The Pre-Holiday Purge: Clear the Clutter Before the Chaos

The holidays are coming — and with them, all the things: guests, decorations, serving dishes, wrapping paper, and way too many leftovers. Whether you're hosting a crowd or just trying to stay sane through the season, a little pre-holiday decluttering can make a huge difference. This simple room-by-room purge checklist will help you clear space, reduce stress, and head into the holidays feeling prepared — not panicked.

Kitchen: Make Space for Food, Not Frustration

Purge:

• Expired pantry items (especially baking goods + spices)

• Duplicate or unused utensils/gadgets

• Mismatched food storage containers

• Old holiday-themed paper goods you’ll never use

• Takeout condiment packets or menu clutter

• Donate still-good nonperishables to a local food drive or community fridge

Dining Area: Room to Gather

Purge:

• Wobbly chairs or items stored "just temporarily" under the table

• Table linens that are stained, torn, or never used

• Serving dishes that haven’t seen a holiday since 2012

Living Room: Clear the Clutter for Cozy Vibes

Purge:

• Extra throw pillows and blankets (just the ones you no longer love)

• Decor from previous seasons still lingering around

• Magazines, remotes, or cluttered coffee table items

• Toys or pet gear that’s no longer in use

Quick win: Create one decorative tray to corral remotes, candles, and coasters — instant calm.

Entryway: First Impressions Matter

Purge:

• Out-of-season shoes, coats, umbrellas

• Broken hooks or unused bins

• That pile of mail that’s been "waiting to be sorted" for weeks

Quick win: Assign one bin or basket per family member for shoes/hats/gloves to keep things tidy.

Guest Room (or Multi-Use Room)

Purge:

• Off-season storage clutter creeping into the space

• Excess linens or bedding (keep 2 sets per bed max)

• Decorative clutter that serves no function

• Add a tray or small basket with guest essentials (towel, water bottle, toiletries). Makes the space feel welcoming and organized.

  
  

Bathroom: Small Space, Big Impact

Purge:

• Expired medications, beauty products, or makeup

• Hotel samples you’ll never use (or add those to your guest room)

• Towels that are threadbare or mismatched

Holiday Decor Storage: Before You Add More…

Purge:

• Broken ornaments, tangled lights, or decor you never put out

• Wrapping paper scraps, dried-up gift tags, and crushed bows

• Multiples of things you don’t love or use

Final Tip: Don’t Aim for Perfect — Aim for Peace.

This isn’t about making your home magazine-perfect — it’s about making space for what (and who) matters most. Start small, go room by room, and focus on progress over perfection. Need help getting your home ready for the holidays? Email me at sara@socoorganizers.com or fill out the contact form here to schedule a consultation call.