Less Clutter, More Cheer: A Holiday Decluttering Guide
Welcome to my very first blog post! Cue the dramatic music and confetti.
I know, I know. It’s a bit sparse around here. But fear not! We’re going to fill this space with all sorts of organizing goodness. Thank you for being here to witness this blog’s beginning! I’m here to help you make more room for what you love (literally), so let’s dive into a topic close to the hearts (and closets) of many: decluttering before decorating for the holidays.
The holidays are just around the corner, and soon our homes will be bursting with decorations, good times, and maybe a bit of festive chaos. Before you dive headfirst into the depths of those holiday decoration bins, let’s chat about a little secret that can make decorating way more enjoyable: decluttering. Instead of wrestling with overflowing storage bins, half full of things you KNOW you’ll never use again, this year could be the year you open those boxes to find only the holiday décor you love. No more old and smashed garland, tangled lights from ‘97, or great-grandma’s ice-skater ornament that honestly creeps you out.
It’s time to think about what decorations to pull out and - more importantly - which ones to let go. It’s time to clear some space to hold just pieces that actually make you happy. Trust me, the feeling of opening a bin full of holiday décor you truly love is as magical as the holiday season itself! Plus, it’ll help you kick off a more peaceful and stress-free season.
First: Why Decluttering Before Decorating Matters
Every holiday season, people rummage through boxes of decorations, feeling a mixture of nostalgia and excitement. But let’s be honest - sometimes finding the items that truly fit our style or bring us joy can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Instead of digging through bins and boxes of everything you’ve ever collected, imagine if you could open your bins to see only the pieces you really love.
By taking a little time to declutter before decorating, you’ll create a holiday season that’s lighter, easier, and filled with only what makes you smile. This year, I challenge you to take a step back before the chaos hits and try something different: declutter before decorating. Decluttering your holiday décor before the season officially starts has huge benefits.
Here’s why:
Kerry Proctor is a professional organizer in the extended Portland Oregon metro area, northwest Oregon, Vancouver WA, southwest Washington, and the Anchorage / Mat-Su Valley region of Alaska.
More Joy, Less Stress: A simplified collection of decorations that you actually love makes decorating easier, faster, and more enjoyable. Imagine not wading through broken or dusty ornaments, tangled lights, or decorations that just don’t “spark joy” anymore! You know what I’m talking about - those ones on the bottom of the bins that you haven’t put out for the last 10 years (and that you’re not going to put out anytime soon.) They may tug at your heartstrings (or guilt-strings) but you’re not going to pull them out of that bin…
Support Your Style Evolution: Our decorating tastes change over time, and what looked great a decade ago (shoot - even last year) might not be your style today. By letting go of what doesn’t resonate with you anymore, you’ll create a space that feels fresher and more “you.”
Guilt-Free Holidays: Clearing out the clutter can feel daunting, especially when it involves sentimental items. But enjoying a holiday free from the guilt of displaying things you’ve felt obligated to keep? That’s a total game changer. We’ll cover some ways to navigate those emotions so you can declutter without feeling guilty.
Step 1: Set the Scene (Literally)
Before you even touch a decoration, set aside time to go through your bins. And, yes, this can mean setting up a little decluttering station - which for me means a good glass of wine and some fav holiday music! And if I’m lucky - my best friend comes along for the ride.! Here’s a quick game plan to get ready:
Pull Out Everything: Go through all your holiday bins and take out every single item. This is important because it gives you a clear view of what you have.
Create Sorting Piles: Make piles for “Keep,” “Donate,” “Trash,” and “Unsure.” It’s okay if a lot goes in the “Unsure” pile initially. Go through it at the end, and you’ll notice that your decision-making skills have sharpened and you can decide the fate of those items then.
Grab a friend (or a professional organizer) to help! This can be one of the best parts of the whole process. Make a day of it - grab your bestie, sort and declutter, and then go out for a walk and see some holiday lights! A fresh pair of eyes can help when you’re feeling indecisive about what to keep or toss. If you need an extra boost, you can always reach out to a home organizer (like yours truly) to help you declutter without being overwhelmed. Believe it or not, this kind of help can be great over video platforms like FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Zoom! You can drink wine (or your favorite beverage) and wear ugly holiday sweaters on both sides of the camera!
Step 2: Keep What You Love - The Great Bin Purge!
This might be a tough pill to swallow, but it’s important: you don’t have to keep every holiday decoration that’s come into your life. Letting go can feel liberating, but it’s not always easy, especially when the item holds memories. Here are a tips / questions to help you decide what to keep:
Hold and Consider Each Piece. Yes, this might take some time, but just enjoy the process - it’ll go quicker than you’d think! Really ask yourself - how does this make me feel? Do I really, REALLY want this in my home, sharing my holidays with me? Do I smile when I look at it? Does it bring me joy? Marie Kondo isn’t the only one asking this. Your decorations should make you smile, not spark dread. If it’s been years since you felt excited about a particular wreath, it’s probably time to part ways. The answer should be a resounding “yes!” for everything you keep.
