10 Tips to Declutter Your Home Before the Holidays (Room by Room)

by Barb Cooper

Key takeaways

Work room by room: Start with high-traffic areas, such as the entryway, living room, and kitchen, before moving on to bedrooms and bathrooms.
Make space for holiday essentials: Clear countertops, dining tables, closets, and storage areas to accommodate decorations, gifts, and visiting guests.
Declutter before deep cleaning: Removing unnecessary items first makes it easier to clean surfaces and prepare your home for gatherings.
Create a simple sorting system: Use donation boxes, relocation baskets, and labeled storage containers to keep clutter from accumulating again.
Focus on function, not perfection: Prioritize comfortable, welcoming spaces where you and your guests can enjoy the holiday season.

Holiday decorations, gifts, extra food, and overnight guests can quickly make an already-full home feel crowded. Decluttering ahead of time can give you more room for the things you’ll actually use during the season and make hosting a little easier.

Whether you're preparing a home in Hyde Park or making room for guests in South Congress, a little organization can go a long way. In this guide, we'll share 10 room-by-room tips to help you clear clutter, organize everyday essentials, and get your home ready for the festivities.

1. Start with the entryway and coat closet

Your entryway sets the tone for your home, especially during the holidays when guests arrive with coats, bags, and shoes. Before decorating, take a few minutes to clear out anything that doesn't belong or isn't needed for the season. This will help create a welcoming entrance and give visitors space to settle in comfortably.

Krista Heimann of Ace Of Space Organizing recommends starting small to make the process less overwhelming. “Do a quick reset of the living room, and make a little room in the guest room closet so your guests don't have to live out of a suitcase. If you need a little extra motivation, turn on some holiday music to get you in the spirit. Keep a donation bag with you the whole way, and by the time the first guest knocks, you'll be calm and ready.”

To declutter your entryway:

Sort through coats and shoes: Store out-of-season items elsewhere and donate pieces you no longer wear.
Clear surfaces: Remove loose mail, keys, bags, and other items that tend to collect near the front door.
Organize everyday essentials: Use a shoe rack, hooks, or baskets to keep frequently used items contained.
Make room for guests: Leave enough hangers and open space for visitors' coats, hats, and bags.

2. Declutter the living room and shared spaces

The living room is often one of the busiest areas during the holidays, serving as a place to visit with family, exchange gifts, and relax. Before bringing out seasonal decorations, clear away everyday clutter so the room feels open and comfortable. Focus on creating enough seating and usable surface space rather than trying to make everything look perfect.

“Start with the rooms where you’ll spend the most time during the holidays, such as the living room, kitchen, and dining area,” recommends Jennifer Ross, professional organizer and owner of The Spruce Goose Organizers. “Clear off surfaces, put away things that don’t belong, and make room for guests to sit, eat, and gather comfortably.”

Try these living room decluttering steps:

Clear coffee tables and side tables: Put away remote controls, paperwork, and miscellaneous belongings that don't need to stay out.
Edit bookshelves and decor: Remove items that make shelves feel overcrowded, and set aside pieces you no longer want to display.
Sort toys and games: Return items to designated storage bins and donate toys that are no longer used.
Check seating arrangements: Remove unnecessary furniture or relocate pieces to create more room for guests.
Make space for gifts: Clear a shelf, cabinet, or corner where wrapped presents can be stored without crowding the room.

3. Clear kitchen countertops and cabinets

Between baking cookies, preparing holiday meals, and hosting family, the kitchen can quickly become one of the busiest rooms in the house. Think about how your kitchen is set up for cooking and keep tools and supplies you use most within easy reach. Clear countertops, and put away anything you won’t need, and make enough open space for food prep and serving.

“The kitchen tends to be command central, so clear out anything expired, make sure only what you need for hosting is within reach and deal with the gadgets you haven’t touched all year,” shares Jessi Acuña, chief tidy officer and founder of The Tidy Armadillo.

