Make the Season Bright by Decluttering before Christmas
Happy Thanksgiving from Good Help Organizing!
Thanksgiving is breathing right down our necks, and Christmas will be here before we know it! Your friendly neighborhood professional organizer is here to help you tackle the season with less stress and more joy.
The holidays often bring a mix of excitement and anxiety, as we prepare to give, gather, and celebrate. But what if this year, you could enjoy the season without feeling like you’re constantly playing catch-up? One way to get ahead of the holiday rush is by decluttering before those gifts, decorations, and houseguests arrive.
This doesn’t mean launching into a full-home decluttering overhaul (unless you want to!). Instead, a targeted approach can free up space for holiday cheer without adding overwhelm to your to-do list.
Focus Areas for Decluttering
To make the biggest impact before the holidays, I recommend starting with these key areas:
Living room: Make space for decorations, gifts, and gatherings.
Guest room: Ensure your guests have a welcoming and uncluttered place to stay.
Toys & kids’ rooms: Create room for the new gifts that are sure to come.
Kitchen: Clear counters and cupboards for holiday baking and entertaining.
Decorations: Pare down to the items you truly love and display.
A Simple Decluttering Plan
Follow this four-step process to make decluttering manageable and effective:
1. Toss the Trash
Start with the obvious. Every space has items that can go straight into the trash or recycling:
Wrinkled papers
Boxes and packing stuff
Broken ornaments and toys
Mystery remotes for long-gone devices
Even if you stop here, you’ve already made a difference in your space!
2. Relocate What Belongs Elsewhere
Use a box or basket to gather up items that don’t belong in the space. For example:
The Easter decoration hiding in the Christmas bin
A misplaced doll or puzzle piece
Random things your dog drug in from another room
Forgotten returns stashed in a guest room closet
Items you already decluttered once that got shoved in a closet or corner
Once you’ve gathered these items, resist the urge to put them away immediately—finish decluttering the space first to avoid getting sidetracked.
3. Remove What’s Not Being Used
Take a closer look:
Decorations that haven’t been displayed in years
Decorations you’ve never actually liked (we all have them!)
Toys your kids have outgrown
Last year’s Christmas jammies that no longer fit anyone
Pandemic-era kitchen gadgets you haven’t touched in ages
This is a great chance to create space for the things you truly enjoy and use.
4. Ask the Hard Questions
Now, it’s time to get intentional. Use these prompts to help you decide what stays:
What’s on our Christmas list, and where will it go? Your home is a container, and every container has limits. If your teen’s list includes hoodies, check their closet (or under their bed) to see if space needs to be made. Planning for a Ninja Creami? Identify a cabinet or pantry spot, and remove something else to make room.
How many guests are coming, and do we have room? Ensure there’s space for people to sit, eat, and sleep comfortably. These can certainly be temporary solutions (you don’t need a new dining set!), but make sure you have space for extra people.
Does this item still align with our current stage of life? For example, if your kids have outgrown certain hobbies or you’ve transitioned out of hosting elaborate holiday dinners, let go of items that no longer suit your family’s needs or lifestyle.
Would I buy this again today? This question can reveal a lot about whether an item is truly valuable to you or if you’re holding onto it out of guilt or habit.
These questions encourage mindful decision-making and help you prioritize what truly belongs in your home.
Donate for the Season of Giving
If your decluttering efforts yield items in good condition, consider donating them right away. The earlier you drop them off at a thrift store, shelter, or charity, the sooner they can benefit someone else this holiday season.
Less Stuff, Less Stress
A little decluttering can go a long way toward making the holidays more enjoyable. But if this still feels overwhelming, you don’t have to go it alone. Hiring a professional organizer can provide the support, motivation, and expertise you need to create a welcoming and clutter-free home for the holidays.
With less stuff and more space, you can focus on what matters most—cherishing the holidays by spending time with loved ones and celebrating the joy of the season!
Oh hey there! I’m Ashley, and I love my job as a professional home organizer in Jamestown, ND.
I help people clear clutter and get their homes organized. Judgement is not included in my services! No matter your starting point, we can declutter, organize and set you up in a space that works for you. We’ll work together and when I leave, you’ll have the systems to keep it up. Click HERE to schedule a complimentary consultation to chat about how I can help you be the boss of your stuff.
