7 Key Areas to Declutter Before Christmas for a Stress-Free Holiday

With Christmas just around the corner, your thoughts may be on gifts, decorations, and festive gatherings. However, decluttering might not be high on your priority list. Yet, taking time to tidy up before the holidays can alleviate the chaos and simplify post-celebration clean-up.

Experts share essential areas to focus on for a festive and organized home, allowing you to avoid any holiday headaches.

7 Key Areas to Declutter Before Christmas

1. The Entryway

Your entryway sets the tone for your home. A clutter-free space is inviting, especially with increased foot traffic from guests. Di Ter Avest, a professional organizer, recommends clearing out off-season shoes and organizing your coat rack. Designate a space for visitors to drop their belongings, enhancing the warm welcome you offer.

If space is tight, consider removing non-essential furniture to accommodate holiday decorations and temporary storage solutions like hooks and baskets. Leave some hooks open for additional coats, and place baskets for hats and scarves, making it easy for guests to settle in.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

These festive wicker baskets are perfect for guests to store their items as they arrive.

This sturdy coat rack is stylish and easy to assemble, making it a great temporary solution for the holiday season.

This wall-mounted coat rack, featuring ten triple hooks, accommodates everyone's outerwear effortlessly.

2. The Guest Bedroom

A welcoming guest bedroom should be a serene retreat, not a cluttered space. Di Ter Avest suggests clearing out the closet and dresser of random items to create storage for your guests' belongings.

If space is limited, consider a clothing rail for additional hanging space. A sturdy option can be found at SLEEPING LAMB Heavy Duty Clothing Rack.

Freshen linens with a fabric refresher like Febreze Fabric Spray, and add personal touches like candles or notes to make guests feel special.

Don't overlook the bathroom; ensure there's space in the cabinet and remove personal items for a neutral environment.

This foldable clothes rail maximizes closet space and is easy to store when not in use.

This vanilla and winter woods candle creates a cozy atmosphere and offers a long burn time.

Consider providing luxury toiletries like this cruelty-free body wash to make your guests feel pampered.

3. Food Storage

With holiday feasts ahead, your refrigerator may quickly fill up. Start by organizing your fridge and freezer simultaneously to maximize space and cleanliness.

Clear expired items, wipe down surfaces, and keep a box of baking soda handy for deodorizing.

As Lauren Allen, an organization expert, notes, a tidy fridge encourages cooking and allows you to monitor ingredients. Categorize items and label leftovers for better visibility. Have Ziploc bags ready for quick storage solutions.

Similarly, decluttering your pantry involves removing items you no longer use and integrating storage solutions like bins and risers for a more organized space.

These durable storage bins are ideal for keeping your pantry tidy and visible.

These shelf risers expand for efficient storage and are easy to assemble.

These baskets offer additional storage options and are rust-resistant for durability.

4. Kitchen Countertops

When preparing for holiday entertaining, maximize your kitchen counter space. A clean countertop encourages socializing in the heart of your home.

Kate Ibbotson, a member of APDO, suggests decluttering cabinets first. Items you seldom use can be moved to create more space for essentials.

Next, clear everything from your countertops and sort through items individually.

5. The Playroom

If you have kids, the playroom is a perfect area to organize before Christmas. Donate toys no longer in use to let other families benefit from them.

Encourage children to join in the process of selecting which toys to keep and which to donate, fostering a spirit of generosity.

Using a method like the Reverse Advent Calendar can make decluttering fun for everyone.

As expert Michelle Hansen points out, this process helps refine wish lists for gifts, focusing on what they truly want or need.

Plus, a tidy playroom simplifies keeping things organized when guests arrive during the holidays.

6. The Home Office

Although it may be tempting to ignore your home office as the holidays approach, clearing this space now sets you up for a productive start in the New Year. Michelle Rosen, a professional organizer, emphasizes this point.

Decluttering your workspace helps eliminate the clutter of past projects and prepares you for future tasks.

This desk organizer features compartments for your stationery and paperwork.

This rotating holder keeps your writing utensils organized and easily accessible.

Use this accordion file organizer to keep important documents secure and organized.

7. The Linen Closet

Laura Price suggests organizing your linen closet before Christmas to simplify changing sheets for guests. Eliminate any worn towels or mismatched sheets. Bundle bedding sets together for easy access.

FAQs

Should You Declutter Before or After Christmas?

It's best to declutter before Christmas to prepare for the influx of gifts and guests. A tidy home contributes to a peaceful mindset during this bustling season.

That said, some post-Christmas tidying will still be necessary to maintain order after the festivities.

Additionally, don't forget to tackle essential pre-Christmas cleaning tasks to ensure your home is welcoming and ready for the holiday season.