The holiday season is the perfect time to declutter your home and set yourself up for a fresh start in 2025. With decorations already coming out of storage, it’s an ideal moment to dig through the attic or basement while the weather is cool and decide what to keep, donate, or toss. Plus, if you’re thinking about selling your home in 2025, this is a great chance to get ahead and reduce stress later. Let’s make the most of the season and your downtime to organize and refresh your space.
Make your home merry, bright, and decluttered this holiday season.
Between the festive cheer and extra downtime, the holidays are a surprisingly perfect time to declutter and organize your home. With decorations coming out of storage, and cooler weather making the attic bearable, it’s easier than ever to tackle those forgotten corners of your home. Plus, if a move is on your radar for 2025, decluttering now can save you major headaches later.
Here’s how to make decluttering a fun, festive part of your holiday season.
Why Decluttering During the Holidays Makes Sense
1. You’re Already in the Attic (or Basement)
Pulling out holiday decor means you’re already digging through storage spaces like the attic, basement, or closets. While you’re up there, take a moment to sort through items you haven’t used in years.
Pro Tip: If you didn’t use it last Christmas or forgot you even had it, it’s probably time to let it go.
2. Cool Weather Makes Attic Organization Easier
Unlike the sweltering summer months, winter offers the perfect conditions for attic or garage organization. No sweating, no rushing—just time to sort through what stays and what goes.
Make It Fun: Put on your favorite holiday playlist and turn organizing into an event!
3. Prepping for a 2025 Sale? Start Now!
If selling your home is on your 2025 to-do list, decluttering during the holidays can be a huge help. Removing excess items now means less stress and fewer last-minute packing frenzies when it’s time to list.
Why It Helps: Buyers love clean, organized spaces. Decluttering now makes staging easier and shows your home in its best light.
4. Create Space for New Gifts
With the holidays come new gifts, and finding a place for them can feel overwhelming if your home is already full. Decluttering now clears the way for all the fun surprises Santa has in store.
How to Declutter and Organize During the Holidays
Step 1: Sort as You Decorate
As you pull out holiday decor, take note of items you no longer love or use. If that strand of lights hasn’t worked for years, it’s time to toss it.
Keep, Donate, or Toss: Create three piles for easy sorting. Donate items in good condition, toss broken or unusable ones, and keep only what sparks joy.
Step 2: Inventory the Attic or Storage Spaces
Since you’re already in the attic or garage, take a little extra time to assess what’s up there. You might find old boxes you forgot about or items that no longer serve a purpose.
Tip: Label storage bins clearly so it’s easy to find items later.
Step 3: Declutter Key Rooms
Focus on areas buyers notice most if you’re thinking of selling:
- Closets
- Kitchen cabinets
- Living spaces
Why This Matters: A decluttered home feels more spacious and inviting to buyers (and to you!).
Step 4: Plan a Donation Run
Many local charities are in high need during the holidays. Decluttering now lets you give back to the community and make someone else’s holiday brighter.
Ideas: Donate gently used coats, holiday decorations, toys, or household items.
Step 5: Involve the Family
Decluttering doesn’t have to be a solo task. Get the family involved by assigning everyone a specific area to organize. Offer rewards, like hot cocoa or a holiday movie night, for a job well done.
Benefits of Holiday Decluttering
Jumpstart 2025: Enter the new year with a cleaner, more organized space.
Reduce Stress: Less clutter = less overwhelm, especially if you’re planning a move.
Create a Cozy Vibe: A decluttered home feels calmer and more inviting for holiday guests.
Make Moving Easier: If selling is in your future, decluttering now makes packing a breeze later.
Key Takeaways for Holiday Decluttering
- The holidays are a perfect time to declutter, especially as you’re pulling items from storage.
- Cool weather makes organizing attics, garages, and basements easier than in summer.
- Decluttering during downtime can save you stress later, especially if you’re planning to sell your home in 2025.
- Get the whole family involved and turn decluttering into a fun holiday tradition.