Have you ever opened a closet before the holidays and felt like everything might tumble out? Just a few Decembers back, I was trying to take out some string lights and that happened to me. Instead, I was buried under a pile of tangled ribbons, unused gift bags, and a ceramic Santa I didn’t even like.
If that scene feels familiar, you’re not alone. The holidays are meant to be joyful, but clutter can ruin the atmosphere in no time. As the year goes by, we all end up with some areas that are messy and unorganized.
This post isn’t about becoming a minimalist overnight. I’m sharing the things that helped me feel better in my own space before the festivities started. I’ll explain how I get rid of clutter before the holidays without getting exhausted or tossing away things I still like.
Why Decluttering Before the Holidays Feels So Good
I didn’t realize this would happen, but decluttering made me feel better emotionally as well as physically. As I got rid of some things, I felt more prepared for the holidays and all the things they require from us.
The Unexpected Benefits
- A visually calm home is a calmer mind
- You rediscover space for seasonal decor (without fighting for shelf room)
- You save money by realizing what you already have
And the real win? You begin the new year in a home that is already in good shape. It’s already halfway there.
Where to Start When You Have No Clue Where to Start
It all began with a single junk drawer which I thought I would dislike. That’s it. One spot I could finish in under 15 minutes.
I call this the “one zone method,” and it has changed the way I tackle overwhelm. Instead of cleaning up the whole house, I pick just one area such as a drawer, a corner or a shelf.
Try This: The One-Zone Method
- Pick one defined area. Keep it small.
- Set a 15-minute timer. Seriously, that’s all you need.
- Remove everything. Wipe it clean.
- Put back only what’s useful or beautiful.
The win here is momentum. You get results quickly which gives you the motivation to keep going.
3 Steps That Actually Helped Me Let Go
I used to stand over a box of decorations or old baking pans thinking, “Maybe someday…” But I learned to stop second-guessing.
These 3 Rules Changed Everything:
- If I haven’t used it this year, it goes. I mean it. If it’s seasonal and untouched, it’s clutter.
- Sort immediately into 3 boxes. One for donating, one for trash, one for keepers.
- No backtracking. Once I decide something goes, I don’t revisit. Indecision is exhausting.
The more I practiced letting go, the less it felt emotional and the more I felt free. Like muscle memory for clarity.
The Sneaky Spots Where Holiday Clutter Hides
It was at this point that I understood that clutter could be hidden. Some of the things I needed were hidden in places I seldom visited until I needed them.
Watch Out for These Hidden Zones:
- Upper kitchen cabinets (where random platters live)
- Gift wrap bins (overflowing with scrunched-up tissue paper)
- Holiday decor boxes (broken ornaments, tangled lights)
- Entryway baskets (stuffed with unmatched gloves)
- Craft supply drawers (glitter from five years ago?)
Once I made a habit of scanning these spots before the season starts, everything became easier. I don’t have to search for a roll of tape on Christmas Eve anymore.
What To Do With Stuff That Feels Too Sentimental
Let me be honest: this was the hardest part. I kept ornaments from my childhood, cards from people I don’t talk to anymore and a set of old mugs I never used but couldn’t get rid of.
Here’s How I Made Peace:
- I take photos of sentimental items before letting them go
- I allow myself one “nostalgia box” per category
- I rehome things to friends or family who would truly enjoy them
When I had less, the things I kept became more important to me. My memory is part of who I am, not something I keep in a box.
Comparing Decluttering Methods: What Actually Works?
This is where I hit a wall early on. I tried many methods, but not all of them helped me. I tried out some and chose the one that worked best for me.
| Method | Best For | What I Loved | What Didn’t Work For Me |
|---|---|---|---|
| KonMari (Marie Kondo) | Sentimental decision makers | Helps focus on joy and value | Time-consuming for big areas |
| FlyLady | Busy women & working moms | 15-minute routines are manageable | Easy to forget daily tasks |
| Swedish Death Cleaning | Reflective or older declutterers | Encourages thoughtful downsizing | The name is off-putting (but wise) |
For me, a blend of FlyLady’s structure with KonMari’s joy test worked best. No pressure. Just practice.
How I Stay Motivated and Avoid Burnout
That’s when I finally saw what was missing: motivation needs milestones. Without them, I felt like I was decluttering endlessly with no real reward.
My Favorite Motivation Boosters
- Taking before & after photos (they’re so satisfying)
- Making a visual checklist (each area gets a check mark)
- Small rewards: coffee runs, movie night, an uninterrupted bath
It helps to romanticize the process a little. I use a candle, play gentle music and turn my chores into a special ritual.
After the Declutter: What to Do With the New Space
I’ll explain how I used that approach. After clearing the clutter, I didn’t want the shelves to be empty. I made space intentional.
Here’s What I Do:
- Store holiday decor in labeled clear bins
- Create a “gift wrapping station” in one drawer
- Set aside a shelf for future gifts and hostess presents
If you give every area a purpose, it remains clean for a longer period. And when December rolls around, I’m not scrambling.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering before the holidays is not meant to change who you are. It means making a space that is peaceful and comfortable for your daily life. When the wrapping paper is easy to use and the baking supplies are easy to find.
You can take your time and do it a little at a time. You don’t need to do it perfectly. A few hours of work can make your home feel better this season.
What’s one small change that changed everything for you? Pin this if you’re planning your next seasonal reset.
