10 Things to Organize and Declutter Before You Deck the Halls

The holidays are upon us, and with them comes the urge to transform our homes into cozy winter wonderlands. But before you start stringing lights and hanging ornaments, let's take a moment to create some space for all that holiday cheer.

1. Entryway/Mudroom: This is the first impression for guests and a high-traffic area. Clear out old coats, shoes, and umbrellas. Organize winter gear like hats and gloves in bins or baskets. * Create a designated spot for holiday cards and packages.

2. Living Room: This is where you'll likely spend most of your time celebrating. Declutter surfaces like coffee tables and shelves. Remove any unnecessary furniture to make room for the tree and guests. * Organize and store blankets and throws that won't be used during the holidays.

3. Kitchen: The heart of the home gets a lot of use during the holidays. Clean out the pantry and refrigerator to make space for holiday meals and treats. Declutter countertops and drawers. * Organize serving dishes and utensils.

4. Dining Room:  Get ready for those festive gatherings! Declutter the dining table and buffet. Organize linens and tablecloths.

5. Guest Room/Spaces: Make your guests feel welcome. Declutter and clean the guest room. Provide fresh linens and towels. * Clear out any closets or drawers for guest use.

6. Gift Wrap Station:  Avoid last-minute wrapping chaos. Gather all your wrapping paper, ribbons, and tags. Organize them in a designated area or container. * Recycle or discard old wrapping supplies.

7. Holiday Decor Storage: Before you bring out this year's decor... Go through your existing decorations and get rid of anything broken, outdated, or unused. Organize decorations by category (tree ornaments, lights, etc.). * Invest in sturdy storage containers to protect your decorations.

8. Paper Clutter: Holiday cards, catalogs, and shopping lists can pile up quickly. Create a system for managing incoming mail and paper. Recycle unwanted catalogs and junk mail. * Set up a designated spot for holiday cards.

9.Toiletries & Makeup: Go through and edit any makeup, toiletries, nail polish, lotions, perfumes, etc., that are expired or you just aren’t going to use up (including free samples that you can donate to local shelters).

10. Mindset: Most importantly... Declutter your mind by letting go of perfectionism. Focus on creating a warm and inviting space for loved ones. * Remember the true meaning of the holidays and enjoy the process!

By tackling these key areas, you'll create a more organized and peaceful space to enjoy the holidays. Happy decluttering and happy holidays!