To get your kitchen ready for the holidays:

Remove unnecessary countertop items: Put away small appliances, utensils, and decorative objects you rarely use.
Sort through kitchen gadgets: Donate duplicate tools and appliances that no longer fit your cooking habits.
Organize cabinets and drawers: Group similar items together and move frequently used cookware to accessible shelves.
Make room for serving pieces: Identify where platters, roasting pans, mixing bowls, and other seasonal essentials will go.
Create clear food-preparation areas: Keep enough open counter space for chopping, mixing, and assembling dishes.

4. Clean out the pantry and refrigerator

Before stocking up on ingredients for holiday meals, take inventory of what you already have. Expired food, forgotten condiments, and duplicate baking supplies can take up valuable space when you need room for fresh groceries. If these areas need a bigger reset, these fridge and pantry organization ideas can help you make better use of the space before restocking.

Jacob Seid, general manager of Texas Cleaning Services, recommends decluttering before deep cleaning. “Start in the kitchen by clearing countertops and tossing expired pantry items, then move to the living room to organize decorations, toys, and anything that's been sitting around a little too long. Our biggest recommendation is to declutter before deep cleaning, making it easier to reach every surface and get your home truly holiday-ready.”

5. Make room in the dining room

The dining room often becomes a landing spot for mail, paperwork, bags, and other everyday belongings. Before meals and gatherings, clear the dining table and nearby surfaces so there's room for place settings, serving dishes, and holiday decorations. If you use your dining table for other activities throughout the year, establish a designated storage spot for those items.

To prepare your dining room:

Remove mail, paperwork, and miscellaneous belongings from the table and sideboard.
Store everyday decor temporarily if you need additional room for seasonal decorations.
Sort through table linens, napkins, and serving accessories, keeping only what you use and enjoy.
Relocate extra furniture or items that obstruct walkways or make seating uncomfortable.
Leave space for serving dishes, drinks, and other items you plan to use during meals.

6. Make room in bedrooms and closets

Between gift shopping, seasonal clothing, and decorations, storage space may be in higher demand than usual. Decluttering these areas now helps you make room for new belongings without simply shifting existing piles from one spot to another.

“The holidays are approaching and the best thing you can do for your home is to get it decluttered,” suggests Kiera Malowitz, certified professional organizer at Decluttered DFW. “This helps make room for anything naturally coming into the home like decor and gifts. Start with the spaces where gifts typically end up, like your living room and bedrooms. In the bedrooms, remove items that don't belong and items you no longer use or want.”

7. Get the guest bedroom ready

If you're expecting overnight visitors, a clutter-free guest bedroom can help them feel more comfortable and at home. Even if the room doubles as a home office, hobby room, or storage area during the year, a little preparation can make it welcoming without requiring a complete makeover.

“If you have any guests spending the night, don't forget to tackle the guest bedroom,” states Amélie Saint-Jacques at Amelie Organizes. “Make sure that space is clutter-free as well, clean, and stocked with fresh linens. Guests will need extra room to unpack, so having empty drawers or extra coat hangers goes a long way to make them feel welcome.”

To get the guest bedroom ready:

Remove personal belongings, laundry, and items that don't belong in the room.
Clear a dresser drawer or closet section for guests' clothing.
Leave a few empty hangers available for outfits and coats.
Make the bed with clean sheets and provide extra blankets and pillows.
Clear nightstands so guests have space for their phones, books, and other essentials.
Store items that need to remain in the room in closed bins or designated storage areas.

8. Simplify the guest bathroom

Bathrooms can accumulate expired products, half-empty bottles, and toiletries that no one uses. Before guests arrive, clear out unnecessary items and organize the essentials so visitors can find what they need easily. You don't need to buy matching containers or completely reorganize the room; a few simple adjustments can make the space feel much more inviting.

“Tidy up the guest bathrooms by organizing toilet paper and other necessities in woven baskets or fabric bins,” shares the team at Purple Fig Cleaning.

Here are a few ways to declutter your guest bathroom:

Discard expired products: Check medications, cosmetics, skincare products, and toiletries, following appropriate disposal guidance.
Clear countertops: Keep only frequently used items and a few practical essentials within reach.
Organize supplies: Use baskets or bins to store extra toilet paper, clean towels, and personal care products.
Make room for guests: Clear a drawer or a small section of counter space for visitors' toiletries.
Check everyday essentials: Make sure hand soap, fresh towels, and a wastebasket are available.

