5 Key Areas to Declutter Before the Holidays

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year. Between preparing meals, hosting gatherings, and finding space for guests, many homeowners find themselves overwhelmed. Clutter only adds to the chaos. When your home is filled with items you no longer use, need, or even remember owning, it can quickly take away from the joy of the season. That’s why decluttering before the holidays is so essential. It’s about more than just cleaning—it’s about creating space for celebration, comfort, and peace of mind.

Decluttering is not about perfection. It’s about intentionality. A home free of unnecessary clutter provides space for decorations, gifts, and extra seating, while also reducing stress. By tackling specific problem areas in your home before the holidays, you can avoid the last-minute rush and focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with family and friends.

In this post, we’ll highlight five key areas of your home that deserve attention before the holiday season arrives. Each section will guide you through the why and how of decluttering, making the process feel manageable and rewarding. Whether you’re preparing for overnight guests or simply trying to make your home feel more inviting, these practical tips will help. With some planning and effort, your home can transform into a comfortable, welcoming space where holiday memories are made. Let’s dive into the five areas you should prioritize to ensure your home is guest-ready, functional, and festive this year.

1. The Entryway and Living Room

The entryway and living room are often the first spaces guests see when they walk into your home. These areas set the tone for the entire visit. A cluttered entryway filled with shoes, coats, and bags can leave a poor first impression, while a living room piled high with old magazines, toys, or misplaced items can feel overwhelming. This is why these spaces should be your first decluttering priority.

Start with the entryway. Clear out items that don’t belong, such as off-season footwear, worn-out rugs, or stacks of unopened mail. Add functional storage solutions like baskets or hooks to keep things organized but accessible. The goal is to make this space welcoming, organized, and stress-free for you and your guests.

Next, turn your attention to the living room. Look for items that detract from a cozy, festive atmosphere. Outdated décor, excess furniture, and piles of clutter can all make the space feel smaller. Focus on creating an open layout that allows people to move freely, while still leaving room for holiday decorations and extra seating. If you own pieces that no longer serve a purpose or style, consider donating them or scheduling a junk removal service like Junk Jaws to help you clear them out quickly.

By simplifying these high-traffic areas, you’ll create a welcoming environment that makes guests feel at ease. The added bonus? You’ll find yourself more relaxed and able to enjoy the gatherings without worrying about appearances.

2. The Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of holiday celebrations. From baking cookies to preparing feasts, this space sees more activity during the holidays than any other time of the year. A cluttered kitchen, however, can make these joyful traditions stressful. Countertops covered with small appliances, drawers stuffed with unused gadgets, and pantries filled with expired goods leave little room to cook or entertain.

Start with the pantry. Remove expired foods, stale snacks, and duplicate ingredients. Not only does this free up space, but it also helps you quickly locate the items you’ll need for holiday cooking. Next, check your cabinets and drawers. Do you really need three different sets of measuring cups or a broken blender taking up prime storage space? Donate duplicates and recycle or dispose of broken items.

Counter space is another critical area. Small appliances you rarely use—like that old juicer or bread maker—shouldn’t occupy space during the holidays. Clear them away to ensure you have ample room for meal prep and serving. A clutter-free countertop also looks more inviting when guests gather in the kitchen, which is often where people naturally congregate.

Finally, consider deep cleaning and organizing your refrigerator. Toss expired condiments and old leftovers, and make space for holiday dishes and beverages. This not only helps with functionality but also makes hosting much smoother. An organized kitchen sets the stage for joyful, stress-free holiday cooking and entertaining.

3. Guest Rooms and Closets

If you’re expecting overnight guests during the holidays, your guest room and closets should be a top priority. Nothing makes visitors feel more welcome than a clean, clutter-free space where they can comfortably unpack and relax.

Start with the guest bedroom. Remove items that don’t belong, such as storage bins, unused exercise equipment, or stacks of boxes. Wash the bedding, dust surfaces, and vacuum thoroughly. Add fresh touches like clean towels, extra blankets, and a small nightstand with a lamp. These thoughtful details make guests feel at home and appreciated.

Next, focus on closets. Whether it’s the guest closet or your own, overcrowded closets can create stress when you’re searching for holiday outfits or when guests need space to hang clothes. Go through your wardrobe and donate clothing you no longer wear. Remove out-of-season jackets or bulky items that take up valuable space. An organized closet not only looks better but also makes daily routines easier during the busy holiday season.

