The holiday season is a time for family, food, and festivities - but it’s also a time when clutter can quickly accumulate. From extra gifts to seasonal decor, the influx of holiday items can easily overwhelm your home. However, with a little planning and some smart strategies, you can maintain a calm environment throughout the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
Embrace Thoughtful Gifting
Gift-giving is central to holiday traditions, but all those presents can lead to piles of unused or unnecessary items. Instead of buying something that could just add to the mess, consider thoughtful gifts that encourage experiences rather than more things. Tickets to a concert, a subscription to a streaming service, or a voucher for a local experience like a cooking class or a wine-tasting tour are gifts that won’t take up space in your home.
If you prefer tangible gifts, opt for consumables - think gourmet chocolates, artisanal bath products, or even a beautifully packaged bottle of wine. These items are enjoyed and used, leaving no lasting mess behind.
Create a Designated Holiday Zone
As decorations go up, it’s easy to lose track of how much stuff is scattered around the house. Instead of spreading holiday cheer in every room, designate a space or two for your holiday decor. This can help you resist the urge to over-decorate. Keep the kitchen, bedrooms, and office areas relatively uncluttered while allowing the living room or entryway to be your festive focal point.
When storing holiday decorations, use clear bins or labelled boxes, so they’re easy to find and put away when the season is over. Consider using storage under furniture, in the attic, or in a designated closet to keep everything contained until next year.
Stick to a Gift Wrapping Station
The piles of wrapping paper, tape, and ribbons that seem to take over your home during gift-wrapping time are a major contributor to holiday clutter. Keep this process contained by creating a dedicated wrapping station. Whether it’s a small table or a designated corner, having a central place for all your wrapping materials will help prevent them from spreading throughout your home.
Store your gift wrap, ribbons, and tags in neat containers, and be sure to recycle or compost excess paper. When the wrapping is done, make sure everything is put away in its designated spot - this will help prevent a messy aftermath when the gifts are ready to be opened.
Declutter Before the Holidays Begin
Before you even bring out the seasonal decor or start shopping for presents, take a little time to organise your home. Go through your closets, cabinets, and drawers, and donate or discard items you no longer need. A decluttered home gives you a solid foundation for welcoming the holiday season without the overwhelm of too much "stuff."
If your space is small, consider organising by category: tackle one room or area at a time rather than trying to declutter your entire home in one go.
Set Up a 'Holiday Overflow' Station
With extra guests, extra food, and extra everything, it’s easy for things to pile up during the holidays. Set up an "overflow station" in a hidden corner of your home - a place where things like extra coats, shoes, or bags can be neatly stored when company arrives. A chic coat rack, storage bench, or stylish basket can keep things from cluttering up your entryway or living spaces.
Be Mindful of Post-Holiday Cleanup
The day after a big holiday feast or gathering can leave you feeling exhausted, but it’s important to tackle the cleanup as soon as possible to avoid the clutter piling up. Take time to sort through the decorations, dishes, and gift wrap as you go, rather than letting them accumulate in piles. This will keep your home feeling fresh and organised long after the festivities are over.
Create a system for recycling and donating unwanted items. Take the opportunity to go through your children's new toys and discard or donate any old ones they’ve outgrown. This keeps your home from getting overwhelmed by an influx of new things.
Practice the ‘One-In, One-Out’ Rule
The holidays tend to bring new items into the house, from clothing and toys to seasonal decor and gadgets. To prevent clutter from taking over, implement the “one-in, one-out” rule: for every new item that enters your home, make sure an old one leaves. This helps keep your possessions in check and ensures you’re not accumulating more than you need.
Maintain a Cleaning Routine
The holidays can disrupt your usual cleaning schedule, but it’s important to maintain a routine - even if it’s a scaled-back version. Spending just 15 minutes a day tidying up can prevent a messy buildup and keep things from feeling chaotic. Stay on top of dishes, wipe down countertops, and make your bed each morning to keep the clutter from accumulating.
While it’s easy for the holidays to bring clutter into your home, with a little planning and thoughtful action, you can keep things organised and under control. Remember that the most important thing during the season is spending quality time with loved ones—not stressing over the state of your home. By following these strategies, you can embrace the joy of the holidays while keeping your home calm, clutter-free, and filled with the warmth and cheer of the season.
