A top down view of some hands wrapping a present

Decluttering

How to Declutter Before Christmas

The holiday season is just around the corner, and it’s time to prepare your home for the festive cheer and warmth of Christmas. However, before you deck the halls, it’s a good idea to declutter your home to create a welcoming and organized space for the holiday festivities. A clutter-free home not only sets the stage for a joyful celebration but also allows you to fully enjoy the season without any unnecessary stress.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share a step-by-step process to declutter before Christmas, getting your home ready for the festive period. From decluttering and organizing each room to tackling holiday-specific items, I’ll help you transform your home into a peaceful and inviting haven for the holiday season. Let’s get started!

Living Room

Declutter Decorations: Begin by sorting through your Christmas decorations. Discard any broken or worn-out ornaments, lights, or decorations. Donate items you no longer love or use.

Clear Surfaces: Remove non-holiday-related items from tables and shelves to make space for Christmas decorations.
Furniture Arrangement: Rearrange furniture to accommodate a Christmas tree and ensure easy flow of foot traffic. You can also change the layout to make it more welcoming, or make it ready for all those Christmas movie marathons!
Deep Clean: Vacuum carpets, dust surfaces, and clean windows and curtains. A clean living room sets the stage nicely for festive decor.

Deep Cleaning Tip: For an extra fresh scent, sprinkle baking soda on your carpet, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum.

Kitchen

Declutter Pantry: Clear out expired or unused food items from your pantry. Consider donating non-perishables to a local food bank.
Organize Cabinets: Tidy up kitchen cabinets, discarding old pots, pans, and utensils that you no longer need.

Clean Appliances: Deep clean your oven, microwave, and refrigerator. Ensure appliances are ready for holiday cooking and baking.
Countertops and Sink: Clear clutter from countertops, wipe them down, and clean the sink and faucet.
Cookware and Bakeware: Prepare for holiday cooking by ensuring you have all necessary cookware and bakeware ready and clean.

Deep Cleaning Tip: Use a mixture of white vinegar and water to clean your microwave and remove stubborn stains or odors. This natural all purpose cleaner is great to use around the home!

Clear counter tops in a neutral kitchen space

Dining Room

Declutter Table: Clear off the dining table and set it aside for holiday dining. Remove any non-essential items.
Diningware: Ensure you have enough dishes, glassware, and silverware for holiday gatherings. Wash or run them through the dishwasher ready for those parties and meals!

Linens and Centrepieces: Check your table linens and centrepieces. Launder linens, and clean or refresh centrepieces. Check out Pinterest for quick and easy centrepiece ideas.
Declutter Buffet or Sideboard: If you have a buffet or sideboard in your dining room, clear it of unnecessary items to make room for serving dishes.
Deep Clean: Vacuum or sweep the floor, clean baseboards, and dust or clean light fixtures.

Deep Cleaning Tip: Polish your silverware using a mixture of baking soda and water for a sparkling finish.

Bedrooms

Declutter Wardrobe: Sort through your closet and drawers. Donate clothing you no longer wear or need, and make room for holiday outfits.

Linen Closet: Organize your linen closet, ensuring you have clean sheets and towels for guests.
Guest Room Prep: If you have a guest room, clear clutter and make the bed with fresh linens.
Declutter Nightstands: Clear nightstands of non-essential items to make room for holiday decorations or guest essentials.

Deep Clean: Vacuum or sweep floors, dust surfaces, and clean windows. A clean and clutter-free bedroom creates a welcoming retreat for guests.

Deep Cleaning Tip: Sprinkle baking soda on your mattress, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then vacuum it for a refreshed bed.

Bathrooms

Declutter Cabinets and Drawers: Tidy up bathroom cabinets and drawers, discarding expired or unused items.

Clean and Restock: Clean bathroom surfaces, mirrors, and fixtures. Restock toilet paper, soap, and other essentials.
Guest Bath: If you have a guest bathroom, ensure it’s clean and well-stocked with fresh towels.
Declutter Countertops: Clear bathroom countertops of unnecessary items, leaving space for holiday decor.

Deep Clean: Scrub the bathtub, shower, and toilet. A sparkling clean bathroom is a welcome sight for guests.

Deep Cleaning Tip: Use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to remove mineral deposits from faucets and showerheads. You can also use baking soda and lemon juice to clean soap scum from an acrylic bath tub and rust from chrome fittings.

Entryway and Hallways

Declutter Entryway: Clear out shoes, coats, and clutter from the entryway. Provide a designated area for guests’ coats and belongings.

Prepare Entryway Closet: Organize the entryway closet, making room for guest coats and jackets.
Clean Entryway Floors: Sweep and mop the entryway floor to create a clean and welcoming first impression.
Decorate: Add festive decorations, such as wreaths or holiday lights, to the entryway to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Deep Cleaning Tip: Use a magic eraser or a mixture of baking soda and water to remove scuff marks from walls and baseboards.

Final Touches to Declutter Before Christmas

Check Safety Devices: Ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly.
Inspect Decorations: Check holiday decorations for safety, such as frayed wires or loose bulbs.

Create a Gift Wrapping Station: Set up a designated area for gift wrapping, complete with wrapping paper, bows, and tape.
Plan for Hosting: Make a list of guests you’ll be hosting and any special arrangements or accommodations they may need. Having a plan for each day will also help you stay in control and feel more organized.
Prepare a Cleaning Schedule: Create a cleaning schedule to ensure your home stays tidy throughout the holiday season.

By following this step-by-step guide to declutter before Christmas, you’ll not only create a festive and inviting atmosphere but also reduce stress and make space for the joy of the season. Decluttering and organizing each room, deep cleaning, and adding holiday decorations will transform your home into a welcoming haven for family and friends. With your home in tip-top shape, you can fully embrace the spirit of Christmas and cherish the memories made during this special time of year. So, get ready to deck the halls and enjoy a merry and clutter-free holiday season!

You can declutter before Christmas gradually using my FREE 30 Day Declutter Challenge Workbook or try Decluttering Challenge: 20 Bags in 20 Days for a Clutter-Free Home.