The Pre-Holiday Home Reset: What to Declutter & Organize Before the Busy Season

The holidays have a way of bringing more into our homes—more food, more packages, more gifts, more coats by the door, and definitely more stuff on the calendar.

That’s why October is one of our favorite times for a simple home reset.

We’re not talking about organizing every closet or getting your entire house holiday-ready before November 1st. Instead, focus on a few areas now that will make your home feel a little lighter when the busy season arrives.

Make a Little Room in the Coat Closet

Cooler weather means jackets, coats, boots, scarves, and eventually guests arriving with all of the above.

Take a few minutes to pull out anything that no longer fits, isn’t worn, or doesn’t belong in your coat closet. Return stray items to their homes and leave a little breathing room on the hanging rod.

Bonus: A few empty hangers make hosting so much easier when guests start arriving.

Do a Quick Toy Edit

If you have kids, you already know what’s coming: more toys.

Before the holiday gifts start making their way into your home, go through toys together and look for things that have been outgrown, broken, or simply aren’t played with anymore.

This doesn’t need to be a huge toy-room overhaul. Even one donation bag creates space for what’s coming next.

Reset the Pantry, Fridge & Freezer

Holiday cooking and entertaining are much easier when you can actually see what you have.

Toss expired food, combine duplicates, wipe down a shelf or two, and take inventory before you start stocking up on holiday ingredients. And don’t forget the freezer! Making some room now will come in handy when leftovers and make-ahead meals start piling up.

Check Your Gift-Wrapping Supplies

Before buying another roll of wrapping paper, take five minutes to see what you already own.

Gather your wrapping paper, bags, tissue paper, ribbon, tape, tags, and scissors into one area. You might be surprised by how much is hiding around the house.

Knowing what you have now can save you from buying duplicates later.

Start a Donation Bag

Our favorite low-effort decluttering trick? Keep a donation bag or box somewhere accessible.

As you come across clothes that don’t fit, toys that aren’t being used, or household items you no longer need, add them to the box. Once it’s full, get it out of the house.

You don’t need a giant decluttering weekend to make a difference.

A little space now can make the holidays feel a whole lot easier later. Your home doesn’t need to be perfectly organized before the busy season begins—it just needs a little room for everything (and everyone!) that’s coming.