Simple Ways to Keep Your Home Clutter-Free During the Holidays

The holiday season brings joy, gatherings, decorations—and often, a whole lot of extra clutter. Between gift wrap, new toys, hosting essentials, and festive décor, your home can start to feel crowded quickly. The good news? With a few simple habits and smart strategies, you can keep your home tidy, welcoming, and stress-free all season long.

Here are practical ideas to help you stay organized and enjoy the holidays without the mess.

1. Start With a Seasonal Declutter

Before you put up a single decoration, spend an hour or two clearing out what you no longer need.Focus on:

• Old décor you don’t use

• Outgrown toys

• Expired pantry items

• Extra blankets or linens you don’t reach for

• Broken décor or lights

This gives you a clean slate and makes your festive additions feel more intentional, not overwhelming.

2. Set Up a “Holiday Drop Zone”

With guests coming and going, gifts being brought in, and winter gear piling up, a designated spot can save your sanity.

Choose an area near the entryway or mudroom for:

• Coats

• Boots

• Gloves and hats

• Incoming packages

• Returns or gift receipts

Use baskets or bins to keep it looking neat.

3. Keep Surfaces Decoration-Friendly, Not Overloaded

Holiday décor looks best when displayed on clean, open spaces.Before decorating, clear:

• Coffee tables

• Kitchen counters

• Entryway tables

• Bookshelves

Swap everyday décor items out rather than layering festive pieces on top of existing items. This keeps your home cheerful but not cluttered.

4. Adopt the “One In, One Out” Rule

The holidays come with new gifts—especially for kids. To avoid toy overload, encourage a simple rule:

For every new item that comes into the home, one old item leaves.

Donate gently used toys, clothes, or household items. Many local charities welcome donations this time of year.

5. Contain Gift Wrap Chaos

Wrapping paper, bags, bows, and tissue paper multiply fast.Create a wrapping station using:

• A plastic tote or basket

• A standing wrapping paper organizer

• A hanging closet caddy

Store everything together so you’re not digging through closets, and put it away between uses to keep your space tidy.

6. Use Decorative Storage

Storage can be practical and pretty!Wicker baskets, lidded boxes, and cloth bins blend in with holiday décor while keeping things like:

• Pet toys

• Kids’ crafts

• Throw blankets

• Board games

…contained but accessible.

7. Clean As You Celebrate

With family and friends visiting, clutter can build up quickly. Make a habit of:

• Doing a quick 10-minute tidy before bed

• Resetting living areas each morning

• Clearing dishes after gatherings

• Emptying trash and recycling daily

Small resets help you stay ahead of the mess.

8. Plan a Post-Holiday Purge

Once the holidays are over, do another quick sweep. Pack decorations carefully, toss anything broken, and donate unused items. A clean start to the new year always feels refreshing.

Enjoy a Cozy, Clutter-Free Holiday Season

Keeping your home tidy doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially with a bit of planning. These simple habits will help your spaces stay welcoming, organized, and ready for all the joy the season brings.