7 Easy Ways to Declutter Before the Holidays

With the holidays just around the corner, there’s no better time to declutter your space before the gifts roll in. A clutter-free home significantly reduces stress and makes it easier to host guests, so you can truly enjoy the holiday season.

Although decluttering can be the last thing on your mind, starting now can make all the difference. By tackling it early, you’ll not only create a calmer, more inviting space to enjoy during the holidays, but you’ll also make the post-holiday cleanup far less overwhelming. Here are 7 easy ways to declutter before the holidays.

1) Kitchen Gadgets and Utensils The kitchen often becomes the heart of holiday activities, from baking cookies to preparing feasts. Sort through any gadgets or utensils you haven’t used in the past year, such as broken tools, duplicates (how many spatulas do we really need?), and unused small appliances can take up valuable space.

Quick Tip: If you have duplicates that are in good condition, consider donating them to local shelters or charities that may need them.

2) Board Games and Puzzles Holiday downtime often means family game nights, so now’s the perfect time to sort through your collection. Toss incomplete puzzles, donate games your family has outgrown, and organize the ones you plan to play. This creates space for any new ones you might receive as gifts!

3) Toys and Games If you have little ones, the holidays often mean an influx of new toys and games. Declutter before the gifts arrive by sorting through what they already own. Donate toys they’ve outgrown or lost interest in and recycle or toss anything broken.

Quick Tip: Involve your kids by framing it as a way to make room for new items and share with others in need.

4) Holiday Decorations Before putting up your seasonal decorations, go through what you already have. Broken ornaments, tangled lights that no longer work, and décor you no longer love can all be let go. This makes the decorating process so much more enjoyable and much easier to put away.

5) Expired Pantry Items Whenever I go through my pantry, I always find expired items. Before stocking up for holiday meals, toss out expired spices, condiments, and non-perishables. This not only frees up space but also makes it easier to find the ingredients you actually need when cooking for guests.

Quick Tip: If you find unopened non-perishables still within their expiration date that you won’t use, consider donating them to a local food bank.

6) Gift Wrap Supplies Gift wrapping stations can quickly become cluttered with torn rolls of paper, crumpled bows, and half-used tape. Sort through your supplies and keep only what’s in good condition. This makes wrapping presents more efficient when the holiday rush begins!

RELATED POST: 4 Sustainable Gift Wrap Alternatives for the Holidays

7) Junk Drawer We all have that one drawer filled with random items—spare keys, rubber bands, batteries, old receipts, or mystery chargers. Decluttering it is not only  satisfying, but it helps you quickly find what you need during the busy holiday season.

Quick Tip: Use small containers or dividers to organize what you decide to keep and label anything that will make things easier to find in the future.

Decluttering doesn’t just make your home more inviting—it helps you focus on what matters most: enjoying the holidays with loved ones. By tackling these 7 areas, you’ll create more space and a sense of calm before the holiday season kicks into high gear. A little effort now sets the stage for a joyful season and an easier transition into the new year. How do you declutter before the holidays? Share your tips in the comments!

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