Holiday Organization Made Easy: Tips for a Calm, Organized Season

It’s the same story every year…as the holiday season approaches, we dream of cozy evenings by the fireplace, quality time with family, and flawless festive events. But then, November and December arrive, and suddenly, we’re thrown into a tailspin of planning, prep, and stress! There has to be a better way, right? Try a few of the following simple ways to get organized for the holidays.

Quick Pre-Holiday Decluttering

It’s hard to organize anything without decluttering first, but who has that kind of time during the holidays? That’s why a quick declutter is essential!
Here’s what I recommend:

• Grab a trash bag for garbage and a box for donations.

• Go from room to room and grab anything you know can go.

• Get the family involved if possible!

• Remind your family that to make space for new items, it’s time to let go of some old ones.

 It’s also important to remember to declutter as you begin getting out your holiday decorations. When you can see everything in one place, it’s easier to realize that you may have more than you need. You may also notice a few items you no longer love, and this is a perfect time to donate them or let them go.

Organizing Holiday Decor

After you’ve done a quick declutter, it’s time to get out the holiday decorations! If you’re like most of my clients, each year, you haul out the boxes and grumble about the tangled jumble of items. You probably swear to yourself that this is the year you’ll get them organized. Then, January rolls around, and you’re in a rush, so everything gets dumped back in the boxes.

When it comes to organizing holiday decor, start by categorizing items into groups like lights, ornaments, wreaths, and garlands. Store each category in clear, labeled bins for easy identification, and consider using divided containers or padding for fragile items. 

Take an extra few minutes to untangle and neatly wrap lights and garlands before storing them, which will save time and reduce frustration next year. To make next year’s setup a breeze, label each box by location (living room tree ornaments, outdoor lights, etc). Well-organized holiday decor not only simplifies your decorating but also preserves your items so they last for seasons to come.

Create a Holiday Command Center

Our brains are overloaded when the holidays arrive because we have a variety of schedules to juggle, tasks to complete, errands to run, and lists to keep track of. No wonder we begin missing details, and our stress level goes up.

Creating one space where you keep all the information improves your chances of maintaining everything. Choose something that works for your family, whether it’s a digital hub, a three-ring binder, or a small corner of your kitchen. 

After choosing a space for your holiday command center, use it to keep important lists, reminders, and schedules so everything you need is in one central location. Keeping track of holiday tasks, such as shopping lists, baking schedules, and party plans, becomes much easier when they’re all visible in one place.

Organized Gift Giving

A major contributor to holiday stress is trying to keep everything in your head. When you’re setting up your holiday command center, be sure to include a place for tracking gifts. Create a spreadsheet to note who’s receiving what, costs, and if the gift needs to be purchased, wrapped, or mailed. This helps you avoid forgetting anyone or accidentally double-gifting.

It’s also helpful to set up a dedicated gift-wrapping area. Stock it with essentials like wrapping paper, tape, scissors, gift tags, and ribbon. Keeping everything together saves time and prevents the dreaded search for missing tape or scissors right when needed.

Make a Holiday Bucket List with the Family

It’s always disappointing when the holidays are over, and you suddenly remember a favorite movie you forgot to watch or a community event you missed. Spend ten minutes during dinner asking the whole family for input on a family holiday bucket list and write it all down.

Remember to divide roles and responsibilities so they don’t all fall on your shoulders. Asking kids to look up events and adding them to the calendar helps them begin learning these skills while taking some of the pressure off you!

This ensures making the most of the holiday season, but it also helps organize plans so everyone knows what to expect.

Don’t Forget Your Holiday Self-Care

Psychologists recommend making time for relaxation and self-care to manage stress levels and maintain mental well-being during the holidays. Remember to schedule small moments for yourself, such as coffee breaks, short walks, or quiet reading time. Taking a few minutes each day to recharge can help prevent burnout during this busy season.

Wrapping Up

With thoughtful planning and organized systems, the holidays are joyful and less stressful. From setting up a command center to tracking gifts and creating a self-care routine, these organizational strategies can help you tackle the holiday season with ease. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection — it’s to create a holiday season that feels meaningful and joyful.

If you liked these tips, you’d love my free, “Clutter Free Gift Guide” to help you keep clutter at bay after the Holidays too. 

Happy Sprucing!