10 Things You Should Declutter Before Guests Arrive for Christmas, According to Organizers

The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness, but it can also feel overwhelming if your home is cluttered. Before the Christmas decorations go up and the festivities begin, take a moment to declutter your space. Here are 10 things to declutter before Christmas to help you create a cozy, welcoming home for the season.

1. Old Holiday Decorations

Pull out your holiday decorations early and take a critical look at them. Are there broken ornaments, tangled lights, or decor items that no longer suit your style? Toss the damaged items and donate decorations you haven’t used in years. This will make decorating a more enjoyable experience and free up storage space.

2. Outgrown or Unused Clothing

Winter clothing takes up a lot of closet space. Go through your coats, sweaters, and scarves and set aside anything you or your family no longer wear. Many charities accept winter clothing donations, and this small act can make a big difference for someone in need during the colder months.

3. Toys and Games

If you have children, now is the perfect time to declutter their toy collection. Involve them in the process by explaining that they can make room for new gifts by donating toys they no longer play with. This can also teach them the value of giving during the holiday season.

4. Expired Food in the Pantry

The holiday season often involves extra cooking and baking, so a clean and organized pantry is essential. Check expiration dates on canned goods, spices, and other items. Discard anything past its prime and donate unopened, non-expired items you won’t use to a local food bank.

5. Books and Magazines

Stacks of books and magazines can quickly make a home feel cluttered. Donate books you’ve already read and recycle old magazines. This will create more room for any new reading materials you might receive as gifts.

6. Random Junk Drawers

Everyone has at least one junk drawer filled with miscellaneous items like old batteries, pens, and takeout menus. Dedicate 15 minutes to sorting through it. Keep only what’s useful and toss or recycle the rest. A tidy junk drawer will make finding everyday essentials much easier.

7. Kitchen Gadgets and Appliances

With holiday cooking on the horizon, it’s a good time to declutter your kitchen. Do you have duplicate gadgets or appliances you never use? Donate or sell these items to free up counter and cabinet space. A streamlined kitchen can make holiday meal prep far less stressful.

8. Old Gift Wrap and Supplies

Go through your stash of gift wrap, ribbons, and bags. Recycle anything torn or crumpled and organize what’s left. Consider using reusable gift wrap options, like fabric or decorative boxes, to reduce waste and clutter in the future.

9. Broken or Outdated Electronics

Take a moment to declutter electronics that are no longer functional or needed, such as old phones, chargers, or remote controls. Many communities have e-waste recycling programs, making it easy to dispose of these items responsibly.

10. Unused Furniture and Decor

If you’re hosting guests for the holidays, decluttering furniture and decor can create a more open and inviting space. Consider moving oversized or unused furniture to storage or selling it online. This will allow you to arrange your home to better accommodate your holiday plans.

Tips for Staying Organized After Decluttering

Once you’ve decluttered, aim to maintain the newfound organization by adopting a few simple habits:

• One In, One Out Rule: For every new item you bring into your home, remove an old one.

• Daily Clean-Up: Spend 10 minutes each day tidying up to prevent clutter from accumulating.

• Storage Solutions: Use bins, baskets, and shelves to keep items neatly organized.

By tackling these decluttering tasks before Christmas, you’ll create a calm and organized environment that’s perfect for celebrating the holiday season. Not only will your home look and feel better, but you’ll also reduce stress and make room for the things that truly matter—family, friends, and the joy of giving.