The holiday season is upon us, and while it’s the perfect time for celebration, warmth, and gathering with loved ones, it’s also the season where many of us start feeling overwhelmed by the amount of stuff we’ve accumulated throughout the year. Decluttering before the holidays isn’t just a great way to make your home feel more organized and peaceful, but it also helps you create space for all the wonderful things this season brings: gifts, decorations, and maybe even a little more room to breathe!
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. We’re here to help with a friendly, step-by-step guide on how to declutter your home before the holidays. We’ll walk you through deciding what to keep, what to toss, and how to maintain that clutter-free vibe even after the celebrations are over.
Why Declutter Before the Holidays?
First, let’s talk about why this is the perfect time to declutter. The holiday season often means visitors, new decorations, and an influx of gifts. If your space is already feeling cramped, all that holiday cheer can quickly turn into holiday stress. By taking the time to clear out items you no longer need, you’ll create a more open, inviting home—perfect for entertaining guests or simply enjoying your own cozy, clutter-free space.
Additionally, decluttering before the holidays allows you to give back. Many charitable organizations run donation drives around this time, making it the perfect opportunity to pass on gently used items to those who could really benefit from them.
So, let’s dive into what to keep and what to toss!
Room-by-Room Decluttering Guide
1. Living Room
The living room is the heart of the home during the holidays. It’s where you’ll likely gather for holiday movies, hot cocoa, and unwrapping presents. But if your living room is cluttered with unnecessary items, it can feel more stressful than joyful.
Keep: Comfortable furniture, seasonal décor (think cozy blankets, pillows, or holiday decorations), and items that bring you joy.
Toss: Old magazines, excess décor (like too many throw pillows or candles that never get used), and outdated electronics that don’t work anymore. If you have DVDs or books you never touch, consider donating them to a local library or community center.
2. Kitchen
The kitchen is where holiday magic happens, from baking cookies to preparing grand meals. But a cluttered kitchen can make holiday cooking more of a hassle than a joy.
Keep: Kitchen gadgets you regularly use, quality cookware, and essential utensils.
Toss: Duplicate or broken items. If you have three potato peelers, it’s time to let two of them go. Same goes for chipped dishes, old spices, and expired food. Donate unopened, non-perishable items to a food bank to help those in need this season.
3. Bedrooms
Your bedroom should be a sanctuary—a place to unwind and relax after a busy holiday day. If your bedroom is full of clutter, it might not feel as restful as it should.
Keep: Clothing that fits and makes you feel good, comfortable bedding, and sentimental items that truly mean something to you.
Toss: Anything that’s worn out or hasn’t been worn in over a year. This includes clothing, shoes, and accessories. Donate gently used items to a shelter or clothing drive.
4. Closets
Closets are notorious for being clutter magnets. If you open your closet and feel like you can’t find anything, it’s time for a purge.
Keep: Items you wear regularly, versatile clothing pieces, and shoes in good condition.
Toss: Anything you haven’t worn in over a year, clothing that no longer fits, and shoes that are uncomfortable or damaged. Be sure to donate any gently used items in good condition.
5. Bathrooms
A cluttered bathroom can make your daily routine feel chaotic, especially when you’re getting ready for holiday parties or family gatherings.
Keep: Essential toiletries, quality towels, and skincare products you actually use.
Toss: Expired products, half-used bottles you’ll never finish, and old towels that have seen better days. Many shelters appreciate donations of unused toiletries, so consider giving any extras to those in need.
6. Home Office
If you work from home or simply have a dedicated space for bills and paperwork, it can easily become cluttered with documents and miscellaneous items.
Keep: Important documents (like tax forms and contracts), a clear desk space, and necessary office supplies.
Toss: Junk mail, outdated paperwork, old pens that don’t work, and broken office equipment. Recycle paper and donate any working electronics you no longer need.
7. Garage and Attic
Out of sight, out of mind—but that doesn’t mean these spaces should be ignored. Garages and attics can become dumping grounds for items you don’t know what to do with, but the holiday season is the perfect time to sort through these spaces.
Keep: Seasonal decorations, tools you use regularly, and sentimental items that have a place in your home.
Toss: Broken tools, unused sports equipment, and old holiday decorations you haven’t put up in years. Recycle what you can, and donate working items to local charities.
What About Holiday Decorations?
It’s easy to go overboard with holiday decorations, especially when you’re caught up in the festive spirit.
However, too many decorations can make your home feel cluttered rather than cozy.
Keep: Decorations that hold sentimental value, quality pieces that will last for years, and items that fit the current style of your home.
Toss: Decorations that are broken, outdated, or ones you no longer love. If you haven’t put certain items out in the past few years, it’s a sign they may have outlived their usefulness. Consider donating gently used décor to families who may need some holiday cheer.
Tips for Maintaining a Clutter-Free Home After the Holidays
Once the holidays are over, it’s easy to fall back into old habits and let clutter pile up again. Here are some tips to keep your home organized well into the new year:
Set a one-in, one-out rule: For every new item you bring into your home, try to donate or toss something old. This helps prevent clutter from accumulating again.
Create dedicated spaces: Ensure that every item in your home has a “home.” If something doesn’t have a place, it’s more likely to become clutter.
Regularly assess your belongings: Make decluttering a regular part of your routine. Every few months, take a quick inventory of each room and get rid of anything that’s no longer serving a purpose.
Get Help with Your Holiday Cleaning
Decluttering your home can feel like a big task, especially during the busy holiday season. If you need a hand getting your home ready for guests, decorations, or simply a fresh start for the new year, Premium Clean is here to help. Our expert team can assist with deep cleaning, organizing, and making your home shine just in time for the holidays.
Ready to get started? Contact Premium Clean today for a free Online Quote, and let us help you make your home feel clean, cozy, and clutter-free this holiday season!
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