While Christmas is a magical time, it can also create overwhelming clutter. With festivities, family gatherings, and gift-giving, my home often resembles Santa's workshop. To tackle this, I kick off December with a thorough pre-Christmas decluttering session.
This process incorporates my year-round decluttering tips, making space for the new holiday treats that come my way.
7 Crucial Pre-Christmas Decluttering Steps
According to Susan Stewart, a professional organizer, 'Clutter accumulates when items come in faster than they go out, especially during the holidays. I refer to pre-holiday decluttering as making room for Santa.'
This preparation is essential for smooth Christmas hosting, preventing last-minute organizing chaos.
1. Clear Out the Pantry
One of my favorite parts of Christmas is indulging in festive foods, especially homemade treats. I often go overboard on my grocery list, so I begin by clearing out my pantry and taking stock of what I already have.
I usually keep my pantry organized year-round, but the holiday season introduces some unusual ingredients like cranberry sauce and stuffing mix. I start by discarding expired items and donating things I won't use, creating a clearer inventory of what remains.
Tina Priestly from Ready, Set, REFRESH advises, 'An organized pantry not only creates space for holiday goodies but also simplifies cooking.'
Next, I arrange what I keep into designated storage solutions. I recommend the Rubbermaid Roughneck Storage Totes available on Amazon for their strength and stackability, making it easy to see what you have and what you need to buy.
With everything organized, I create ample space for my Christmas treats while knowing exactly what to add to my grocery list.
2. Make Room in the Fridge and Freezer
Just like the pantry, the refrigerator and freezer need to be cleared to accommodate pre-cooking tasks. I like to prepare gravy, sauces, stuffing, and roast potatoes in advance, so space is essential.
Starting in early December, I cook and use what's in the freezer, organize it, and go through the fridge to toss anything that's gone bad.
I also take the opportunity to clean the refrigerator with a top-rated cleaner like Lysol Pro Kitchen Spray Cleaner available on Amazon, using a microfiber cloth like the MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth available at Walmart.
3. Prepare Guest Spaces
I often overlook my guest bedroom, using it as a catch-all for clothes and miscellaneous items. The first weekend of December, I declutter this space, finding proper homes for the items stashed there and creating drawer space for guests.
This not only makes them feel more welcome but allows me to incorporate festive decor later. Prioritizing communal spaces for organization is key during the holiday season.
Organizing expert Priestly suggests adding hooks to the door to create the illusion of a larger room, providing space for coats and luggage. She also recommends the Anfeichen Over The Door Organizer available on Amazon, which is waterproof and perfect for various items.
Under-bed storage is another effective solution for keeping the guest room tidy. Priestly suggests storageLAB Under Bed Storage Containers available on Amazon for their sturdy design and easy sliding feature.
Additionally, since I'll likely donate or sell items from the guest room, it's a great chance to declutter while cleaning.
4. Downsize Christmas Decorations
As I decorate for Christmas, I also make it a point to declutter simultaneously. Each decoration gets evaluated for its contribution to my overall theme. If it doesn't fit, it goes into the donation pile.
This method helps me manage my growing ornament collection and simplifies putting everything away come January in my ZOBER Christmas Ornament Storage Box available on Amazon.
It also gives others the chance to shop sustainably and enjoy a greener holiday. If I know someone who would appreciate a specific decoration, I give it to them directly.
Pay attention to any decorations that might harbor mold from improper storage, as these can affect your home's health.
5. Tidy the Entryway and Closet
With guests arriving, it's crucial to organize the entryway. I clear out-of-season shoes and coats, ensuring there's room for guests' belongings. If you don't have one, consider adding a shoe rack, like the Simple Houseware 3-Tier Shoe Rack available on Amazon.
A coat stand, like the Simple Houseware Standing Coat Rack available on Amazon, can also help keep the area organized.
Clearing clutter like mail and keys from the entryway allows me to showcase my festive decorations and provides space for what guests bring.
6. Implement the 20-Minute Declutter Rule
In preparation for Christmas, I use the 20/20 rule: I discard anything that can be replaced for under $20 or takes less than 20 minutes to retrieve. This helps me systematically clear out items I no longer need.
During a weekend, I move through each room, filling a large basket, such as the INDRESSME XXXLarge Cotton Rope Basket available on Amazon.
Most items that I discard can be replaced with more meaningful gifts, but if I truly miss them, they're not impossible to retrieve later. In the meantime, these items can benefit others through charitable donations, like the Adopt an Angel program, which provides toys and clothes to children in need.
7. Declutter Living Spaces
With guests arriving, much of their time will be spent in the living room, and all the gifts will soon clutter the space. The week before Christmas, I apply a living room decluttering checklist to remove unnecessary items.
For instance, I store away coffee table books to create room for festive snacks and games. Non-holiday decor can also go to accommodate seasonal touches.
As I declutter, I keep a sturdy trash bag handy, such as the Hefty Strong Large Trash Bags available on Amazon.
Ultimately, I aim to create a cozy, inviting space with room for relaxation.
FAQs
What Should I Declutter Before Christmas?
When considering the best areas to declutter before Christmas, focus on spaces that will be used for hosting or storing gifts. Areas like the family room and storage closets are ideal starting points. If you have kids, involve them in sorting through their toys to make room for new ones.
Decluttering before Christmas also helps families looking for gifts in thrift stores find great items. Holding off until the New Year means delaying those items that could be cherished during the holidays.
Your pantry is another important area to declutter before your Christmas grocery shopping, ensuring no duplicates and making room for seasonal items.
For expert guidance on pantry decluttering, our detailed guide is helpful.
'Consider hiring a professional organizer for a smoother process,' Stewart advises. 'An organizer can assist you in decluttering both physically and mentally.'
Once you've completed your decluttering, shift your focus to pre-Christmas cleaning to ensure everything is ready for your guests.
