10 Tips for Decluttering Your Home During the Holiday Season

The holiday season brings joy, warmth, and festive decorations that transform your home. But it also brings clutter—boxes of ornaments, tangled lights, and extra décor that can quickly take over your space. Managing this chaos can feel overwhelming, especially when you want to focus on celebrating with family and friends. You can keep your home organized and enjoy the holidays by following simple, practical tips to reduce clutter before, during, and after decorating.

Plan Your Decoration Space Before You Start

Before pulling out your decorations, take a moment to plan where everything will go. Walk through your home and decide which rooms or areas will feature holiday décor. This helps avoid over-decorating and keeps your decorations focused and manageable.

• Choose a few key spots for decorations instead of spreading them everywhere.

• Measure spaces for larger items like trees or wreaths to ensure they fit without crowding.

• Consider how decorations will affect daily living—avoid blocking walkways or cluttering surfaces you use often.

  
  

Planning ahead reduces the chance of clutter piling up in unexpected places.

Sort and Purge Old Decorations

The holidays are a perfect time to sort through your decorations and get rid of items you no longer use or want. This step frees up space and makes decorating easier.

• Set aside decorations that are broken, outdated, or no longer fit your style.

• Donate gently used items to local charities or community centers.

• Recycle or responsibly dispose of damaged decorations.

  
  

By decluttering your holiday décor, you create room for new memories and keep your home feeling fresh.

Use Clear, Labeled Storage Containers

Storing decorations in clear plastic bins with labels makes it easier to find what you need and keeps everything organized.

• Use sturdy containers that protect fragile items.

• Label each bin clearly with its contents, such as “Tree Ornaments” or “Outdoor Lights.”

• Stack containers neatly in a designated storage area like a closet or garage.

  
  

Clear bins save time when decorating and packing away, reducing clutter caused by rummaging through boxes.

Create a Decorating Checklist

A checklist helps you stay organized and focused during decorating. It ensures you don’t bring out unnecessary items and helps you keep track of what’s been set up.

• List all decorations you plan to use.

• Note where each item will go.

• Check off items as you decorate to avoid duplicates or forgotten pieces.

  
  

This simple tool keeps decorating efficient and clutter-free.

Keep Everyday Spaces Clear

Holiday decorations can easily spill into everyday living areas, making your home feel crowded. Keep high-traffic and daily-use spaces free from clutter.

• Avoid placing decorations on kitchen counters or dining tables unless they are part of the holiday setup.

• Use decorative baskets or trays to contain small items like candles or figurines.

• Regularly tidy these areas during the season to maintain a clean look.

  
  

Clear spaces help your home feel welcoming and comfortable for guests.

Use Vertical and Hidden Storage Solutions

Maximize your storage by using vertical space and hidden areas to keep decorations out of sight when not in use.

• Hang wreaths and garlands on walls or doors instead of leaving them on surfaces.

• Store lights and small decorations in hanging organizers or over-the-door pockets.

• Use under-bed storage bins for larger items that don’t fit elsewhere.

  
  

These solutions keep clutter off the floor and counters, making your home feel more spacious.

Pack Decorations Carefully After the Holidays

Packing away decorations properly prevents damage and clutter the following year.

• Wrap fragile ornaments individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap.

• Coil string lights neatly to avoid tangles.

• Store items in the same labeled bins you used before.

  
  

Taking time to pack carefully saves you from frustration and clutter next season.

Set a Decorating Time Limit

Spending too much time decorating can lead to overdoing it and creating clutter. Set a reasonable time limit for decorating to keep things simple.

• Plan to decorate over one or two days instead of spreading it out.

• Focus on quality over quantity—choose meaningful decorations.

• Involve family members to share the work and keep it fun.

  
  

Limiting decorating time helps you avoid clutter and enjoy the process more.

Use Multi-Functional Decorations

Choose decorations that serve more than one purpose to reduce the number of items you need.

• Use string lights that can be both indoor and outdoor.

• Select ornaments that double as gifts or keepsakes.

• Incorporate natural elements like pinecones or branches that can be composted after the season.

  
  

Multi-functional items save space and add thoughtful touches to your décor.

Regularly Reassess and Adjust

During the holiday season, take a few minutes each week to reassess your décor and remove anything that feels excessive or out of place.

• Put away decorations that no longer fit your style or space.

• Rearrange items to keep areas tidy and balanced.

• Use this time to prepare for packing up after the holidays.

  
  

Regular reassessment keeps your home feeling calm and clutter-free.