9. Sort through holiday decorations and storage

Before bringing out your holiday decorations, take stock of what you already have. Decorations can accumulate over the years, and displaying every item at once can make rooms feel crowded. Sorting through your collection before decorating helps you identify what you love, what needs replacing, and what can be donated or discarded.

“Before you deck the halls, give your everyday decor a little holiday vacation,” says Jennifer Snyder at Neat as a Pin. “Holiday decorations have a way of multiplying, and adding them to already decorated spaces can make even the prettiest home feel crowded. Store your everyday decorations in the same containers you emptied, making the post-holiday switch a breeze. Your holiday decorations deserve their moment in the spotlight, so give them a little room to show off.”

As you sort your decorations:

Review each container: Remove broken ornaments, damaged lights, and decorations you no longer want to display.
Donate usable items: Pass along decorations that are still in good condition but no longer suit your style.
Store everyday decor: Pack away selected pieces from shelves, mantels, and tabletops to make room for holiday favorites.
Label storage containers: Identify what's inside each bin to simplify decorating and post-holiday cleanup.
Use existing supplies first: Check your storage bins, gift wrap, ribbons, and bows before buying more.

Once you’ve narrowed things down, a few simple holiday decorating ideas can help you make use of your favorite pieces without feeling like you need to put everything on display.

10. Create a final decluttering system for donations and misplaced items

Once you've worked through each room, establish a simple system to keep clutter from returning. Without a plan, items can easily migrate from one surface to another, while donation bags and boxes sit around for weeks. A few clear rules can help you finish the job and maintain your home's organization throughout the holidays.

“Before bringing out the holiday decorations, I recommend giving every room a clear purpose and removing anything that interferes with it,” suggests Sofia Martinez, cleaning expert and professional organizer at Sparkly Maid Austin. “Keep a labeled relocation basket nearby for items that belong elsewhere, plus a donation box with a firm drop-off date, so decluttering does not simply move piles from one room to another. Leave a little empty space in closets and cabinets for incoming gifts, serving pieces, and seasonal supplies.”

Use these strategies to finish your decluttering project:

Keep a relocation basket handy: Collect items that belong in other rooms, then return them to their proper places at the end of each session.
Set a donation deadline: Schedule a drop-off or pickup so unwanted belongings don't linger in your home.
Leave some storage space empty: Avoid filling every shelf and cabinet, especially if you expect to receive gifts or purchase seasonal supplies.
Check what you already own: Review gift-wrapping materials and holiday essentials before shopping for replacements.
Schedule short maintenance sessions: Spend a few minutes each day returning items to their designated places.

How to declutter before the holidays without the stress

Learning how to declutter before the holidays doesn't have to mean tackling your entire home in one day. By working room by room, clearing space for seasonal essentials, and letting go of items you no longer need, you can make holiday preparations feel much more manageable. Start with a few small tasks, and you'll be on your way to creating a welcoming home where you can focus on what matters most: enjoying time with loved ones.

FAQs on how to declutter before the holidays

When should I start decluttering my home before the holidays?

If you have time, starting a few weeks before your first gathering can give you more time to work room by room without rushing. This gives you time to sort through belongings, donate unwanted items, and organize each room without rushing. If you're short on time, prioritize the entryway, living room, kitchen, and guest bathroom.

What rooms should I declutter first before the holidays?

Start with the entryway, since it's the first space guests see when they arrive. Next, focus on the living room, kitchen, and dining room, where guests are likely to spend the most time. Finish with guest bedrooms, bathrooms, closets, and storage areas.

How can I declutter my home quickly before holiday guests arrive?

Set a timer for 15 to 20 minutes per room and focus on the most noticeable clutter first. Put away items that belong elsewhere, discard trash and expired products, and clear surfaces guests will use. If time is limited, prioritize creating comfortable seating, accessible bathroom essentials, and space for guests' coats and belongings.