kids, sorting items into Keep, Donate, and Trash bins. This can be a fun activity for kids, especially if you let them make decisions about which toys to keep or let go. Broken toys, outgrown games, or items they haven’t touched in months can either be donated or recycled.
Involving the kids in this process can help them feel empowered - and might even prevent a meltdown later if they notice a toy is missing! When they know they’re clearing the space for exciting new gifts, they’re often more willing to say goodbye to the old items they’ve outgrown.
This is also a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about generosity and giving back. Encourage kids to donate gently-used toys that they’ve outgrown, knowing that they’ll bring lots of joy to other children. This simple act fosters gratitude and empathy and helps them see that the holidays aren’t just about receiving - it’s about creating happiness for others, too!
3. Closets
Storage closets can feel like a hidden treasure trove of unused items - especially the guest room closet, if it’s been used as a catch-all. Clearing out these spaces will free up room for guests’ belongings, so they feel welcomed and comfortable during their stay. This might mean vacuum-sealing off-season clothes to save space or even clearing out a few drawers.
Don’t forget the coat closet! If yours is bursting with winter gear you don’t often wear, consider donating the extras to a local shelter or charity that can put them to good use. Simplifying this space will make it easier to find what you need, and your guests won’t have to wrestle through your coats to find a spot for their own.
Picture greeting guests without the stress of last-minute closet reshuffling. They’ll feel more at home with space for their things, and you’ll feel more at ease knowing the clutter is under control.
4. Family Room
Common spaces can easily collect clutter, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. With holiday decor on its way in, it’s helpful to start with a blank slate. Begin by packing away non-seasonal decorations and temporarily storing items you don’t regularly need.
Decorative storage baskets can be lifesavers for items that tend to pile up in the living room, like remote controls, chargers, or books. With baskets, everything has a home, but the room stays tidy and welcoming. Not only does this make your space look pulled-together, but it also clears space for those holiday decorations.
When it’s time to host a holiday gathering, you’ll feel ready to welcome guests into a space that’s both beautiful and functional. You’ll be able to keep the room cozy without stressing about where everything will go!
5. Garage or Basement Storage
Garages and basements often turn into storage spaces for things we don’t know what to do with - especially holiday decorations. Start by categorizing your decorations by season - this simple system can help avoid frustration.
As you go through these items, ask yourself if there are decorations you didn’t use last year or don’t plan to use this year. Consider donating these items instead of letting them take up valuable space in storage. Set up a donation box in the garage or basement as you’re pulling out decorations so that you can easily set aside the items you’re ready to say goodbye to.
Decluttering Makes the Season More Enjoyable
When you clear out the physical clutter, you’re creating mental space, too. Pre-holiday decluttering leads to less scrambling, more peace of mind, and a sense of control over your environment during a busy time of year. You’re setting yourself up to enjoy the moments that matter - whether it’s seeing the joy on your child’s face as they open a gift, welcoming family and friends, or simply relaxing in a space that feels festive and calm.
Hi there! I’m Kristen, and I’m a professional organizer and owner of Simplified Professional Organizing in Pittsburgh, PA. My team and I absolutely love helping people simplify their homes, businesses, and day-to-day lives. No matter where you’re at in your organizing journey, we’re here to help.
Click HERE to schedule a complimentary consultation to talk about how we can help you eliminate the overwhelm and reclaim space in life for what truly matters most!
Simplified Professional Organizing offers professional organizing, decluttering, downsizing, moving concierge, renovation concierge, packing, unpacking, move management, productivity coaching, and ADHD coaching services in Pittsburgh, PA.
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