Welcome, holiday hero, to the ultimate guide on preparing for the season of “where did I put that?” mixed with “why do I still own this?” Whether it’s relatives flooding in or the pure chaos of new stuff, December is right around the corner—and so is the stress of facing holiday clutter. But fear not! With a little strategy and a dash of preemptive decluttering, you’ll be ready to host with a home that feels spacious, organized, and inviting.

So, let’s tackle this, one room (and item) at a time.

Step 1: Declare Your Spaces Sacred

When it comes to decluttering, not all spaces are created equal. To start, identify your “sacred spaces” for the holiday season—the kitchen where you’ll be whipping up all those festive meals, the living room where the holiday movies and gift exchanges happen, the guest room where Aunt Linda will camp out. Make these zones your decluttering priorities, turning them into a stress-free sanctuary of order. The goal here is simple: make these rooms usable and inviting.

Step 2: Purge, Don’t Just Stash

Now, we all know that feeling of chucking stuff into closets or the garage. But this year, let’s be bold. Forget just hiding clutter; get rid of it. Before the holiday season is in full swing, go through toys, clothing, and those random trinkets you don’t actually need. This is a time to cut loose. Anything you haven’t used in the past year? That goes into the “let it go” pile, pronto. And, hey, bonus points if you donate some of it—it’s the season of giving, after all.

Step 3: The One-Box Rule for Decorations

Oh, holiday decorations. Who doesn’t love pulling out the twinkly lights, garlands, and glitter-coated ornaments? But here’s the thing: less is more. Set yourself a “one-box” rule for decorations this year. Pick the best, the essentials, the ones that make you actually smile (no, not the broken ornament you’ve “meant to fix”). This will keep things festive without the overwhelm, and clean-up will be a breeze.

Step 4: Big Cleanout? Consider a Dumpster

Alright, let’s talk about those items you never use but still own. We’re talking basement, garage, attic—all those dusty dens of denial. If the job feels enormous, don’t hesitate to bring in a small dumpster for a weekend. A cleanout like this isn’t just about holiday prep; it’s a long-term investment in your peace of mind. Plus, a good junk purge is almost as satisfying as seeing everyone’s faces when you serve that perfectly cooked holiday ham.

Step 5: Digital Detox

Holiday cards, recipes, event reminders—they pile up fast. So, this year, go digital. Keep only a few of your favorite cards and scan the rest if they’re truly sentimental. Same with recipes—ditch the binder and save them online. This small switch keeps your countertops clear and adds a modern touch to your holiday traditions.

Final Thoughts

Decluttering before the holidays isn’t about turning your house into a sterile space void of memories; it’s about creating an environment where you’re free to focus on what matters. Clearing out the clutter clears up the headspace, too, so you can actually enjoy the season.