How to organize for the upcoming holiday season

How to prep your life for the upcoming holiday season from a professional organizer!

The Ultimate Guide to Decluttering and Organizing for a Stress-Free Holiday Season

As we move into the final quarter of the year, it's a time of both reflection and anticipation. The holidays are just around the corner, and for many, the hustle and bustle can quickly turn into overwhelm. If you’re like most people, the end of the year means a packed schedule, family gatherings, and the desire to start fresh in January. But how can you make it all work without feeling buried in to-dos and clutter? As a professional organizer, I’m here to help you make the most of this season with some simple yet effective strategies to keep your home and mind clutter-free.

1. Start with a Holiday Declutter

Before you even think about decorating for the holidays, take some time to declutter your home. Think of it as a pre-holiday cleanse! Whether it's clearing out old toys, unused decorations, or even holiday items that no longer bring joy, decluttering now will make room for the things that matter. Plus, a tidy home is much easier to keep clean when guests come over.

Quick Tip: Sort items into four categories—Keep, Donate, Sell, and Recycle. Be honest about what you really need and love!

2. Organize Holiday Decorations Ahead of Time

The key to a smooth holiday season is preparation. Now is the perfect time to go through your holiday decorations, checking for anything that needs repairing or replacing. Organize your decorations by type and store them in labeled bins so that when it’s time to decorate, everything is easy to find. This small step can save you hours of frustration later.

Quick Tip: Invest in clear, stackable storage bins with labels for easy access.

3. Prep Your Guest Spaces

If you’re expecting holiday guests, take the time now to freshen up guest rooms or common spaces. This could be as simple as refreshing the bedding, cleaning out closets to make space for guest belongings, and stocking up on essentials like toiletries and towels. Doing this well in advance ensures that you're not scrambling to tidy up when guests arrive.

Quick Tip: Create a “welcome basket” for your guests with travel-size toiletries, snacks, and other thoughtful touches to make them feel at home.

4. Organize Your Holiday Shopping

Avoid the last-minute rush by organizing your gift shopping early. Create a list of people you need to shop for and set a budget for each. You can even organize your gifts as you purchase them—labeling them and storing them in a designated space. This way, you’ll avoid the dreaded last-minute gift hunt and have everything ready to go well before the holidays.

Quick Tip: Use a holiday shopping app or a simple spreadsheet to track your purchases and spending.

5. Clear the Clutter for a Fresh Start in the New Year

Once the holidays are over, you’ll likely feel the urge to start the new year with a clean slate. This is the perfect time to review areas of your home that may need more attention—like your closet, pantry, or office. Think about what worked well in 2023 and what didn’t, then make plans to streamline your home and routines in 2024.

Quick Tip: Declutter as you take down holiday decorations. Put away what you’ll use next year and consider donating items you no longer need.

6. Plan for 2025 with a Home Organization Refresh

As you look toward the new year, consider setting organization goals for your home. Whether it’s creating a more functional workspace, reworking your closet, or tackling that long-neglected garage, setting a clear goal can help keep you focused and motivated.

Quick Tip: Break your organizing projects into manageable chunks—start with one room or space at a time, and create a timeline to keep yourself on track.

Final Thoughts

The last quarter of the year doesn’t have to be chaotic. With a little planning and organization, you can enjoy the holiday season without feeling overwhelmed. By decluttering and organizing now, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother holiday season and a fresh, organized start to the new year.