Getting your home ready for holiday guests? Follow this simple step-by-step guide to declutter quickly and create a welcoming space without the stress!
The holidays are such a joyful time of year, but let’s be honest—getting your home ready for guests can quickly become overwhelming.
Between all the prep work for meals, decorating, and managing your family’s schedule, finding the time to declutter before the holiday rush might feel impossible.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you!
Decluttering doesn’t have to be a massive project that takes days (or weeks!).
With a little strategy and focus, you can tackle the areas that matter most and create a welcoming, organized space for your guests without the stress.
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you declutter your home before the holidays so you can enjoy the season with less mess and more joy.
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. For more information, see my disclosures here.
When time is limited, it’s important to prioritize the spaces that will get the most use while your guests are visiting.
Think about where your guests will spend the most time—living rooms, dining areas, bathrooms, and entryways should be your first focus.
By focusing on the most-used spaces, you’re making sure the areas your guests will actually see are clean and organized.
This will take some of the pressure off of feeling like your entire home needs to be perfect.
SHOP
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Guest bathrooms are one of those spots that tend to accumulate clutter over time without us even noticing.
It’s usually filled with half-empty bottles, extra towels, or random toiletries.
Now’s the perfect time to clear it out and make it feel fresh for holiday visitors.
A decluttered and clean bathroom makes a big impression, and it’s often one of the easiest rooms to get under control.
SHOP
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The entryway is the first thing your guests will see when they walk into your home, and it can set the tone for the rest of their visit.
Read: How to Organize Your Entryway for Fall: Managing Coats, Boots, and Bags
If your entryway is overflowing with shoes, jackets, or bags, it’s time for a quick refresh.
Decluttering the entryway makes a huge impact with minimal effort and helps keep the rest of your home cleaner by offering a designated spot for outerwear and shoes.
SHOP
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If you’re hosting holiday meals or gatherings, chances are your kitchen is going to be the hub of activity.
Read: Organizing Your Kitchen for Fall: Simple Tips to Keep It Functional
Decluttering your countertops will give you more space to prep meals and help keep everything organized while guests are around.
A clean, decluttered kitchen not only makes meal prep easier, but it also creates a calm and organized atmosphere when your guests inevitably gather there.
SHOP
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If your guests will be hanging their coats or jackets, a tidy coat closet is a must.
We all know how easy it is to throw random stuff in the coat closet throughout the year (hello, old winter boots!), so take a few minutes to get it guest-ready.
A tidy coat closet ensures your guests will have a place to hang their outerwear, making them feel welcomed from the moment they step in.
SHOP
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Trying to tackle the entire house at once can quickly lead to overwhelm, especially with all the other things on your holiday to-do list.
Read: The Four-Box Method: A Simple Guide to Decluttering Your Home
Instead, focus on one room at a time and break it down into smaller tasks.
Breaking it down room by room helps you feel more in control and keeps the process less stressful.
The holiday season is about creating memories, not stressing over a perfectly decluttered home.
Focus on the high-traffic areas your guests will see and use, and don’t worry about tackling every single corner of the house.
By prioritizing the spaces that matter most and breaking the process into smaller, manageable tasks, you can create a welcoming home without feeling overwhelmed.
And remember, your guests are coming to spend time with you—not to inspect every inch of your home!
Decluttering before the holidays is about creating a warm, inviting space where everyone can relax and enjoy the season together.
Happy decluttering, and here’s to a joyful, stress-free holiday season!
The post How to Declutter Your Home Before Holiday Guests Arrive appeared first on Christene Holder Home.
Holiday Decluttering Tips
The holidays are such a joyful time of year, but let’s be honest—getting your home ready for guests can quickly become overwhelming.
Between all the prep work for meals, decorating, and managing your family’s schedule, finding the time to declutter before the holiday rush might feel impossible.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you!
Decluttering doesn’t have to be a massive project that takes days (or weeks!).
With a little strategy and focus, you can tackle the areas that matter most and create a welcoming, organized space for your guests without the stress.
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you declutter your home before the holidays so you can enjoy the season with less mess and more joy.
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. For more information, see my disclosures here.
Preparing Your Home for Holiday Guests
Start with High-Traffic Areas
When time is limited, it’s important to prioritize the spaces that will get the most use while your guests are visiting.
Think about where your guests will spend the most time—living rooms, dining areas, bathrooms, and entryways should be your first focus.
Clear the clutter: Remove unnecessary items like shoes, bags, or kids’ toys that often pile up in entryways and living spaces. Create a designated space (like a basket or bin) to temporarily store these items.
Tidy up surfaces: Wipe down countertops, coffee tables, and other visible surfaces. Put away any knick-knacks or excess decor that might make the space feel cluttered.
Make it guest-ready: In your living room, fluff the pillows, fold blankets, and do a quick dusting. In the dining room, clear off any extra clutter from the table and ensure there’s room for guests to gather.
By focusing on the most-used spaces, you’re making sure the areas your guests will actually see are clean and organized.
This will take some of the pressure off of feeling like your entire home needs to be perfect.
SHOP
Tackle the Guest Bathroom
Guest bathrooms are one of those spots that tend to accumulate clutter over time without us even noticing.
It’s usually filled with half-empty bottles, extra towels, or random toiletries.
Now’s the perfect time to clear it out and make it feel fresh for holiday visitors.
