Tips for Decluttering Your Home Before the Holidays

Most of us think of spring as a time to give our homes a good cleaning and refresh. It helps to shed winter and welcome sunnier days. But fall can be an equally good time to dig in and clean. As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of decorating, hosting parties, and opening gifts with loved ones starts to build. Before the festivities begin, create a plan to declutter and deep clean your home.

Tackling decluttering tasks reduces stress and makes decorating more enjoyable and efficient. It also creates a welcoming environment for guests. Here are some smart strategies for decluttering and deep cleaning before the holiday season begins.

Why Declutter Before the Holidays?

Holiday decorations, gifts, and gatherings all bring extra “stuff” into your home. If your space is already cluttered or disorganized, the added layers can create chaos. For older adults, that can raise the risk of a serious fall. Decluttering in advance clears physical and mental space, allowing you to focus on what really matters—enjoying the season.

Here are a few suggestions for a pre-holiday declutter and cleaning:

Step 1: Make a Plan and Set a Timeline

Start by creating a schedule that breaks your home into zones (kitchen, living room, bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.). Assign a day or weekend to each space so you don’t get overwhelmed. Beginning early—ideally in late October or early November—will give you ample time to work at a manageable pace.

Step 2: Declutter Room by Room

In each room, sort items into four categories: keep, donate, discard, and relocate. Be honest with yourself about what you use and love, and why you are hanging on to some items you don’t.

• Living room: Remove old magazines, unused electronics, tangled cords, and excess décor. Make space for holiday decorations and guests.
• Kitchen: Toss expired pantry items, clear countertops, and organize cabinets. Free up space for holiday baking and entertaining.
• Bedrooms: Donate clothing and accessories you haven’t worn in a year. Store off-season items to create more space.
• Bathrooms: Discard expired toiletries and medications. Clean out under-sink storage to prepare for guest use.
• Entryway: Clear shoes, coats, and mail clutter to create a welcoming first impression.

Step 3: Conduct a Deep Clean

Once each area is decluttered, do a thorough deep clean. Here’s a checklist to help you tackle key tasks:

• Dust and wipe down surfaces: Clean the baseboards, ceiling fans, and vents, as well as behind furniture.
• Wash windows and curtains: Let in as much natural light as possible before the shorter days set in.
• Clean upholstery and carpets: Vacuum and shampoo to remove allergens and freshen up your home.
• Disinfect high-touch areas: Wipe down doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls.
• Tackle the kitchen and bathrooms: Scrub sinks, appliances, tile, and grout. Don’t forget inside the fridge and oven.

Step 4: Organize for the Holidays

Once clean and clutter-free, it’s easier to prepare for holiday activities:

• Set up a storage spot for gifts/wrapping supplies: Designate a space in your home to store holiday necessities and gifts so you can keep everything tidy and hidden from prying eyes.
• Create a guest-ready space: Freshen guest rooms with toiletries, personal care items, and clean linens, and make space in closets and drawers. Even if you don’t think you’ll have overnight guests, it’s nice to have a place for visitors to go to touch up their makeup or freshen their hair.
• Prep the dining area: Polish silverware, clean serving dishes, and make sure you have enough seating. Also check that you have enough appetizer plates, napkins, and glasses in case guests drop by unexpectedly. The same goes for your bar. Whether it’s alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages, be certain you are well-stocked.

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