The holidays are coming in hot, and let’s be real—they bring all the cozy vibes and all the chaos. Between decorating, hosting, shopping, and baking, it’s easy for your space (and your mind) to feel completely overwhelmed. But guess what? A little pre-holiday organization can make everything so much smoother, leaving you with more time to actually enjoy the season. Here are a few simple ways to get things in order before the holiday madness kicks in.

Pre-Holiday Organization Tips

1. Declutter Your Home

Before the holiday décor comes out, take a quick sweep through your main living areas. That pile of mail on the counter? Time to tackle it. The toys or random clutter in the corner? Relocate or donate. Giving yourself a clean slate means your holiday decorations can really shine (and you’ll stress less about guests seeing the mess). Bonus: It makes putting everything away in January a total breeze.

2. Set Up a Gift Wrapping Station

Wrapping gifts is fun if you’re not digging through closets to find tape and scissors. Take 15 minutes to gather your wrapping paper, ribbon, gift tags, and tools in one spot. A cute basket or storage bin works perfectly, and you can tuck it in a corner or under a table. Trust me, when you’re wrapping those last-minute gifts, you’ll thank yourself. I keep all mine in a Rubbermaid in the attic that I can easily bring down each year!

3. Prep for Guests

Hosting guests this holiday season? Now’s the time to fluff the pillows, wash the bedding, and clear out any random storage from the guest room (no one wants to sleep next to a pile of off-season coats). Add a small touch like a holiday candle or a basket with snacks and towels to make it feel extra welcoming.

4. Plan Your Holiday Menu(s)

Even if you’re not the one cooking the main event, having a game plan for meals helps so much. Start by checking your pantry and fridge to see what’s expired or taking up space (goodbye, mystery condiments). Then, stock up on essentials like coffee, tea, and snacks to keep everyone happy and fed between big meals. I am a HUGE advocate for Walmart Delivery, which makes meal prep so much easier. 

5. Make Space for New Stuff

The holidays bring gifts—and with that, more stuff. Whether it’s new toys, clothes, or gadgets, now’s the time to make room. Encourage your family to donate or recycle items they’ve outgrown or no longer use. Not only will this clear up space, but it’s also a great way to give back during the season of giving.

6. Create a Holiday Command Center

This sounds fancy, but it’s really just a small spot to keep track of all the things. Use a magnetic board, corkboard, or even a cute clipboard to display your holiday calendar, shopping lists, and any party invites. It’s the perfect way to keep your plans organized without losing them under a pile of catalogs. OR if you’re old fashioned like myself, I use an old school “planner” to physically write down all the things, and that planner always leaves the house with me!

7. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

The whole point of getting organized is to make the holidays less stressful, so don’t overthink it. Focus on what matters most to you and your family, and let go of the pressure to make everything perfect. After all, it’s the memories—not the mess—that people remember most.

Ready to tackle the holidays with a little less stress and a lot more joy? These small steps can make a huge difference, so start today and enjoy a season that feels as good as it looks.

Need an extra hand on all things home organization? Check out my FREE home organization guide!