Pre-Holiday Purge: The 7 Things You Should Declutter Before December Hits
The holiday season is magical—but let’s be real, it’s also a lot. Between incoming gifts, winter gear, family visits, and school events, your home can start feeling overwhelmed before you’ve even pulled out the first decoration.
At Mello Spaces, we believe the best way to prepare for the holidays isn’t just with wrapping paper and recipes—it’s with a solid pre-holiday purge. By making space now, you’ll welcome the season with less stress and more joy.
Here are 7 simple but powerful things to declutter before December hits.
1. Toys & Kids’ Stuff
Before the holiday gift explosion begins, take a moment to reassess what your kids already have.
Do this first:
Sort through toys, books, puzzles, and games.
Remove anything broken, outgrown, or ignored.
Involve your kids by asking, “Would you like to make space for new gifts by sharing these with another child?”
Pro tip:
Keep a donation box tucked in a closet year-round. When it’s full, drop it off and start again.
2. Kitchen Gadgets & Pantry Staples
You’re about to do a lot more cooking and baking—make sure your kitchen is ready to support you, not stress you out.
Declutter:
Duplicate utensils or tools you never use
Expired pantry items or random spices
Containers without lids (we all have them!)
Reset for hosting:
Create clear zones for baking supplies, holiday dishes, and everyday essentials. A little prep now saves time later.
3. Holiday Decor (Yes, Before You Add More)
Before you dive into decorating, go through what you already have.
Ask yourself:
Do I still like this?
Did I even use this last year?
Is it broken, tangled, or shedding glitter everywhere?
Keep only what brings joy. Let go of the rest—especially if it’s just taking up space.
4. Entryway Catch-Alls
Your entryway is about to get very busy—boots, coats, guests, and delivery packages galore.
Pre-holiday reset:
Clear out summer shoes and lightweight jackets
Add hooks or baskets for winter gear
Make room in your closet for guest coats (and your own sanity)
A decluttered entry sets the tone for a calm holiday home.
5. Gift Wrap & Craft Supplies
No more buying gift wrap only to find three rolls hiding in a random closet.
Do this now:
Gather all wrapping paper, tape, tags, and ribbon into one place
Toss anything torn, crumpled, or dried out
Create a simple wrapping station using a basket or storage bin
Bonus: Add a pair of scissors and a pen—you’ll thank yourself later.
6. Guest & Linen Storage
If you’re hosting this season, your spare linens, pillows, or towels might need a refresh.
Declutter:
Stained or mismatched towels
Old sheets no one wants to sleep on
Expired toiletries in your guest bathroom
Stock your guest area with clean, cozy basics—then check it off your list.
7. Your Closet (Yes, Yours!)
You deserve a closet that feels calm—not one that yells at you every morning.
Pre-holiday closet purge:
Remove anything you haven’t worn this year
Let go of uncomfortable clothes or shoes you always avoid
Make space for seasonal pieces and holiday outfits
Optional Treat:
Add a lavender sachet or candle nearby to make it feel like a small sanctuary.
A Clear Home = A Calmer Holiday
Decluttering before the holidays isn’t just about physical space—it’s about creating room for joy, connection, and peace of mind.
At Mello Spaces, we help busy moms like you prepare your home for real life—and real celebrations. Whether you're clearing out toys, editing your closet, or creating functional systems for hosting, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Need help prepping your space for the season?
Let’s tackle it together. Book a free consultation and let’s turn holiday stress into seasonal flow.