Decluttering Before the Holidays: A Family Guide

As the holidays approach, our homes often fill with decorations, gifts, and extra activity. Without preparation, clutter can quickly become overwhelming. Taking time to declutter before the holidays creates space not just in your home, but in your mind and heart. It sets the stage for a calmer, more joyful season.

Decluttering doesn’t have to feel like a chore. When done together, it can become a family ritual of clearing, resetting, and making room for new memories.

Why Decluttering Matters Before the Holidays 🏡

• Reduces Stress: A tidy space supports a calmer mind.
• Creates Room for Gifts: Makes space for what’s coming in.
• Supports Gratitude: Reminds us of what we already have.
• Encourages Generosity: Donated items bless others during the season of giving.
• Improves Functionality: A clear home makes hosting and celebrating easier.

A Family-Friendly Decluttering Approach 🌱

1. Start Small

• Tackle one room, drawer, or closet at a time.
• Avoid trying to do the whole house in one day.

2. Involve the Whole Family

• Give kids age-appropriate tasks like sorting toys or folding clothes.
• Make it fun with music, timers, or challenges.

3. Use the “Keep, Donate, Toss” Method

• Keep: Items used and loved.
• Donate: Gently used items that could serve others.
• Toss: Broken, worn-out, or expired items.

4. Focus on High-Traffic Areas

• Entryway, kitchen counters, living room, and kids’ play spaces often need the most attention before guests arrive.

Decluttering by Category 🎁

Toys & Kids’ Items

• Encourage kids to choose toys to donate before new ones arrive.
• Frame it as giving to children who need joy this season.

Clothing

• Donate coats, hats, and boots that no longer fit.
• Create more space in closets for holiday outfits.

Kitchen

• Clear expired pantry items and extra dishware.
• Make space for holiday baking supplies.

Décor

• Sort through decorations — keep meaningful items and let go of the rest.

Paper & Mail

• Recycle old mail, school papers, and catalogs to avoid piles.

Making Decluttering Fun 🎨

• Countdown Challenge: Pick a number (10, 20, 30) and find that many items to donate.
• Music Motivation: Play upbeat songs to keep energy flowing.
• Before & After Photos: Celebrate progress visually.
• Family Reward: After a decluttering session, enjoy cocoa or a holiday movie together.

Overcoming Common Challenges 🚧

• “I don’t have time.” Set a timer for 15 minutes daily instead of long sessions.
• “Kids resist letting go.” Focus on generosity: giving toys a new home.
• “I get overwhelmed.” Start with easy wins like expired food or broken items.
• “We just did this recently.” Even small resets before the holidays make a big difference.

Tools That Help 📖

• Printable Decluttering Checklist: Room-by-room guidance for families.
• Donation Boxes or Bags: Keep them ready for quick sorting.
• Storage Bins: Organize seasonal items neatly.
• Labels: Help everyone know where things belong.

The Bigger Picture 🌟

Decluttering before the holidays is about more than tidy shelves — it’s about creating space for joy, peace, and presence. By simplifying your home, you set the tone for a season that emphasizes connection over clutter.

Final Thoughts 💌

This holiday season, give your family the gift of space and calm. Decluttering together helps you let go of what no longer serves you and make room for new memories and traditions.

This week, choose one area — maybe the toy bin, a kitchen shelf, or the entryway — and spend 15 minutes decluttering as a family. You’ll be amazed how small actions can create a sense of spaciousness and peace before the holiday rush. 🏡✨