Posted: September 26, 2023
Updated: September 29, 2025

The holidays bring cozy gatherings, delicious food, and the joy of time with loved ones. But they can also bring clutter, chaos, and a never-ending to-do list.

The good news? With a little early preparation and some simple organizing strategies, you can reduce the stress and actually enjoy the season. Here’s how to prepare your home for a calm, functional, and ready-for-celebration atmosphere.

Make a To-Do List Before You Begin

Start your holiday organization with a clear plan. Write down everything you need to do, from decorating to deep cleaning, and then prioritize your list.

Identify your most critical tasks first.
Break large projects (like “organize the kitchen”) into smaller, manageable steps.
Set realistic deadlines for each task so you don’t get overwhelmed.

Use a planner, digital calendar, or app to track your tasks and check them off as you go. Having your plan visible helps keep you organized and ensures that nothing gets missed as the season speeds up.Declutter and clean before you begin

Before starting the cleaning process, get rid of any unnecessary items that are taking up space in your home. This will make the cleaning process easier, and your home will look more organized. Next, give your home a thorough cleaning before the holiday season begins. This includes dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces. Pay special attention to the kitchen. It is the heart of the home, especially during the holiday season. Consider cleaning out the pantry and organizing your kitchen cabinets. Late September or early October is an ideal time to begin this process.

Declutter and Deep Clean Before Decorating

Before pulling out the tinsel and lights, take some time to declutter your home.

Walk room-to-room and get rid of items you no longer use or love.
Donate or sell things in good condition and toss anything broken or expired.
Focus on high-traffic areas like the kitchen, living room, and entryway.

Once clutter is cleared, give each space a thorough cleaning, including dusting, vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, and washing linens. The kitchen deserves extra attention: clean the pantry, organize cabinets, and check expiration dates.

💡 Pro tip: Late September or early October is the perfect time to tackle this step, so you can enjoy the holidays in a clean, peaceful space.

Organize Your Holiday Decorations

Getting ahead with your holiday decor can make decorating day so much easier.

Take inventory of what you already have.
Purge broken, outdated, or unused decorations.
Categorize items by holiday, color, or theme.
Use clear bins so you can easily see what’s inside.
Label each container with its contents for quick access next year.

If you no longer use certain decorations but they’re still in good condition, consider donating them to someone who will enjoy them.

Plan Out Your Holiday Meals

Meal planning can take a significant source of stress off your plate (literally).

Start with a menu list of dishes you plan to serve.
Account for guest count so you’re not short on servings.
Take inventory of pantry staples and only buy what’s needed.
Prep or freeze dishes ahead of time when possible.

You’ll save time and money, and you’ll avoid last-minute grocery store chaos the week of your gathering.

Prepare Guest Rooms Early

If you’re expecting overnight guests, set up their space now rather than waiting until the last minute.

Wash and replace bed linens and towels.
Stock toiletries, extra hangers, and blankets.
Ensure good lighting, ventilation, and temperature control.
Add thoughtful touches, such as a small candle, a water carafe, or a holiday note.

By preparing early, you’ll be able to focus on welcoming your guests instead of rushing to clean right before they arrive.

Bonus Tips to Jump-Start the Process

Decluttering for the holidays doesn’t have to happen all at once. Try these small steps to get started:

Donate outgrown toys or items your family no longer uses.
Repurpose or give away unwanted gifts from previous years.
Take inventory before buying new decor — donate or toss broken pieces.
Sort through holiday cards: keep the meaningful ones and recycle the rest.
Send your holiday cards after New Year’s if you need a stress break — there’s no rule saying they must go out in December!
Here are Some Ways to Get The Organization Process Started

Just thinking about decluttering, cleaning, and getting organized for the holidays can seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it all at once. It helps to make a plan and adjust it as needed during the process.

As you clean and declutter, look for old or outgrown toys that can be donated.
The same goes for old gifts. Repurpose old gifts or donate them.
Take inventory before you buy new decor. Get rid of old and broken decorations.
If you collect holiday cards, go through your stash and toss anything with a simple signature. Only keep those with heartfelt messages that make you feel good.
If you send holiday cards, consider sending them during the New Year to cut down on the stress of having one more thing to do during the holidays.

GET MORE WINTER HOLIDAY TIPS FROM HOME PERSPECTIVE AND OTHER EXPERTS 👇

We were recently featured on Rent.com’s Winter Holiday Decoration Storage Tips!

As the season wraps up, plan ahead for how you’ll store your decor for next year. Proper storage keeps your decorations looking beautiful and makes next year’s setup so much easier. From ornaments to wreaths, simple organization now saves hours later.

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Before & After: Basement Holiday Organization with Ashley

Holiday organization isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating room for peace, connection, and celebration. With a plan in place and clutter under control, you’ll enter the season feeling calm, not frantic.

So pour yourself some cocoa, put on a festive playlist, and start small — one drawer, one shelf, one bin at a time. Your future self will thank you.

Ashley Ingraham is a very organized Mom of a daughter in Baltimore, Maryland. Always creative she was a double major of Studio Art and Education at Furman University and spent the beginning of her career as a teacher in Baltimore City. After staying home with her daughter she founded Home Perspective to share her Organization skills and life experience to make others homes and lives better. Her business has been featured in Baltimore Magazine, Oprah & Entrepreneur. When not busy helping people organize their lives she can be found at concerts all over the country or busy raising her tween daughter.

The Holidays Are Coming. Let’s Make Them Peaceful