Ready for a Holiday Decluttering Challenge?
As the holidays are fast approaching, we all are excited to transform our homes into a space of joy, and nobody need chaos. Well, in between shopping, holiday cooking, and hosting friends and family, it’s easy for your space to feel overwhelmed by clutter and this blog is all about not letting that happen.
Imagine welcoming guests into a clean, organised home that feels calm and inviting. Imagine effortlessly finding exactly what you need during the holiday rush—without the stress of rummaging through drawers or tripping over decorations. If you are still reading, then this 12-Day Decluttering Challenge is for you.
Why Join the 12-Day Decluttering Challenge?
Our 12-Day Decluttering Challenge is a very simple, step-by-step guide that will help you transform your space, one manageable task at a time. Whether you’re preparing for holiday gatherings or just want to enjoy a clutter-free season, this challenge will help you to:
- Create a warm, welcoming environment for your guests and family.
- Save time and reduce stress by making everyday items easy to find.
- Set yourself up for success in the New Year with a clean, organised home you’ll love stepping into.
Decluttering doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or dull. With this challenge, it’s fun and rewarding. So, are you ready to transform your home in just 12 days? Let’s get started!
How the Challenge Works
- Spend each day tackling a different area of your home.
- Use this guide to work on one space at a time, starting with the most visible or functional areas.
- Include optional bonus tasks for overachievers or those with extra time.
Day 1: Clear the Kitchen Counters
Start your decluttering journey in the heart of your home—the kitchen! Remove all non-essential items from your countertops to create a clean, open space for all your holiday cooking and baking.
Keep only the daily essentials, like your coffee maker or cutting board, and find designated storage spots for everything else. Once cleared, give the surfaces a good wipe-down to make your kitchen feel fresh and ready for action. A clutter-free counter not only boosts functionality but also sets the tone for a stress-free holiday season!
Day 2: Declutter the Pantry
It’s time to tackle the pantry! Start by checking expiration dates and tossing out anything past its prime—goodbye, forgotten cans and stale snacks!
Next, group similar items together, such as baking supplies, snacks, or canned goods, to make everything easy to find. Check out these cute storage tubs with wooden handles by Blissful Little Home.
The holiday season is a great time to snag these items at discounted prices, so keep an eye out for deals while you’re shopping.
A well-organised pantry not only makes holiday cooking easier but also ensures you won’t accidentally buy duplicates during the busy season.
Day 3: Sort Holiday Decorations
As you bring out your holiday decorations, take a moment to go through the items and declutter. Keep only the items you love and plan to use this season, and donate or discard anything broken, outdated, or no longer your style.
Once sorted, organise your decor by theme or type—think ornaments, lights, and wreaths—and store them in clear, labelled bins for easy access next year. This simple step ensures your holiday setup is stress-free and your storage stays tidy year after year!
Day 4: Tidy Up the Entryway
We all want to welcome guests into a clutter-free entryway. Well, you can get started by decluttering shoes, coats, and bags that tend to pile up. It’s time to store away out-of-season items elsewhere to free up space and make your entry feel open and organised.
I highly recommend creating a dedicated spot for holiday essentials like gift bags, wrapping supplies, and extra coats for visitors to avoid the space getting cluttered. With a little tidying and smart organisation, your entryway can become a functional and inviting space for all your holiday comings and goings!
Day 5: Organise the Living Room
Day 5 – It’s time to transform your living room into a warm and inviting space for all of your holiday gatherings!
Get started by removing unnecessary items. Look for things like old magazines, unused electronics, or outdated decor that might be taking up valuable space.
Once you have decluttered the space, add a few festive touches—think cozy throw pillows, Christmas themed table runner and mats, string lights, or a holiday centerpiece—to set the mood.
Keep the space functional by ensuring there’s enough room for guests to relax and enjoy. A tidy, festive living room is the heart of holiday entertaining!
Day 6: Refresh the Guest Room
It’s time to give the guest room a quick refresh so that you can make your guests feel right at home this holiday season.
Clear out any miscellaneous storage or clutter that’s accumulated over time—no one wants to sleep next to a pile of boxes!
Then, ensure the essentials are ready: fresh linens, extra towels, and a few thoughtful touches like toiletries or a cozy throw. A clean and inviting guest room sets the tone for a warm and welcoming stay!
