By the time the pumpkins are slouching and I’ve half-committed to baking something with cranberries, I start to feel it—that tight, cluttered feeling in the corners of my home. It always hits before the holidays. The closets are groaning, the kitchen feels overrun, and every surface seems to collect little bits of everything.
So years ago, I made myself a seasonal promise: before the holidays sweep in with their joy and chaos, I give my home a quiet edit. Not a top-to-bottom overhaul. Just a thoughtful pass through the spaces that hold the most weight—physically, visually, and emotionally.
And I do it not to make everything perfect, but to make space for what’s coming: guests, gatherings, twinkly things, gift-wrapping messes, and the many meals made with love (and sometimes, mild panic). Decluttering in November has become a ritual that keeps me grounded. It’s like setting the table before the feast—not required, but deeply satisfying.
So here are the 10 things I always declutter before the holidays begin—based on experience, not just Pinterest dreams. These are the things that, when cleared, actually make a difference in how my home feels and functions as the season rolls in.
1. The Holiday Decor Graveyard
Every year, there’s at least one strand of lights that doesn’t light up, a glittery wreath that’s lost its charm, or ornaments I meant to fix and didn’t. These sad items often end up buried in bins labeled “Holiday” but never see the light of day.
So before I even touch a decoration, I do a pre-sort:
- Toss broken, tangled, or overly worn items (especially if I ignored them last year)
- Donate gently used pieces that no longer match my style or space
- Consolidate anything I’ve unintentionally duplicated (three identical mini trees—why?)
This makes the actual decorating feel lighter and more intentional. And I get to start the season with a clear sense of what I love—and what’s just clutter in disguise.
2. Pantry + Spice Cabinet Check-In
Before the baking begins and extra groceries take over, I do a sweep through the pantry and spice drawer. You’d be shocked how many expired cans and duplicate spices I’ve found (looking at you, five bottles of cinnamon).
I toss:
- Anything expired or stale
- Spices that are more scent than substance (if it smells like dust, it’s done)
- Forgotten novelty items we’re not realistically going to use
Then I take stock of what we do have. Because there's nothing more annoying than buying more vanilla extract when you already have two unopened bottles hiding behind the lentils.
3. The Coat Closet Mayhem
This one sneaks up on me every year. Fall arrives, and we’re throwing jackets on hooks, stuffing hats into bins, and somehow losing one mitten per pair.
So I empty the whole thing—yes, the whole closet—and ask:
- Does it still fit?
- Do we actually wear it?
- Is it in good enough shape to donate if not?
Then I streamline: one coat per person, two hats max, gloves that have partners.
Everything else gets stored elsewhere or passed on. Suddenly, leaving the house feels less like a wrestling match with a pile of puffers.
4. Kid Toys (Before the Gifting Begins)
This has become a tradition in our house. A few weeks before the holidays, we do a “Toy Tidy,” as my daughter calls it. Together, we sort through bins and baskets and shelves with one question in mind: Is this something you still love or use?
We create three piles:
- Keep: absolute favorites
- Give: things in great shape that another child would love
- Gone: broken, missing parts, or outgrown
The key is involving the kids—making it about generosity and space, not punishment. Plus, it helps me see where we actually need storage versus where things are just overstuffed.
5. Wrapping Supplies That Somehow Multiplied
I have a basket in the closet that’s supposed to hold wrapping supplies. But every November, it’s like opening a time capsule of squished bows, half-used rolls, and tangled ribbons.
So I spread it all out and evaluate:
- Which wrapping paper is actually useable?
- Do I have enough tape and tags, or just wishful thinking?
- Are there bent boxes or crumpled bags taking up unnecessary space?
I keep only what I’ll use this year. It sounds obvious, but clearing this out early makes the actual wrapping sessions less chaotic—and way more enjoyable.
6. The Junk Drawer(s)—Let’s Be Honest, There’s More Than One
Let’s not pretend: most of us have a junk drawer (or three). They quietly collect batteries, old receipts, keys to nowhere, and that one glue stick you’re pretty sure is dried up.
I give myself 15–20 minutes, set a timer, and go drawer by drawer:
- Trash what’s clearly trash
- Relocate things that have real homes elsewhere
- Group like items in small containers or old boxes
I’m not trying to turn it into a showroom. I just want it to be functional chaos, not frustrating chaos.
7. Fridge + Freezer Deep Dive
This is usually when I find the frozen mystery container from spring. Before the holidays, I do a full wipe-down of both the fridge and freezer.
What I focus on:
- Clearing space for leftovers, guests, and holiday ingredients
- Tossing expired condiments and freezer-burned items
- Making sure storage containers have matching lids (why is that always the issue?)
This also gives me a moment to stock up intentionally—so I’m not making cranberry sauce next to a forgotten tray of freezer-burned chicken wings.
8. Bathroom Products + Towels
With guests often coming through over the holidays, I like to make sure the bathroom isn’t just clean—it’s cleared.
I check:
- Expired medicines or skincare
- Nearly-empty bottles I’ve stopped using
- Guest towels that may need washing or replacing
It’s not about having fancy things. It’s about making the space feel fresh—which, honestly, feels good even when no one else is visiting.
9. Gift Stash + Unused “Someday” Items
I’m a gift stasher. I buy thoughtful things and tuck them away…and sometimes forget they exist until months later. Before the holidays, I go through my stash: closets, drawers, under-bed bins.
I ask:
- Is this still the right gift for someone?
- Did I double-buy without realizing it?
- Are there things I bought “just in case” that I can let go of?
Sometimes I find real gems. Sometimes I realize that great gift is now outdated or unnecessary. Either way, it gives me clarity and avoids overspending.
10. Holiday Tableware and Serving Supplies
Right before hosting season, I pull out the platters, napkins, candle holders, and extra dishes I use once a year. Some years, it’s like opening a thrift store I forgot I owned.
I keep:
- Pieces I know I’ll use and love
- Things that serve multiple functions (a wooden board that works for cheese, cookies, or décor)
- Neutral linens that don’t scream “2010 party store chic”
I let go of:
- Wobbly wine glasses I keep meaning to fix
- Kitschy napkin rings I haven’t used in five seasons
- Anything that makes me say, “Maybe… if we host a dinner for 16 again?” (we never do)
The Daily Essentials
- Don’t start big. Pick the one drawer or closet that drives you the most nuts—and start there. Momentum builds.
- Make it visual. Take everything out of the space you’re decluttering. Seeing it laid out gives you better clarity on what’s staying.
- Give things a deadline. If you’ve been “meaning to fix it” for over a year, you probably won’t. Let it go.
- Keep a donate bin ready to go. I keep mine near the door, so I can fill it in small doses without waiting for a big clean-out day.
- Decluttering isn’t punishment. It’s preparation—for space, joy, connection, and new memories.
Clear Corners, Open Hearts: Why It’s Worth It
Decluttering before the holidays isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about making space for what matters most—and releasing what no longer serves you, your home, or the season ahead.
Because when your kitchen drawers close easily and the coat closet isn’t a hazard zone, your nervous system gets a little relief. When the wrapping supplies are actually where they’re supposed to be, the night-before gift wrapping becomes a little more magical, a little less maddening.
And that’s the real beauty of this pre-season edit: it’s not just about the stuff—it’s about the energy shift. The invitation to step into the season lighter, more focused on joy, and less caught in the clutter.
So take your time. Start small. Pour something warm.
And remember—clearing space is a way of making room for joy to land.