Decluttering these areas isn’t just about appearance—it’s about function. Guests should feel like they have their own space, while you enjoy easy access to what you need. By addressing these often-overlooked areas, you’ll enhance both your home’s organization and the overall holiday experience.

4. Bathrooms

Bathrooms are another space that guests are sure to notice, making them essential for pre-holiday decluttering. A cluttered bathroom filled with old toiletries, half-used bottles, and expired medications can feel unwelcoming and disorganized. Taking time to declutter this space ensures both functionality and comfort.

Begin by tackling the medicine cabinet. Dispose of expired prescriptions, old vitamins, and empty containers. This not only creates space but also eliminates potential safety risks. Next, move to the vanity drawers and cabinets. Toss dried-out cosmetics, duplicate hair products, and items you haven’t used in months. Organize the remaining essentials into bins or trays for easy access.

Clear the counters as well. Limit countertop items to daily-use essentials like hand soap, a toothbrush holder, or neatly displayed towels. A clutter-free counter makes cleaning easier and gives the bathroom a polished, welcoming look. Don’t forget to refresh the space with holiday touches like new hand towels or a festive-scented candle.

For guest bathrooms, add thoughtful extras such as travel-sized toiletries, clean washcloths, and extra toilet paper. These small gestures go a long way in making visitors feel cared for. Decluttering your bathrooms ahead of time helps you avoid last-minute scrambles and ensures your guests feel comfortable during their stay.

5. FAQs About Holiday Decluttering

• Why should I declutter before the holidays?
  Decluttering reduces stress, creates more space for decorations, and ensures your home is guest-ready. It sets the stage for smoother holiday organization and entertaining.
• How do I decide what to get rid of?
  Ask yourself if you’ve used the item in the past year. If not, consider donating, recycling, or contacting a professional service like Junk Jaws for removal.
• When should I start the decluttering process?
  Aim to begin at least a month before the holidays. This gives you plenty of time to sort, organize, and avoid last-minute stress.
• What if I don’t have time to declutter everything?
  Focus on high-traffic and guest-facing areas first, such as entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms. These spaces make the biggest impression during gatherings.
• How does decluttering help with holiday organization?
  Holiday organization becomes easier when every item has a place. Decluttering frees up storage and ensures quick access to decorations, gifts, and essentials.

6. Garage and Storage Areas

The garage and storage areas often become catch-alls for everything that doesn’t have a place inside the home. As the holidays approach, however, these spaces can quickly become problematic. You may need room to store new gifts, organize seasonal decorations, or make space for guests’ belongings. A cluttered garage or basement can make these tasks frustrating and overwhelming.

Start by assessing what’s been piling up. Broken tools, unused sports equipment, and forgotten boxes are common culprits. Make three piles: keep, donate, and discard. If the task feels daunting, consider hiring professionals to help streamline the process. Services like Junk Jaws can haul away unwanted items in one trip, leaving you with a clean slate.

Once the excess is cleared, focus on organization. Use shelves, bins, and labels to designate areas for holiday decorations, outdoor gear, and everyday essentials. This makes it easier to find what you need when the season changes. Not only will your garage look tidier, but you’ll also create space for vehicles, which is especially helpful if winter weather is approaching.

Decluttering your garage and storage areas before the holidays ensures your entire home functions more smoothly. It also gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything has its place, supporting long-term holiday organization and beyond.

Conclusion

Decluttering before the holidays may seem like just another task on an already busy to-do list, but it’s one of the most impactful things you can do for your home and your peace of mind. By focusing on five key areas—entryways and living rooms, kitchens, guest rooms and closets, bathrooms, and garages—you’ll set yourself up for a smoother, more enjoyable season. Each of these spaces plays a critical role in hosting guests, cooking meals, and creating a festive atmosphere.

Remember, decluttering isn’t about getting rid of everything; it’s about making intentional choices. It’s about clearing away what no longer serves you so that you can fully enjoy the holiday season. Holiday organization doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By starting early and taking it one area at a time, you’ll find the process manageable and rewarding.

At the end of the day, what matters most is creating a welcoming, joyful environment where memories are made. With a little preparation and effort, your home can become just that. And if you need help clearing out the big stuff, Junk Jaws is ready to step in and make the process easy. Here’s to a clutter-free, stress-free, and joy-filled holiday season!