Pre-Holiday Organization Checklist
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The holiday season is fast approaching, and if there’s one thing we all know about December—it’s chaos in the best possible way!
But before the hustle and bustle of family gatherings, parties, gift exchanges, and last-minute shopping begins, take a little time to organize now, so you can enjoy the holiday magic without feeling completely overwhelmed.
Below are key areas to tackle before December hits, plus I’ve included a free printable checklist to help keep you on track!
1. Gift Wrap Station
Why Now: Wrapping gifts is fun… until you’re frantically searching for tape, scissors, or wrapping paper scraps.
How to Organize: Create a dedicated space for all your wrapping supplies. Use a bin or drawer to keep paper, tape, scissors, gift tags, and ribbons in one place. Organize by theme or type (gift bags, wrapping paper rolls, etc.) to make wrapping stress-free.
2. Pantry & Fridge
Why Now: With holiday meals and guests on the horizon, you’ll need room for all those groceries and holiday treats.
How to Organize: Toss expired items and organize your shelves so frequently used ingredients are easy to grab. Designate areas for holiday baking supplies, appetizers, and festive drinks. Now’s the perfect time to clear out the fridge to make room for the turkey, ham, or whatever your big meal centerpiece is.
3. Guest Room or Space
Why Now: If you’re expecting holiday guests, prepping their space ahead of time saves you from scrambling.
How to Organize: Freshen up bedding, stock extra toiletries, and clear out any clutter (especially if that room has been doubling as a storage space). If you don’t have a guest room, set up a cozy guest area with extra pillows, blankets, and a space for their things.
4. Holiday Decor
Why Now: Nothing kills holiday spirit like rummaging through tangled lights and broken ornaments.
How to Organize: Go through your decor before it’s time to decorate. Check that lights work, toss broken items, and organize everything by room or type. This will make decking the halls quick and easy when the time comes.
5. Family Calendar
Why Now: Holiday season = busy season. Between parties, school events, and family gatherings, your schedule can get out of control.
How to Organize: Sync up your family calendar now. Write down all upcoming events and block off time for prep (wrapping gifts, baking, etc.). Having your calendar set early ensures you won’t overbook or forget something important.
6. Gifting Supplies & Lists
Why Now: Gift shopping can be a major source of stress, especially when you’re scrambling last minute or forgetting who you’ve already bought for.
Organize It: Make a gift list now, keeping track of who you’re buying for and what you’ve already purchased. Set up a hidden spot to stash gifts (bonus points if it’s in a closet that’s already organized) and gather your receipts in one spot so you’re ready for any post-holiday returns.
7. Kids’ Toys
Why Now: The holidays mean new toys, and unless you want toy overload, it’s time to clear out the old.
How to Organize: Go through toys with your kids and decide what they’ve outgrown or no longer play with. Donate what’s still in good condition, and make space for the new toys that will inevitably arrive. Organize what is left with a system that makes sense and works for you.
8. Digital Files & Photos
Why Now: You’re going to want room on your phone for all the holiday photos, so don’t let digital clutter steal your storage.
How to Organize: Backup or delete unnecessary files and photos. Organize your digital space so you’ve got plenty of room for all the family photos, videos, and holiday memories to come.
9. Paper Clutter
Why Now: Between holiday cards, receipts, and invites, the paper pile can get out of hand fast.
How to Organize: Recycle old mail, receipts, and unnecessary paperwork. Set up a system to manage holiday-related papers—like an envelope or folder for gift receipts, party invites, and to-do lists—so you can easily access what you need.
10. Coat Closet & Entryway
Why Now: Winter gear and holiday guests can quickly turn your entryway into a mess of coats, boots, and scarves.
How to Organize: Declutter your coat closet. Store off-season items, toss what’s no longer used, and make space for guests’ coats. Add hooks or baskets to corral winter accessories like gloves and scarves.
11. Holiday Cards & Address List
Why Now: Sending holiday cards is one of those things that sneaks up on you. Get ahead of the rush!
How to Organize: Update your address list and order cards early. Set aside a space to collect cards you receive, and schedule a day for writing and mailing them. Bonus: this helps you avoid the last-minute post office panic!
Free Printable Checklist: Pre-Holiday Organizing
Don’t feel like you need to tackle all these areas in one day. Use my free printable checklist to break it down and cross things off as you go! This way, you’ll stay on top of your holiday organizing without feeling overwhelmed.
By taking the time to organize now, you’ll be setting yourself up for a smoother, less stressful holiday season. So grab that checklist, pick a spot to start, and let’s get your home holiday-ready!
For more holiday helps, check out my holiday gift guides!
