Tips for an Organized Holiday Home
The holidays are here! I’m so ready to snuggle up with my family in front of a fire with a warm beverage, a Christmas tree glowing in the corner while we watch our favorite holiday movies. How about you?
With all the magic in the air, it’s easy to forget that with the holidays also comes a whole new set of organizing challenges. When it comes time to dig out the decorations, unpack the winter wardrobe, and prepare your home for family gatherings, it can become glaringly obvious that you may end up with a mess on your hands.
Thankfully, there are ways to help! Setting up a system for seasonal storage helps you keep your home tidy, functional, and festive without overwhelming your space. I’ve put together a list of things to help you enjoy an organized, stress-free holiday season:
Sort and Declutter First
Before diving into holiday decorating or pulling out winter clothes, I like to start with a decluttering session. When you make space first, you avoid overcrowding and make storage much easier:
- Dig through those holiday decorations and get rid of anything that’s broken, outdated, or simply not your style. Only keep items that bring you joy or that you use year after year.
- Take a look through your wardrobe and make space by packing away lightweight summer items and donating clothes you no longer wear. This creates space for winter gear, holiday outfits, and cozy layers.
- Clear out seasonal extras like sports gear, outdoor furniture, or gardening tools to free up valuable storage space. Consider moving these items to a garage, shed, or designated storage area if available.
Use Storage Containers Wisely
Investing in quality storage containers will keep your items safe, organized, and easy to access when the next season rolls around. Here are a few types of containers to consider:
- Clear plastic bins make it easy to see what’s inside without having to open each one. Choose bins with lids to keep out dust, moisture, and pests. I like to get mine at Walmart or even the dollar store.
- Compartmentalized containers are great for fragile items like ornaments. This way they stay organized and prevent breakage.
- Vacuum-sealed bags are ideal for storing bulky winter clothing and bedding by saving space and protecting them from dust and mildew.
Make sure to label each container with the contents and season. That way, you won’t have to guess what’s inside, and you’ll be able to find exactly what you need when the time comes.
Create Dedicated Storage Zones
A designated spot for each category of seasonal items can make a world of difference. Here’s how I like to create specific zones for seamless seasonal storage:
- Holiday decor can go in one area of the garage, attic, or basement. Stackable bins or shelving units can help you maximize vertical space.
- Winter clothing and accessories should be kept close to the entryway, if possible. Hooks, baskets, and shoe racks can corral coats, scarves, gloves, and boots.
- Kitchen and dining items you only use during the holidays (like special serving dishes, cookware, or tableware) can go on a higher shelf in a cabinet or pantry. Make sure these items are clean and ready to use before storing them for next year.
When you assign each category a “home” and labeling containers, you’ll streamline the process of setting up and putting away seasonal items year after year.
Optimize Your Closet Space
Keep your closets organized and functional during the colder months:
- Rotate your wardrobe by moving summer clothes to the back or top of the closet and placing winter clothes within easy reach.
- Use under-bed storage for bulkier items like sweaters, jackets, or blankets. These can be neatly tucked away, leaving your closet less cramped.
- Add hooks, baskets, or hanging organizers to maximize closet space. Scarves, hats, gloves, and boots can go in these additional storage solutions, keeping everything accessible without cluttering the main closet.
Streamline Entryway Storage
Entryways tend to become catch-all spaces during winter, with everyone’s shoes, jackets, and accessories piling up. A few simple adjustments can make a big difference:
- Install hooks or a coat rack for jackets, scarves, and bags. This keeps them off the floor and makes it easy for family members to grab what they need on their way out.
- Add a shoe rack or boot tray near the door to contain footwear and keep dirt and snow from spreading through the house.
- Use baskets or cubbies for each family member’s winter accessories. Label these so everyone knows where to put their items, reducing clutter and morning chaos.
Create an Easy Post-Holiday Clean-Up System
As much as we love the holidays, putting everything away can feel like a daunting task. If you prepare a system now, you can make sure that your post-holiday cleanup is a breeze:
- Designate bins for specific types of decor (such as tree ornaments, lights, or garlands) and store them in the order you’ll need them next year.
- Separate fragile items and wrap them in tissue or bubble wrap. Place these in dedicated bins to prevent damage.
- Plan to donate or discard items you didn’t use this year, whether they’re decorations, gift wrapping supplies, or kitchenware. This keeps your storage streamlined and prevents unwanted clutter from building up.
Maintain Seasonal Storage Year-Round
Seasonal storage doesn’t stop after the holidays. Keeping up with this system throughout the year can save you time and energy in the long run:
- Make seasonal adjustments as each new season arrives. Pack away and rotate items to maintain an organized and functional home.
- Review and refine your storage system every few months. You may find better ways to organize items or realize there are things you no longer need.
- Stay mindful of what you bring in—as new items enter your home, consider rotating out older or less-used items to keep everything balanced.
Final Thoughts
With a little planning and some smart storage solutions, seasonal transitions don’t have to disrupt your home. Creating an organized, dedicated system for your seasonal items allows you to enjoy a festive, clutter-free space year-round.
I believe an organized home is a peaceful home. If you can master seasonal storage, you can keep your space clear, functional, and ready to embrace each new season without the overwhelm.
Want some help? Consider booking a professional organizer this holiday season to make sure you get to enjoy all the hot chocolate and Christmas lights you can stand.
Happy organizing, and enjoy a clutter-free holiday season!
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