Decluttering Your Home for the Holidays

When we turn back the clocks in November we become painfully aware that the clock is ticking quickly towards Christmas Day.
Does your anxiety level go up as you realize that your home is too full, messy, or disorganized to enjoy hosting guests this holiday season?

Does your heart sink at the thought of new gifts, toys, clothes, and gadgets coming into your home and adding to the clutter that’s already there? Although the holidays are meant to bring joy, excitement, and magical moments shared with family and friends, the holiday season can also bring a huge amount of stress.

Decluttering in November is a great way to prepare for the holiday season. Clutter makes things more difficult to manage, and often is comprised of things you don’t need or want anyway so why not get rid of them. Take a look at these quick and easy tips to help you declutter your home before the holiday season arrives.

Make a plan to Conquer the Clutter 

Don't look at your entire home as one big decluttering project as this can be a bit overwhelming. Don’t try to do everything at once. Instead, start by deciding which rooms or ‘clutter-zones’ you want to tackle, and then set a completion date for each space.
I recommend you go room by room and put away, donate or dispose of any items that are cluttering your space. If you set realistic goals and do a bit at a time, you’ll avoid feeling frustrated and overwhelmed.

Coat Closet 

Want to shut the door and forget the mess? Don't do it!
Make room for guests' coats by donating any coats that you no longer want and that are just taking up valuable closet space. Warm coats, mittens and scarves are in high demand this time of year.                    
If you are still short on space then layer existing coats, two on one sturdy hanger and slide everything to one side.
Add extra hangers for holiday guests if needed.

Living Areas 

If you're entertaining at all over the holidays you'll want your main living areas to be clutter-free so you have space for your guests to enjoy themselves. Rooms like your living room, dining room and family room will probably be the busiest areas in your home during the holidays, so it’s a good idea to spend some time decluttering them.         
Start by getting rid of old magazines and newspapers and sort through that stack of mail that’s been piling up. This is a great time of year to donate items such as games, toys, electronic devices, books and DVD’s to a good cause.

Kitchen

Decluttering your kitchen is a great way to make room for all the goodies you'll be making over the holidays. Don't forget that holiday entertaining often turns into "kitchen parties" so its imperative to de-clutter flat surfaces in your kitchen.                                   
To make more room for prepping, store or get rid of the gadgets and small appliances that you never use. Next, clean out the pantry and the refrigerator by tossing out expired food.
Keep a notepad handy to make a list of items that need replenishing.

Guest Room 

If you are like me the guest room becomes a dumping ground for anything that doesn’t have a home. It’s a good idea to address this area weeks before your guests arrive to help reduce some of the stress. Put away, donate or dispose of any items that do not belong. Tidy out the closet or dresser drawers so they are available for your guests.

Children's Bedrooms

November provides an ideal opportunity to donate gently used toys. There are endless charities, all in need of used toys, games and craft supplies. Get your children involved in the process.
Children are generally very generous. If you ask them to collect some toys that they are willing to part with for a good cause, they will most likely rise to the occasion. A recycled gift may be the only present a child receives this holiday season.
This may also be a good opportunity to part with clothing items that
are ill-fitting or no longer serve a purpose.


Simplifying your home in time for the holidays is the perfect set-up for enjoying this season of peace, joy and togetherness.
Hopefully, these simple suggestions will help you get started.
If you need an extra set of hands to help you transform your space, don't hesitate to contact us to set up an appointment. Let us help you get your home in order so you can enjoy the holiday season …..stress-free.