The holidays are a time for joy, connection, and celebration—but they can also bring stress if your home feels cluttered or disorganized. Professional organizers know that a tidy space not only makes hosting easier but also creates a calm, welcoming atmosphere for you and your guests. To help you prepare for the season, we’ve gathered seven decluttering rules that pro organizers always follow before the holidays. These tried-and-true strategies will help you streamline your space and focus on what truly matters.
1. Start with High-Impact Areas
Pro organizers emphasize tackling spaces that make the biggest difference first. Focus on high-traffic areas like the entryway, living room, kitchen, and guest areas—these are the spots your guests will notice most.
Why It Works:
- Maximizes Effort: Prioritizing visible areas ensures your home feels polished without needing a full overhaul.
- Boosts Confidence: Seeing progress in key zones motivates you to keep going.
How to Do It:
- Clear counters, tables, and floors of unnecessary items.
- Add seasonal decor to enhance the holiday vibe without adding clutter.
When I focused on my living room and entryway before Thanksgiving, my guests immediately commented on how cozy and inviting the house felt—even though other rooms weren’t perfect.
2. Follow the “One In, One Out” Rule
Holiday shopping often means bringing new items into your home, from gifts to decorations. To prevent clutter from spiraling out of control, adopt the “one in, one out” rule: for every new item you bring in, remove an old one.
Why It Works:
- Prevents Overwhelm: Keeps possessions manageable and avoids post-holiday clutter buildup.
- Encourages Mindfulness: Helps you evaluate what you truly value and use.
How to Do It:
- Donate or sell unused items as you unpack holiday decor or shop for gifts.
- Use this rule year-round to maintain balance.
I applied this rule last December by donating old decorations when I bought new ones—and my storage bins were miraculously lighter this year!
3. Edit Decorations Ruthlessly
It’s easy to accumulate holiday decor over the years, but too many decorations can overwhelm your space. Pro organizers recommend curating your collection to include only pieces you truly love and use.
Why It Works:
- Simplifies Setup: Fewer decorations mean less time spent decorating and storing them.
- Highlights Favorites: Your cherished pieces stand out more when they’re not competing with clutter.
How to Do It:
- Box up anything you haven’t used in the past two years and donate it.
- Stick to a cohesive color scheme or theme to create a polished look.
After editing my decor stash, I realized I’d been hanging onto mismatched ornaments out of guilt. Letting them go freed up space—and made my tree look stunning.
4. Create Zones for Everything
Clutter happens when items don’t have a designated place. Pro organizers always establish specific zones for holiday essentials, from wrapping supplies to guest accommodations.
Why It Works:
- Reduces Stress: Knowing where everything belongs saves time and prevents last-minute scrambles.
- Improves Flow: Well-organized zones keep high-use areas functional and clutter-free.
How to Do It:
- Set aside a closet or shelf for holiday-specific items like gift wrap, cards, and candles.
- Prepare a guest zone with toiletries, towels, and luggage space.
I created a “wrapping station” in a spare cabinet, complete with paper, ribbons, and tags. Now I’m ready to wrap gifts at a moment’s notice!
5. Use Vertical Space Wisely
When square footage is limited, vertical space becomes your best friend. Pro organizers maximize walls, shelves, and corners to keep surfaces clear and organized.
Why It Works:
- Optimizes Small Spaces: Makes the most of every inch without sacrificing style.
- Enhances Accessibility: Keeps frequently used items within reach.
How to Do It:
- Install floating shelves for books, decor, or serving dishes.
- Hang hooks or racks for coats, bags, and aprons.
Adding wall hooks in my entryway transformed it from chaotic to clutter-free overnight. Guests now have a convenient spot to hang their belongings.
6. Tackle Clutter Daily
Big decluttering projects can feel overwhelming, especially during the busy holiday season. Instead, pro organizers suggest tackling clutter in small, consistent bursts each day.
Why It Works:
- Prevents Burnout: Short daily efforts are easier to sustain than marathon cleaning sessions.
- Maintains Momentum: Regular tidying prevents clutter from piling up again.
How to Do It:
- Spend 10-15 minutes each evening putting things away and wiping down surfaces.
- Assign family members tasks to share the workload.
By dedicating just 10 minutes nightly to tidying, I avoided the last-minute panic of deep cleaning before guests arrived.
7. Let Go of Perfectionism
Finally, pro organizers remind us that perfection isn’t the goal—it’s about creating a warm, functional space for yourself and your loved ones. Don’t let unrealistic expectations derail your progress.
Why It Works:
- Reduces Pressure: Focusing on functionality over flawlessness makes hosting less stressful.
- Promotes Gratitude: A good-enough space still allows you to enjoy the holidays fully.
How to Do It:
- Celebrate small wins, like clearing off a single counter or organizing a drawer.
- Remember that guests care more about connecting with you than critiquing your home.
Last year, I stopped stressing about having every corner picture-perfect and instead focused on making memories. My guests didn’t notice the imperfections—they only remembered the laughter and warmth.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering before the holidays doesn’t have to be daunting. By following these seven rules, you’ll create a streamlined, inviting space that sets the stage for meaningful celebrations. As someone who’s embraced these strategies, I can attest that a little organization goes a long way in reducing stress and enhancing holiday cheer.
So take a deep breath, start small, and trust the process. With these pro tips in hand, you’ll be ready to welcome guests—and the holiday spirit—with open arms. Happy tidying! 🎄✨
