Declutter Before Christmas: Simple Ways to Refresh Your Home and Mind
As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to cosy gatherings, delicious food and time with loved ones. But before the festivities begin, it’s worth giving your home and your mindset a gentle refresh. A pre-Christmas declutter isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating breathing space so December feels lighter, calmer and more enjoyable.
Start with what you see every day
The best place to begin is with the areas you use most. These spaces tend to carry the biggest mental load, and even small improvements can make your whole home feel more peaceful.
• Living room:
Remove magazines you’ve already read, tidy up remote controls and relocate items that don’t belong. If you decorate for the holidays, consider where those decorations will sit and clear those surfaces in advance so you’re not scrambling later.
• Kitchen counters:
A cluttered counter makes cooking more stressful, especially when preparing larger meals. Put away appliances you rarely use, recycle empty containers and give yourself space to move freely. A few minutes here saves you a lot of December frustration.
• Bedroom:
Your room should feel restorative. Before Christmas gets busy, clear bedside tables, donate unworn clothes and remove any lingering laundry piles. A tidy bedroom offers a much-needed sense of calm.
Lighten your mental load by clearing digital clutter
It’s not just physical clutter that weighs us down. Your phone and computer can be just as overwhelming.
Delete blurry photos, screenshots and duplicate images.
File or archive documents you’ve already dealt with.
Unsubscribe from emails you no longer want.
This digital refresh can make you feel more in control as the busier parts of December arrive.
Refresh storage spaces for the season ahead
The festive period usually brings new items into the home from gifts and food to decorations so it makes sense to prepare your storage areas.
• Cupboards and drawers:
Remove anything broken, unused or past its best. Even five minutes spent clearing one drawer creates a surprising sense of accomplishment.
• Bathroom products:
Check expiry dates and finish partially used toiletries before opening something new. This keeps your shelves tidy and reduces waste.
• Seasonal décor:
Before you bring out the decorations, take a moment to see what still works for you. If something is damaged or no longer your style, let it go. You’ll enjoy decorating more when you’re working with pieces you genuinely like.
Keep it simple and be kind to yourself
You don’t need to transform your entire home before Christmas. Focus on achievable goals: one drawer, one shelf, one room at a time. Every small win lifts your mood and makes the holiday season feel less pressured.
A refreshed space has a powerful effect on your mind too. When your surroundings feel clear, you tend to feel more grounded, present and ready to enjoy what the season brings.