Ask Yourself: Is it My Style Now? Styles evolve, and our homes do, too. If your current aesthetic is cozy minimalist and you’re staring at a box of multicolor flashing lights from your rave days, maybe it’s time to let go. It’s okay to embrace your evolving taste and let go of the things that don’t fit anymore.
Is It in Really Good Condition? Broken ornaments, faded ribbons, or that glittery whatever that’s shedding more sparkles than your 4-year old niece - well, it might be time to say goodbye. Only keep items that are in great shape and add real value to your holiday experience.
Step 3: Getting Past the Guilt of Letting Those Sentimental (and Pricey) Pieces Go
Sentimental value can make holiday items tricky to declutter. Great-grandma’s cream and brown cornucopia china, ornaments from family vacations, or even decorations that hold a whiff of childhood magic can be difficult to part with. But remember, letting go of things doesn’t mean that you’re letting go of the memories - items and memories are two completely different things. Here’s how to navigate that guilt you may experience:
Take a Photo: Capture the memory with a picture before letting the item go. A photo can hold the memory without taking up precious storage space.
Keep Just One Piece as a Token: Maybe you don’t need Grandma’s entire nativity scene, but one piece, like an angel or a wise man, could still be a nice nod to her without overwhelming your décor.
Pass It On: Consider gifting sentimental items to a family member who would appreciate them. That way, they’re still “in the family” but not taking up space in your storage.
Donate to a Meaningful Place: Local thrift stores or even families in need can give your item(s) a new life. If it’s going to a good home, it may feel easier to say goodbye.
Reframe the Value: Just because an item cost a lot of money or was gifted doesn’t mean you’re obligated to keep it. Instead of focusing on the guilt, think of how much happier you’ll be without clutter weighing you down.
Step 4: Organize What You’re Keeping Like a Pro
Once you’ve narrowed it down to the décor that truly brings you joy, it’s time to organize. An organized holiday stash means you’ll actually use what you have, because finding it won’t feel like an episode of “Storage Bin Wars.”
Label Your Bins Clearly: This one’s a no-brainer, but it’s often skipped. “Christmas Ornaments,” “Winter Garland,” “Halloween Pumpkins” - clear labels will save you from a holiday scavenger hunt next year.
Group by Theme or Room: If you decorate each room differently, pack items by room so you can decorate without rummaging through every bin. Or, if you like to change your themes (think “Rustic Lodge” one year and “Retro Christmas” the next), group your items by theme for easy access.
Use Clear Bins for Visibility: Clear bins mean you can see what’s inside without opening every lid. They also stack well, making storage easy and helping you avoid the dreaded “what’s-in-this-one” mystery.
Avoid Getting Back to The Same Place: Consider Those New Purchases!
The temptation to buy new decorations each season is real - especially when you walk through stores decked out with the latest holiday trends. But rather than adding more to your collection, be selective about what you bring in. Consider investing in quality items you truly love instead of filling your bins with decorations that might not stand the test of time. Here’s how to think about those new additions:
Choose Versatile Pieces: Look for items that can be used for multiple holidays or occasions. A beautiful tablecloth or set of candles can serve as Thanksgiving and holiday décor, keeping things simple and versatile. This is a big one for me - I’m all about items in my home that earn their keep by serving more than one purpose!
Consider How it “Fits:” How does the pretty thing in the store actually fit in with what you have at home? If you have a really cool “Old World Christmas” theme going on, will the NFL football Santa you’re considering jive with that decor?
Set a Budget: By limiting your budget, you’re automatically more mindful about what you buy. This can help prevent impulse buys that turn into next year’s clutter.
Avoid Duplication: Remember, one absolutely amazing front door wreath is usually enough!
And… Always Take a Moment to Declutter After the Holidays: When the season ends, go through your décor as you put it away. If something wasn’t used this year, ask yourself if you’ll want it next year. If the answer is “meh,” it’s time to donate or toss.
This Year, Deck the Halls With Only What You Love
Decluttering before decorating might take a little extra effort, but trust me - it’s worth it. The holidays should be about joy, warmth, and all the cozy feels, not rummaging through bins of stuff you’re not even into anymore. As you start pulling out those decorations, give yourself a break: keep what you love, let go of what you don’t, and decorate with pieces that make you smile.
And hey, don’t forget to set the mood while you’re at it! Light a holiday candle, play your favorite festive tunes, and take your time. This is about giving yourself the gift of a holiday season filled with peace, simplicity, and only the things you actually want around. I mean, life is short - so why not enjoy it to the fullest by surrounding yourself with all the good stuff?
So, What Now?
You’ve done the hard work: tackled the bins, decluttered those decorations, made the tough decisions, and ditched what wasn’t serving you. Now, it’s time to kick back and actually enjoy the decorating part! And when next year rolls around, imagine the joy of opening bins with just the good stuff inside.
If you’re in the northwest Oregon or southwest Washington areas and need an extra hand getting your holiday declutter vibes on, don’t hesitate to reach out! Together, we’ll make your holiday decorating as joyful and as stress-free as possible.
Happy decluttering, happy decorating, and happy holidays!
Kerry Proctor is a professional organizer in the extended Portland Oregon metro area, northwest Oregon, Vancouver WA, southwest Washington, and the Anchorage / Mat-Su Valley region of Alaska.