Day 7: Tame the Toy Chaos (If You Have Kids)
Bring some order to the holiday madness by tackling the toy chaos!
Start by sorting through your kids’ toys and setting aside items they no longer play with—donate them to make another child’s holiday brighter.
Then, create simple storage systems using bins or shelves to make clean-up a breeze after playtime.
I highly recommend labelling the storage bins/baskets as your kids can then learn where things belong.
With toys under control, your home will feel more organised, and your kids will enjoy their favorite items even more!
Day 8: Tackle the Bathroom
Give your bathroom a quick refresh to make it holiday guest-ready!
Start by decluttering drawers and cabinets—toss expired products, empty bottles, and anything you no longer use.
Once your drawers and cabinets are organised, create a welcoming space for guests by stocking up on essential toiletries like soap, hand towels, and extra toilet paper.
Add a festive touch with a scented candle or decorative hand towels, and your bathroom will be sparkling and ready for the season!
Day 9: Declutter Holiday Gift Supplies
Well, it’s holiday season!!! Get your 🎁gift-wrapping station in order!
Gather all your holiday wrapping paper, ribbons, and gift tags into one designated spot.
Sort through the supplies you already have, dispose of crumpled paper, dried-up tape, or unusable items. Then, buy what’s needed to stock up.
Use a storage container or basket to keep everything tidy and accessible for last-minute wrapping sessions.
With an organised gift supply area, you’ll save time and stress while wrapping up the season effortlessly!
Day 10: Streamline the Dining Room
Day 10 – It’s time to declutter and organise your dining room and make it holiday-ready!
Start by clearing off the dining table and sideboards, removing any non-essentials that have found their way into the space.
Next, organise your dining essentials—napkins, serving dishes, and table decor—so they’re easy to access when hosting.
A clutter-free dining room not only makes entertaining a breeze but also creates the perfect setting for festive meals and memorable moments with loved ones!
Day 11: The Garage or Storage Area
We all love dumping items into the garage to move them away from sight. Well, it’s time to tackle the garage and ensure there is enough room for incoming holiday decorations or gifts.
Sort through your stored items. Donate, recycle, or discard unused tools, sports equipment, or old furniture that’s taking up valuable space.
By decluttering these areas, you’ll not only free up storage but also make it easier to find and store items as the holidays wrap up. A tidy storage space is a gift to yourself for the season ahead!
Day 12: Declutter Your Closet
End the challenge by giving your closet a much-needed refresh!
Sort through your clothes and shoes, setting aside anything items you no longer wear to donate or recycle.
Focus on creating space for your holiday outfits and seasonal clothing, so you can easily find what you need for festive gatherings.
Consider using dividers or labelled storage bins/baskets for accessories to keep everything organised.
An organised closet will not only make holiday dressing stress-free but also set you up for a stylish and clutter-free New Year!
Bonus Tasks (Optional):
If you’re feeling inspired, here are a few extra decluttering tasks to wrap up the season:
- Declutter your digital space: Take some time to clear out your email inbox, delete unnecessary files, and organise holiday photos into folders. A tidy digital space feels just as refreshing as a clean home!
- Organise gift shopping lists: Avoid last-minute stress by sorting through your gift lists. Make sure there are no duplicates and track your budget to prevent overspending.
- Tidy the kids’ schoolwork or craft area: Before the holiday break begins, declutter and organise your kids’ school supplies or craft spaces. This will make holiday activities and projects so much easier to manage!
These bonus tasks will help you end the challenge on a high note and step into the holidays feeling fully prepared and organised.
Tips for Staying Motivated
- Reward Yourself: Don’t forget to celebrate small wins after completing each day’s task—treat yourself to a holiday-themed coffee, a soothing bath, or an extra hour to relax and recharge.
- Make It a Team Effort: Get your family involved! Turn decluttering into a fun bonding activity by playing music, turning it into a friendly competition, or setting mini rewards for everyone.
- Keep the Big Picture in Mind: Remind yourself why you started—an organised, peaceful home ready to welcome loved ones and host joyful holiday celebrations. Visualising the end result can be the ultimate motivator!
Stay consistent and enjoy the process—it’s all worth it when you get to fully embrace the magic of the season!
Are you ready to transform your home in just 12 days? Join the challenge today!
Need additional support? Book your free consultation with our Lead Organiser to help you stay on track and achieve your decluttering goals faster.