Levoit’s Guide to Decluttering Your Home: The Holidays Edition

The holidays are right around the corner! While it’s a time to celebrate joy and togetherness with friends and family, they also bring an avalanche of decorations, gifts, and extra clutter. Between the influx of new presents, endless piles of wrapping paper, and seasonal decor, it can feel like your home is overflowing. And one of the biggest holiday headaches? Getting your home organized and decluttered before the holiday rush kicks in. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner, preparing for overnight guests, or just want to enjoy the season in a clean and peaceful space, decluttering is a great way to set the tone for a festive, stress-free season. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of getting your home holiday-ready, don’t worry! This guide will walk you through simple, effective steps to declutter and organize your space, so you can enjoy the holidays without all the extra chaos. 

Why Decluttering Before the Holidays Is Essential 

The holidays are a time when we invite people into our homes—and sometimes, we invite the mess in too. Between all the shopping, decorating, and meal prepping, it’s easy to let clutter take over. But there’s more to decluttering than just tidying up. A clean, organized home can: 

• Create a welcoming atmosphere for guests, making them feel comfortable and relaxed. 

• Reduce stress by giving you a clear, peaceful space to unwind after a busy day. 

• Make cleaning and decorating easier, leaving you more time to enjoy the season. 

• Promote better indoor air quality, which is especially important if you have guests staying over or if you’re sensitive to dust and irritants. 

With the right approach, decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let’s break it down into manageable steps. 

Step 1: Start With the Entryway 

First impressions matter, especially when guests are walking through your door. The entryway is the first space they’ll see, so it’s important to make it inviting. Here’s how to quickly declutter your entryway: 

• Clear out shoes and coats. Create a designated space for guests to hang their coats and leave their shoes. A stylish entryway organizer can help keep everything in order. 

• Remove excess items like old mail, bags, and umbrellas that tend to pile up by the door. 

• Add a seasonal touch. Once everything is tidy, add a decorative element like a seasonal wreath, cozy rug, or a few holiday-themed accessories to get in the holiday spirit. 

Step 2: Tackle High-Traffic Areas 

After the entryway, focus on the living room, dining room, and kitchen—the spaces that will likely get the most use during the holidays. Here are some quick tips for each: 

Living Room 

• Clear the coffee table. Remove any old magazines, random paperwork, or knick-knacks that have accumulated. A clean surface is much more inviting. 

• Organize throw blankets and pillows. Fold up extra blankets and pillows and store them neatly in a basket or bin. 

• Declutter electronics. Tidy up cords, remote controls, and entertainment devices so your living room looks cozy, not chaotic. 

Dining Room 

• Remove extra place settings. Keep your dining table clear to make room for festive meals and holiday decorations. 

• Organize china and utensils. If you’ve been using your dining space for extra storage, clear out unnecessary items from the table and buffet so you can easily set up for meals. 

• Add a holiday centerpiece. A simple festive arrangement can make the space feel holiday-ready without overcrowding the table. 

Kitchen 

• Clean off countertops. Clear any unused appliances, stray dishes, or clutter from your kitchen counters. This will instantly make the space feel more open and functional—something that’s vitally important when it comes to cooking big holiday meals. 

• Tidy up the pantry. Take a few minutes to straighten up your pantry, tossing expired items and organizing the shelves so it’s easier to find what you need when cooking large feasts and baking holiday treats. 

• Take out the trash and recycling. It’s a small task, but removing any accumulated trash will keep the space smelling fresh and leave you plenty of space to toss out potato peels and egg cartons as you prep. 

Step 3: Sort and Purge Items You Don’t Need 

If you’ve been holding on to things “just in case,” now is the perfect time to let them go. The holidays are all about creating space for joy, not clutter, and as new gifts come in, you’ll be glad you made room for them in advance. Here are a few easy ways to "purge” your home before the holidays: 

• Clothes: Go through your closet and donate any items you haven’t worn in the past year. If you’re unsure, ask yourself: “Would I wear this if I had somewhere to go today?” 

• Toys: If you have kids or grandkids, declutter their play areas by sorting through toys and donating the ones they’ve outgrown or no longer play with. Take the time to return individual toy pieces to the set they belong with and group similar types of toys together. 

• Decor: If you have outdated or sentimental decor you no longer use, pass it on to someone else or donate it. 

• Holiday Décor: Check your holiday decorations and toss anything that’s damaged or too worn out to use. Don’t forget to go through your string lights, too! Plug them in to ensure they’re working and swap out any damaged bulbs in advance. This way, you’re left with only functional items you truly love to display. 

Step 4: Organize Seasonal Storage 

You likely have holiday decorations, winter gear, and other seasonal items that only come out once a year. Proper organization is key to making these items easy to access when you need them. Here’s how to keep it all in order: 

• Use clear storage bins for decorations. Label each bin so you can easily find what you need when it’s time to decorate. 

• Store winter clothing in bins. Use airtight bins to store extra coats, scarves, gloves, and boots when they’re not in use. 

• Keep holiday-specific cookware together. If you have holiday-themed dishware or baking pans, store them in one spot so they’re easy to grab during your holiday prep. 

Step 5: Maintain Clean & Fresh Air 

Once the clutter is cleared and your space is organized, it’s time to focus on keeping your home clean and fresh for the holidays. Here are a few simple ways to make sure your home stays inviting: 

• Dust and vacuum regularly. Before guests arrive, give your home a quick once-over with a vacuum and dusting cloth to keep everything fresh. 

• Consider an air purifier. With more people in the house, it’s a good idea to invest in an air purifier to keep the air fresh and reduce irritants that can trigger sniffles. 

• Use natural air fresheners. Freshen up your space with essential oils, a simmering pot of cider, or natural candles to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. 

Quick Decluttering Checklist 

If you're short on time, follow this quick list of things to do before your holiday guests arrive: 

• Entryway: Organize shoes, coats, and clutter. 

• Living Room: Clear coffee tables, organize pillows and blankets, and tidy up electronics. 

• Dining Room: Clear the table, organize holiday china and utensils, and add a holiday centerpiece. 

• Kitchen: Clean countertops and take out the trash. 

• Purge: Donate unused clothes, toys, and decor. 

• Clean: Dust and vacuum. 

Decluttering your home before the holidays doesn’t have to be a stressful chore. By breaking it down into manageable tasks, you can create a clean, organized space that’s ready for both guests and relaxation. Between clearing the entryway, sorting through seasonal items, and maintaining an inviting atmosphere, a little prep goes a long way toward making the holidays feel more peaceful and enjoyable. So, grab a few boxes, put on your favorite holiday tunes, and let’s get your home ready for the season ahead!