One of the best times to declutter and tidy the spaces you’ll be using to host guests is before the social expectations of the holidays are here. Don’t plan on doing a deep clean but just enough to make everything welcoming.
It’s also a great time to re-evaluate if you still love your seasonal décor and cooking/serving ware or if you’re keeping it “just because”.
Entry:
Does your door mat need a good cleaning or even replacing? Now is the time to take care of this first impression bit of business.
Once inside, do you have any outerwear lingering from warmer weather? Put that in a closet and make room for the heavier coats you and your guests are using now.
Put away any décor that is now out of season and put up your holiday decorations.
Living room:
Clear off all magazines and books that are scattered about. Have a reading basket but leave your surfaces clear.
Clear out off-season décor and make room for your holiday decorations.
Gather up any extra blankets or pillows that are taking up space. Make room for guests to sit comfortably.
Kitchen:
The kitchen is usually the busiest place this time of year.
Clear off everything that is not used daily from the top of your counters. You are going to need that space for your food preparation.
Clear out any extra food stuff that is sitting around in your pantry and refrigerator. You are going to need all the space you can get for the holidays.
Take inventory of your pots, pans, and serving pieces. If you are not using them during this busy time with larger than usual meals, are you ever going to need them?
And after the holidays, if you get a new kitchen appliance or tool, let go of the one it replaces.
Children’s rooms:
At some point in time before the holidays, have your children put away (with all the pieces intact) all of their toys. If there is not room for them to put them all away have them choose which ones they can now donate to someone else.
If the toys are damaged or missing parts, consider putting them in the trash. Remind them that new toys will likely be coming and there needs to be room for them.
Decorations:
When putting out your decorations, consider putting away in the boxes items that are out now. For example, when I pull out my holiday mugs, I put my everyday coffee mugs in the box that I have just pulled out my holiday mugs. I will remove a tea service to make room for a crèche.
Notice what decorations you have stopped using. If they are still in good condition donate them now. If they are looking tired and a bit raggedy, give them a toss. I decorate less than I used to so each year I let some more decorations go.
Conclusion:
After you have decluttered your spaces, you will feel so much better about receiving guests for the holidays. You will also enjoy resting and enjoying the newly cleared and decorated spaces yourself. It will feel good to be able to easily move around in your space – especially in the kitchen!
Your home will be more peaceful and inviting.
Enjoy your holidays!
If you want some accountability to keep on task with your projects of want some extra hand-holding assistance on your project join Diane Quintina and me for one of our support groups. We can help you with next steps to complete your project.
Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients tackle the toughest organizational issues. Jonda does hands on organizing and virtual organizing. For more of Jonda’s tips connect with her on Facebook.
What a great and straightforward shorthand for getting homes ready for the holiday visitor onslaught. (I'm happy to only visit and not be visited for this very reason!) This is a great time of year to do all of this, as it creates delight for the holidays and sets the stage for the new year!
There's nothing quite like some quick decluttering to feel holiday-ready. I love all of your suggestions for which areas to focus on and what items to prioritize.
This morning, before a client session, I did a quick refrigerator and pantry decluttering. I was on the hunt for any expired items. To my surprise, there were more than I thought, so out they went. It felt great to let them go.