Declutter the countertops: Remove anything that doesn’t need to be there—old skincare products, half-used tubes of toothpaste, or stray hair accessories. Keep only the essentials, like soap and a fresh hand towel, on display.
Organize the cabinets: If your guests might need to access anything under the sink, take a few minutes to organize it. Place extra toilet paper, clean towels, and basic toiletries (like travel-size shampoo or body wash) in easy-to-reach spots.
Make it smell nice: Add a candle, reed diffuser, or fresh flowers to give the bathroom a warm, welcoming feel. It’s a simple touch that makes the space feel intentional and cozy.
A decluttered and clean bathroom makes a big impression, and it’s often one of the easiest rooms to get under control.
SHOP
Declutter the Entryway
The entryway is the first thing your guests will see when they walk into your home, and it can set the tone for the rest of their visit.
Read: How to Organize Your Entryway for Fall: Managing Coats, Boots, and Bags
If your entryway is overflowing with shoes, jackets, or bags, it’s time for a quick refresh.
Create storage solutions: Use baskets or bins to store shoes, hats, scarves, or gloves. If you don’t have a dedicated coat closet, a coat rack or hooks can work wonders for hanging jackets and bags.
Clear the floor space: Keep the floor as clear as possible. Remove anything unnecessary, like extra shoes or random items that don’t belong there. A clean, clear entryway instantly feels more welcoming.
Add a welcoming touch: You don’t need to go all out, but a simple fall or winter wreath on the door, a small rug, or a potted plant can make your entryway feel more festive and inviting.
Decluttering the entryway makes a huge impact with minimal effort and helps keep the rest of your home cleaner by offering a designated spot for outerwear and shoes.
SHOP
Simplify Your Kitchen Counters
If you’re hosting holiday meals or gatherings, chances are your kitchen is going to be the hub of activity.
Read: Organizing Your Kitchen for Fall: Simple Tips to Keep It Functional
Decluttering your countertops will give you more space to prep meals and help keep everything organized while guests are around.
Remove unnecessary appliances: If your counter is cluttered with appliances you don’t use daily (think blenders, toasters, or coffee makers), store them in cabinets or pantry shelves until you need them.
Clear out the clutter: Move any random papers, bills, or mail that’s piled up on your kitchen counters. Find a drawer or organizer to store them in until you have time to sort through everything.
Designate a serving area: If you’re hosting a holiday meal, clear off a section of the counter or island where you can set up a self-serve buffet or drinks station. This will help keep things organized when guests arrive and prevent last-minute scrambling.
A clean, decluttered kitchen not only makes meal prep easier, but it also creates a calm and organized atmosphere when your guests inevitably gather there.
SHOP
Declutter Your Coat Closet
If your guests will be hanging their coats or jackets, a tidy coat closet is a must.
We all know how easy it is to throw random stuff in the coat closet throughout the year (hello, old winter boots!), so take a few minutes to get it guest-ready.
Clear out excess: Remove any coats, jackets, or shoes that you and your family aren’t currently using. Store them in another closet or in storage bins to free up space for your guests.
Add extra hangers: Make sure there are enough hangers for your guests’ coats and jackets. You could even add a small basket or bin for hats, scarves, or gloves.
Store winter gear: If you have bulky winter gear (like boots or snow pants) cluttering the bottom of your closet, find a separate place to store them until the holidays are over.
A tidy coat closet ensures your guests will have a place to hang their outerwear, making them feel welcomed from the moment they step in.
SHOP
Focus on One Room at a Time
Trying to tackle the entire house at once can quickly lead to overwhelm, especially with all the other things on your holiday to-do list.
Read: The Four-Box Method: A Simple Guide to Decluttering Your Home
Instead, focus on one room at a time and break it down into smaller tasks.
Set a timer: Give yourself a set amount of time (15-30 minutes) to declutter one room. This keeps the process manageable and prevents you from feeling like you have to do everything in one go.
Use baskets for sorting: As you declutter, have baskets or bins nearby for items to toss, donate, or store away. This makes it easy to sort through things quickly without second-guessing.
Don’t aim for perfection: The goal here is to make your home functional and welcoming for guests, not to achieve a Pinterest-perfect space. Focus on what matters most and let go of the rest.
Breaking it down room by room helps you feel more in control and keeps the process less stressful.
Final Thoughts: Declutter for the Holidays Without the Stress
The holiday season is about creating memories, not stressing over a perfectly decluttered home.
Focus on the high-traffic areas your guests will see and use, and don’t worry about tackling every single corner of the house.
By prioritizing the spaces that matter most and breaking the process into smaller, manageable tasks, you can create a welcoming home without feeling overwhelmed.
And remember, your guests are coming to spend time with you—not to inspect every inch of your home!
Decluttering before the holidays is about creating a warm, inviting space where everyone can relax and enjoy the season together.
Happy decluttering, and here’s to a joyful, stress-free holiday season!
More Decluttering Tips
Decluttering Before the Holidays: A Step-by-Step Plan for Busy Moms
The Four-Box Method: A Simple Guide to Decluttering Your Home
Organizing Your Kitchen for Fall: Simple Tips to Keep It Functional
How To Go From Cluttered to Clear in 3 Simple Steps
How to Declutter before Christmas
The post How to Declutter Your Home Before Holiday Guests Arrive appeared first on Christene Holder Home.