Make Room for Holiday Magic: How to Declutter Before Santa Arrives
The holiday season is just around the corner, and along with the joy and excitement of twinkling lights, festive gatherings, and family traditions, there’s one other thing that inevitably comes: stuff. Lots and lots of stuff. From the gifts piling up under the tree to the decorations that seem to multiply every year, your home can quickly go from cozy to chaotic.
But fear not! Before Santa makes his big arrival, there’s a perfect opportunity to give your home (and mind) a good decluttering session. Not only will it create more space for new holiday treasures, but it’ll also make your home feel lighter, more organized, and ready to welcome the season’s magic. Here’s how to declutter before the holidays without losing your holiday spirit!
1. Start with the Toys: Santa’s Rule—Out with the Old, In with the New
If you have kids, you know how quickly toys can take over every room in the house. And with more presents on the way, it’s essential to make some room before the new goodies arrive. Involve your children in the process by encouraging them to donate toys they no longer play with. Remind them that by giving away their old toys, they’re making space for Santa to bring new ones—and they’ll also be helping other children have a special holiday.
Tip: Turn it into a fun game! Set a timer and see how many toys they can find to donate or throw away in 15 minutes.
2. Declutter Holiday Decorations: Only Keep the Joy-Sparkers
We all have that one box of holiday decorations filled with things we haven’t used in years—broken lights, tired ornaments, or tinsel that has seen better days. Before you deck the halls this year, take a moment to sort through your decorations. Only keep the items that truly bring you joy and fit your current holiday vibe. If it’s been sitting in a box untouched for the last three years, it’s probably time to let it go.
Tip: If you feel sentimental about old decorations, take photos before you part with them. It’s a way to keep the memory without keeping the clutter.
3. Clean Out the Closet: Holiday Sweaters In, Forgotten Clothes Out
Holiday parties, family dinners, and cozy nights by the fire all call for different outfits—so now’s the perfect time to give your closet a refresh. Take a quick inventory of your clothes and pull out anything that’s too worn, doesn’t fit, or hasn’t been worn in over a year. Make room for that festive sweater you’ve been dying to wear or the new coat you know Santa’s bringing. Plus, donating your gently used clothing now means others can benefit from it before the cold weather hits.
Tip: Hang your holiday attire in a separate, easy-to-access section of the closet so you can get dressed for festive occasions with ease.
4. Purge the Pantry: Prep for Holiday Feasts
Before the big holiday meals begin, now’s the time to declutter and organize your pantry. Check expiration dates, toss anything that’s past its prime, and take note of items you have too much of. Clearing space in your pantry means you’ll be ready to store all those holiday goodies—from cookie ingredients to leftovers. And while you’re at it, organize your cabinets so you can easily find all the things you’ll need to whip up your holiday feast.
Tip: Create a designated spot for holiday snacks and treats. This will help keep things organized and prevent a mountain of candy canes from taking over the kitchen!
5. Streamline the Guest Room: Make It Cozy, Not Cluttered
If you’re hosting family or friends during the holidays, now’s a great time to declutter your guest room (or any room that will be hosting guests). Clear out any items that don’t belong there—whether it’s a stack of old magazines, forgotten storage bins, or workout equipment. Your guests will appreciate a clean, welcoming space, and you’ll feel less stressed when they arrive. Bonus: You might even reclaim a little extra space for yourself once the holidays are over!
Tip: Add a small basket of toiletries or snacks in the guest room to make it feel extra cozy and welcoming.
6. Simplify Your Holiday Shopping: Less Is More
Decluttering isn’t just about physical items. It’s also about simplifying your approach to the holidays. This year, focus on quality over quantity when it comes to gift-giving. Instead of buying a bunch of “stuff,” consider experiences, meaningful gifts, or items that will truly be appreciated and used. The less clutter you bring into the house, the easier it will be to keep things organized—and the more meaningful the holidays will feel.
Tip: If you’re struggling with what to get someone, consider consumable gifts—like baked goods, a nice bottle of wine, or a gift card to their favorite restaurant. These won’t add clutter, but they’ll still bring plenty of joy.
7. The Pre-Santa Sweep: A Quick Declutter for the Big Day
In the final days leading up to Santa’s arrival, take some time to do a quick “Santa Sweep” around the house. This is a fast, no-stress decluttering session where you tidy up high-traffic areas like the living room, kitchen, and entryway. Put away anything that’s out of place, clear off countertops, and make sure there’s room under the tree for all the presents that are about to arrive.
Tip: Give each family member a basket or bag and ask them to fill it with anything they find around the house that doesn’t belong. It’s a fast, easy way to get everyone involved in the final pre-holiday cleanup.
Final Thoughts: Make Space for Holiday Magic
Decluttering before Santa arrives doesn’t have to be a stressful chore—it can actually be a way to create more space for the things that matter most. By clearing out the old, organizing the present (pun intended!), and simplifying where you can, you’ll set the stage for a holiday season that feels joyful, calm, and clutter-free.
So put on some holiday music, grab a cup of cocoa, and tackle that pre-Santa declutter with a smile. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter, cozier, and more festive your home will feel—just in time for the big guy in red to make his grand entrance!