Organization Overhaul: Clear the Clutter Before the Holidays

Written By: Sandi MacCalla, Founder - LifeSkills Academy ~ 10/6/2025

Fall Cleaning • Time Management Hacks • Stress-Free Systems

Holidays are a time for gathering, joy, and celebration—and they can bring chaos if your home is cluttered and unprepared. With a little planning now, you can step into the season feeling calm, organized, and ready to welcome guests without the last-minute scramble.

Instead of tackling everything at once, focus on manageable projects each month leading up to December. Think of this as creating breathing room in your home so you can truly enjoy family, friends, and the magic of the season.

October: Lay the Foundation

With hosting season just around the corner, now’s the time to take stock of essentials. A quick inventory ensures you’re prepared before the rush.

• Dinnerware, Glassware & Silverware
  Mismatched collections can be charming, but if you’re short on the basics or holding onto pieces you don’t like, it’s time to let them go. Clear space in your cabinets and, if needed, invest in a few fresh pieces. Holiday sales are the perfect time to upgrade and create a look you’ll love.
  
  
• Bedding & Towels
  Think in sets: each person in your household should have two to three towel sets (bath, face, and hand towels). Guests usually need one or two sets depending on their stay length, saving you from doing endless laundry while they’re visiting. For bedding, aim for one set on the bed and a spare set washed and ready. This balance keeps your linen closet streamlined and stress-free.

November: Focus on the Festivities

By November, schedules fill quickly, so decluttering now will save your sanity later.

• Kitchen Cabinets
  Hosting means cooking—and cooking in a cluttered kitchen is a recipe for frustration. Toss expired items, donate unopened goods you won’t use, and make space for the grocery hauls ahead. Think of it as creating a kitchen that works with you, not against you.
  
  
• Cooking Equipment
  Sharpen your knives, check your pots, pans, and utensils, and position the items you use most in easy reach. Clear out gadgets you never touch. A quick refresh now makes holiday cooking smooth and stress-free.
  
  
• School Supplies
  If you have students at home, chances are you’ve overstocked on notebooks, pens, or art supplies. Have them help sort through the extras. Donate what’s usable or pack it away in a labeled bin for next year.

December: Streamline and Simplify

By December, your calendar is likely to overflow—so only tackle the areas that make the biggest impact.

• Entryway
  This is the first space guests see, and during winter it fills up fast with coats, boots, and bags. Pare down to just the essentials. Store out-of-season coats and shoes in vacuum storage bags (Amazon) to maximize space. Consider a freestanding coat rack from Wayfair or add temporary storage like an over-the-door hook rack (Amazon) for extra hanging room.
  
  
• Bedroom
  Don’t forget about yourself! The holidays can be exhausting, and you’ll need a calm retreat to recharge. Even if you just clear off surfaces and put away visible clutter, your bedroom can become the peaceful sanctuary you desire.

Remember: Progress Over Perfection

Decluttering isn’t about having a picture-perfect home; it’s about creating a space where you and your guests feel comfortable and at ease. Work in small chunks, celebrate what you accomplish, and don’t burn yourself out trying to do everything at once.

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful
or believe to be beautiful.”  ~ William Morris

Helpful Resources

• Acceptable Donations | What Does Goodwill Take? What can I donate? – know what you can pass along responsibly.
  
  
• Becoming Minimalist – practical decluttering inspiration.
  
  
• Real Simple Holiday Organizing Tips – quick strategies for the busiest season.

With a little bit of prep now, you’ll greet the holidays with less stress and more joy.

LifeSkills Academy educators are professionals, some with academic backgrounds, and all have proven success in the world of commerce. We feature online learning in:

• Etiquette/Social Intelligence
• Financial Skills
• Adulting Practices

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