A Home Organizer's Guide to Holiday Decluttering

It's easy to feel the pressure to keep up with the Joneses around the holidays — bigger trees, flashier lights, towering stacks of beautifully wrapped gifts. But let's bring it back to what the holidays are truly about: community, connection, and meaning. The real magic of the season isn't in perfectly styled decor or piles of presents; it's in gathering with loved ones, slowing down, and making memories.

Let's bring some intentionality into our homes this holiday season with a solid holiday declutter. This isn't about taking away the joy; it's about clearing the excess to make space for what matters most. Ready to get started? Here are 20 areas of your home to declutter and simplify for a holiday that's as manageable as it is memorable.

1. Gift Wrap

Those tangled ribbons and crumpled rolls of paper from last year aren't doing anyone any favors. Declutter dried-out tape, scraps, and crumpled paper, and corral whatever you actually love into a small basket or drawer. And if you're tempted to keep all those little gift bags "just in case" . . . don't. Set a reasonable number and donate the rest.

2. Holiday Decor

Before you fill every surface with twinkle lights and snowmen, take a hard look at what you actually want to see all season. Skip anything broken or unloved, and keep only decor you're genuinely excited to display. You're curating here, not stockpiling.

3. Holiday Lights

The holiday light situation is always a mystery: Why do they all tangle themselves during the off-season? Spend a little time detangling and testing now, then let go of anything that flickers or flashes in a way that reminds you of a horror movie.

4. Platters and Vases

Declutter oversized, unused, or duplicate serving dishes that only see the light of day once a year. Streamline to a few versatile pieces that work year-round so you're not left frantically stacking vases next to the coffee maker.

5. Pantry

Clear out stale crackers, ancient spices, and any canned mystery items so you have space for holiday essentials. Organize your go-to hosting supplies (nuts, baking ingredients, good olive oil) so you can actually find them when you need them.

6. Entryway

With guests coming and going, an uncluttered entry is key. Remove any nonessentials and make room for shoes, jackets, and bags. Consider a small basket for keys and phones by the front door.

7. Holiday Dishes and Glassware

If you're digging through stacks of mismatched mugs to find the fancy plates, it's time to declutter. Decide which special occasion items are worth keeping, and let the rest go. Those chipped plates? Bye.

8. Disposable Items

Napkins, paper plates, plastic cutlery — this stuff can pile up fast. Streamline your stash to just what you'll actually use, and consider investing in reusable options. If you're already eyeing that disposable holiday-themed tablecloth, it might be time to walk away.

9. Common Spaces

Clutter-free spaces make hosting far less stressful. Declutter surfaces in your living room and dining area so there's room for guests to put down a drink or two. Clear a credenza or sideboard so you have space to set up a buffet or snack station. Even a 15-minute declutter can go a long way here.

10. Holiday Cards

Decide on a display area for holiday cards you love (fridge or mantel are most common) and while you're at it, permission granted to recycle the old ones. No need to keep every greeting that comes through the door. A small, curated card display is festive and feels personal without taking over your entire wall.

11. Fridge

Between the eggnog, the leftovers, and the holiday ham, fridge space gets tight fast. Clear out any expired sauces, mystery leftovers, and near-empty containers to make room for the good stuff.

12. Guest Bedroom (or Lack Thereof)

If you're hosting overnight guests, it's time to make sure your guest space is functional, whether it's a spare room or the pull-out sofa. Clear out a drawer or slice of closet real estate so your guests can unpack and make themselves at home.

13. Bathroom Countertops

Let's spruce your space in time for holiday hosting. Move nonessentials off the counter, so your guests aren't navigating around six different lotions and three kinds of toothpaste. Keep it simple and clean and make sure you have fresh soap and hand towels at the ready.

14. Bedding and Towels

Sort through your linens and towels to make sure they're guest-ready. Anything torn, threadbare, or somehow smelling faintly of the gym can be recycled. A few good sets will serve you better than endless stacks of worn-out towels.

15. Closet Space For Coats

The holidays often mean people arriving in bulky coats. Make some room in your entryway by moving off-season jackets or anything you won't use. Trust me, you don't want a pile of wet coats on your bed.

16. Toy Storage

If you have kids, the influx of holiday toys can become overwhelming. Before gifts start arriving, work with your kids to declutter their toys, making room for new ones while passing on gently used items to the local charity of your choice.

17. Table Decor

If you're planning on setting a beautiful holiday table, streamline your tableware and decor now. Pick a few key pieces rather than trying to pile on every candle and garland you own. Less really is more here.

18. Kitchen Gadgets

Do a quick kitchen clean-out to make sure you have room for holiday cooking essentials. That avocado slicer or cherry-pitter you've never used? It's time to let them go and clear up some space for baking trays or serving bowls you'll actually need.

19. Bookshelves

Bookshelves often become a catch-all for random objects. Declutter them to make room for holiday decor or to showcase favorite seasonal photos. Keep only what you need and love and donate the rest.

20. Sentimental Holiday Items

The holidays can bring out all kinds of nostalgia, but you don't need to keep every ornament or clay object your kids brought home from preschool. Select a few sentimental favorites and consider letting the others go. You're free!

By tackling these areas with ruthless (but not reckless) editing, you'll set yourself up for a holiday season that's joyful, intentional, and truly focused on the things that matter most. So grab a cup of cocoa and a donation box and get ready for a holiday that feels lighter and brighter.

Shira Gill (she/her) is a globally recognized home-organizing expert and author with a minimalist philosophy. She's inspired thousands of people to clear clutter from their homes and lives through a process she developed that applies to anyone, regardless of budget, space, or lifestyle. Shira is the bestselling author of "Minimalista," "Organized Living," and her forthcoming book "LifeStyled," and has been featured by 100+ media outlets. Shira is a PS Council member.