Do you find yourself wandering the aisles of Hobby Lobby and HomeGoods, convinced that you need just one more glittery pumpkin or sparkling Christmas tree? Or maybe you’re more of the “I’ll decorate when I have time” type, only to find yourself scrambling at the last minute to get everything in place. (We’ve all been there!)
For me, the holiday spirit is like a mood that shifts with the seasons. Some years, I’m all about decking the halls in full festive glory, and other times, I’m too busy to even think about stringing up lights. But one thing I know for sure? This time of year can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be.
If 2024 has taught us anything, it’s this: focus on what really matters. Is it a perfectly styled house that looks like a Pinterest board exploded? Or is it creating cherished memories with your loved ones? You get to choose what matters most. So, why not make this holiday season a stress-free one by planning ahead? Trust me, your future self will thank you.
Here are 6 simple tips to help you organize your holiday décor like a pro—and actually enjoy the process this year!
Take Inventory of Your Holiday Decor
Before you head out for another impromptu shopping spree at Hobby Lobby, take a moment to inventory what you already have. Do you really need another set of lights, or do you still have a stash of perfectly good ones from last year? How many “Sleigh All Day” pillows can one household really handle? (Be honest with yourself!)
Take stock of what you already own. This way, when you're tempted by a glittery new snowman or a cute throw, you’ll know if it’s truly needed—or if you’re just adding to your collection for the sake of it. Spoiler alert: you can totally resist. (I know you can!)
Declutter Like It’s Your Holiday Duty
If you love to change things up every year (guilty!), it’s totally okay to keep a few things you may not have used in the last few seasons. But here’s the hard truth: you don’t need everything.
Take the time to purge those broken ornaments, outdated decorations, or those items that no longer match your vibe. Out with the old, in with the fresh! Plus, donating your unused decor to a local thrift store will help someone else fall in love with your old stuff. It’s a win-win.
Measure & Plan Before You Buy Storage Bins
There’s nothing more frustrating than buying storage bins that don’t fit your space. So before you grab a handful of plastic bins from the store, do yourself a favor: measure, measure, measure.
Take everything out of storage, assess how much decor you have, and then group similar items together. That way, when you head to the store, you’ll know exactly how many containers to buy—and you won’t waste money on bins that are too big, too small, or just plain wrong. If you're storing these bins on shelves or in closets, make sure you measure those spaces too. Trust me, this small step will save you a lot of headaches later!
Pro Tip: Consider storing items by room. That way, when it’s time to deck out the living room or transform your kitchen into a cozy holiday retreat, everything you need will be right there. No more searching for that one perfect pillow for the guest room!
Label Everything (Seriously, Everything)
Labeling your holiday décor is a game-changer. Instead of vague labels like “Christmas” or “Halloween,” go ahead and get more specific. Label boxes with details like “Christmas Tree Ornaments,” “Outdoor Lights,” or “Fall Wreaths.” This way, when it’s time to unpack, you won’t be left digging through 17 boxes wondering where that one elusive item went.
Bonus: If you’re feeling extra organized, label each box by room or by decor style (e.g., “Rustic Christmas,” “Elegant Thanksgiving,” etc.). Your future self will thank you!
Store All Your Decor in One Location
I know, I know—sometimes space is tight. But do yourself a favor and try to store all your seasonal décor in one spot, or at least keep each holiday’s items together. If all your Christmas décor is in one corner of the garage and your Halloween stuff is scattered across the attic, you’ll end up buying duplicates you didn’t know you already had.
Consolidating your décor means fewer I-can’t-find-it moments, less stress, and way fewer trips to the store for things you already own!
Take Photos for Next Year’s Guide
Got a clear vision of how you want your house to look for the holidays? Take some photos of your decor this year—especially the big-picture stuff like tree placement, mantle displays, and tablescapes. Then, next year, print those photos out and tape them to the inside of your storage bins.
This trick will make decorating a breeze and keep everyone on the same page—no more “Wait, where does this wreath go?” or “Is this the right spot for the stockings?”
By organizing your holiday décor now, you can enjoy a stress-free holiday season filled with more fun, more family time, and fewer frantic trips to the store. So grab your labels, start purging, and get ready to celebrate the most joyful (and organized) holiday season ever!
Need help taking down and organizing your holiday decor? We can help! Email me at sara@socoorganizers.com to get a quote.
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