‘Tis the season for ‘pre-holiday spring cleaning’.
With Christmas just around the corner, now—before the joyful chaos of the festive season hits—is the ideal time to dive into a quick pre-holiday spring clean to get your home prepped and primed. A focused effort to clear out key areas and set yourself up for a smooth holiday season.
The idea is simple: tackle a light declutter in strategic zones of your home to make space for what’s coming. A pre-holiday spring clean harnesses many of the same decluttering techniques you might use throughout the year, only at this time of year to make space for new, festive goodies.
All it takes is a bit of time, some energy, and a dash of festive enthusiasm. And once you’re done, you can truly enjoy the season with less stress and more space—mentally and physically!
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Focusing on these seven high-impact zones that will make the biggest difference:
1. Clear Out the Pantry
Take stock of what’s lurking in your pantry. Discard expired items, donate unopened non-perishables you no longer need, and group similar items together. This will make space for holiday staples like baking supplies, snacks for guests, and even a stash of Christmas goodies. Pro Tip: Dedicate a small shelf or bin specifically for holiday treats and seasonal ingredients.
2. Make Space in the Refrigerator and Freezer
The holiday season means extra groceries, meal prep, and leftovers. Go through your fridge and freezer, toss anything expired or long forgotten, and organise what’s left. Prioritise space for storing dishes ahead of holiday gatherings and set aside an area for party essentials. This way, you won’t be playing a game of Tetris every time you open the door.
3. Prep the Guest Spaces
Whether you’re hosting overnight guests or just entertaining for an evening, a little prep goes a long way. Freshen up the guest bedroom or clear out space in shared bathrooms. If you don’t have a dedicated guest room, clear a corner of your living room or office for luggage and personal items.
4. Declutter the Entryway and Closet
Take a few minutes to clear out the entryway of random shoes, bags, and seasonal items you no longer need. Make sure you have designated spots for guests to store their bags and drop their shoes. If your closet is bursting at the seams, pare it back to just the essentials and stash out-of-season items elsewhere.
5. Cut Back on Christmas Decor as You Decorate
Before you go full-on Clark Griswold, take a moment to review your holiday decor. If there are items you haven’t used in years, it’s time to let them go. Consider donating or passing on those that no longer fit your style. The goal is to keep your holiday decorations festive yet intentional, so you’re not drowning in a sea of tinsel and baubles.
6. Declutter the Living Spaces
These are the most-used areas of your home, so they tend to accumulate the most clutter. Focus on the surfaces—coffee tables, side tables, shelves, and the floor. Create a bit of “blank space” by clearing off unnecessary items. This will not only make room for holiday decor but also make your home feel more welcoming and relaxed.
7. Sort Through Toys and Kids’ Items
If you have kids, their rooms and play areas can quickly become overwhelming with the addition of new toys during the holidays. Take time to sort through what’s there now—purge broken or outgrown items and make space for what’s coming. If you involve your kids, they can help decide what to keep, what to donate, and maybe even get excited about tidying up for Santa!
And there you have it—the ultimate pre-holiday spring clean, broken down into seven focus areas. The key is to approach it with a positive mindset, a plan, and a little holiday cheer (perhaps even some Christmas tunes might be in order while you work)! Not only will you head into the festive season with a lighter, more organised home, but you’ll set the stage for a fresh, clutter-free start to the new year.
Happy pre-holiday spring cleaning, and here’s to a more peaceful, jolly holiday season ahead!
