How to do a quick but effective pre-christmas declutter

Christmas is fast approaching, and with it comes all the wonderful chaos of the season… gatherings, gifts, and festive decor. But if your home is already feeling a little “full to bursting,” the thought of adding even more into the mix might leave you wondering where it’s all going to fit.

That’s why this is the perfect time for a little pre-Christmas declutter. Not only does it create space for new arrivals (both people and presents!), but it’s also a chance to reflect on what you actually use, love, and need.

Think of it as clearing the decks to welcome in the magic of the season without the stress of excess clutter.

This post may contain affiliate links.Privacy Policy. Follow us on PINTEREST

It doesn’t have to be a big deal, either.

A quick, focused purge in the right areas can make all the difference.

Which is why I’ve put together a list of 11 zones to focus on.

Work your way through them (and obvs. recruit other capable family members to do their bit) to create breathing room for Christmas decorations, an influx of gifts for the kids, and all the festive fun.

Grab our free printable Pre-Christmas Declutter Checklist at the bottom of this post.

Pin

11 Decluttering Zones to Save Your Sanity Before Christmas

Roll up yer sleeves, pick a zone, and turn that clutter into calm before the season really kicks into high gear.

1. Toys

Kids can have so many toys that they hardly play with any of them. A pre-Christmas toy purge is a great way to free up space for new arrivals and help them rediscover old favourites.

• Do it when they’re not around to avoid unnecessary arguments.
• Create a “maybe” pile for toys you’re unsure about and review it together later.
• Donate, sell, or pass on toys that are outgrown or no longer used.

Bonus tip: You can sell unwanted toys on eBay, CraigsList or Facebook Marketplace to earn a little extra for Christmas shopping.

2. The Kitchen

The kitchen can quickly become chaotic during the festive season, so clear the clutter now.

• Start with your pantry or larder: check expiry dates and bin anything that’s gone off.
• Put together a box of edible but unwanted items to donate to a food bank.
• Declutter your counters by finding homes for items that can be stored away.
• Review cookware and gadgets. Are there things you never use that could go?

3. The Living Room

The living room is often the heart of the home at Christmas, so give it a quick refresh:

• Declutter bookshelves by keeping only the books you actually love or use.
• Go through cushions, blankets, and throws. Wash them, or donate any you no longer want.
• Reassess ornaments and décor. Could anything be rearranged or rehomed?

Also read: The ultimate list of Christmas planning tips

4. Bedrooms

Create a calm and inviting space by giving your bedrooms a decluttering blitz.

• Seasonal switch-up: Pack away summer clothes and store them neatly. Use vacuum bags or under-bed storage to save space.
• Check for worn-out summer items you’ll never wear again. This is the mantra to stick to… “donate, sell, or recycle”.
• Declutter all surfaces, including dressing tables. Bin out-of-date products and recycle empty containers.
• Clear out anything stored under the bed, yes it’s time to reclaim your zen!

5. Bathrooms

Your bathroom cabinets and storage areas deserve some attention, too.

• Toss out expired products and anything you’ll never use.
• Declutter towels, keep the good ones, and recycle those past their best.
• Organise toiletries and make room for any new festive purchases.

6. The Guest Room (or Junk Room!!)

If your guest room doubles as a dumping ground as ours often does, this is the time to sort it out… especially if you’re going to be hosting guests.

• Start with paperwork: shred old documents, recycle junk mail, and file what’s important.
• Use a timer to keep momentum going as you sort through random clutter.
• Sort items into categories: laundry, donations, things to keep, etc., and put everything in its proper place.

7. The “Crud Drawer” or the monika cupboard

Every home has one… it’s that drawer or cupboard full of random bits and bobs. Clear it out and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing what’s actually in there!

• Toss or recycle anything you haven’t used in a year.
• Organise the rest into small containers or dividers to keep it tidy.

Also read:15 Benefits of decluttering your home that will get you motivated to declutter

8. Unused Gifts

Be honest—do you have gifts you’ve received but never used?

• Consider re-gifting them (but avoid giving them back to the original giver!).
• Donate to charity shops, where they can brighten someone else’s Christmas.

9. Make-Up Bag

There is nothing better than a pre-holidays make-up purge. The result is that you are left with clean brushes and fresh make-up that it’s a pleasure to use when getting ready for festive fun.

• Toss anything that’s past its prime or more than a year old.
• Wash make-up brushes using a gentle cleanser. My daughter and I share this StylePro electric brush cleaner, it’s genius, it washes and driers your brushes in a flash.
• Donate or recycle unused products where possible.

10. Paperwork

Paper clutter has a way of piling up before Christmas.

• Take a couple of hours to sort through receipts, old statements, catalogues, and to-do lists.
• Shred anything sensitive and recycle what you no longer need.
• Organise the rest into a filing system so you can find it easily.

11. Crafts and Scrapbooking Supplies

If you have a craft cupboard that’s bursting at the seams, it’s time for a clear-out.

• Use two bags: one for recycling and one for rubbish.
• Sort through supplies and keep only what you’ll actually use.
• Put completed crafts or scrapbook pages in a storage box to preserve them.

I’ve got a super popular post on how to make money from your clutter if you have the inclination to make a few pounds from selling your clutter.

Here’s to a calmer, cosier, clutter-free Christmas!

Pin to save: