How to do an effective pre-Christmas declutter

There's nothing quite like a good declutter before Christmas to prepare your home for the whirlwind of guests, decorations and festivities. Clearing out and organising your home can make it feel inviting and spacious, ready for the tree, presents and family gatherings.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do an effective Christmas declutter, ensuring you're ready to embrace the season in a tidy, organised home.

Tackle one room at a time

One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to tackle the whole house at once. This can quickly become overwhelming and is likely to end in half-finished rooms and unnecessary stress. Instead, take a room-by-room approach and dedicate a set amount of time to each one.

Begin with the most heavily used areas, such as the living room, kitchen and hallway. Go into every drawer and cupboard and clean these as you go. Tidy any cluttered surfaces and optimise these spaces for socialising by rearranging furniture if needed.

Move onto the bedrooms, bathrooms and storage areas. Go through any wardrobes and sort your clothing. Assess whether you need to store your summer clothes elsewhere. Vacuum packing can be ideal for items you don't intend to wear for a while. Keeping seasonal items separate ensures your wardrobe remains simple and spacious.

Doing one room at a time means you'll feel a sense of accomplishment with each finished room. This will boost your motivation as you move through your house.

Upgrade your storage

Even the tidiest rooms can feel chaotic without effective storage, especially over the hectic Christmas period. Investing in new or upgraded storage can make all the difference.

Fitted wardrobes are a fantastic option for long-term storage that seamlessly integrates with your room's design. You can customise them to suit your needs, whether that's extra space for bulky winter coats or shelves for neatly stacking Christmas decorations. Every inch of space is used efficiently, making it easy to keep clothes and other items organised.

Consider practical, multifunctional options like under-bed boxes, floating shelves, or ottomans with hidden compartments that maximise your space without taking up extra floor area. Containers and dividers are excellent for organising cupboards and drawers. Baskets or trunks can store toys and blankets, meaning there's more space for presents galore!

Be realistic when sorting

Decluttering is all about making space for items that add value to your life, so it's essential to be realistic when deciding what to keep.

Assess each item and ask yourself if it's something you genuinely use or love, or if it's just taking up space. While it's tempting to keep items just in case or because they hold sentimental value, Christmas is a time to make space for joy and new memories!

A great approach is the 'one-year rule' – if you haven't used an item in the last year, chances are you don't need it. Consider donating clothes that no longer fit or don't suit your style anymore. Let go of any duplicate items or broken appliances that have been sitting around.

Try to avoid holding on to items because you feel guilty for buying them in the first place. Acknowledge the role they once played and make space for items that enhance your lifestyle.

Quality check your decorations

Go through your decorations to see what's worth keeping before December arrives. Look out for items that may have been damaged or worn out over the years and think about whether it's time to repair or replace them.

Divide decorations into categories. Assess the quality of each item and decide if it aligns with your current aesthetic. If something is no longer to your taste, donate it before Christmas so someone else can enjoy it.

Perhaps you're moving towards a particular theme or colour scheme this year. If so, let go of anything that doesn't fit your vision. That way, you'll avoid storing items you don't need and ensure that setting up this year's décor is easier and more fun.

Make the process enjoyable

This mammoth task doesn't have to feel like a chore. Set aside specific days or weekends to focus on decluttering. Play music, light a festive-scented candle, and take regular breaks to keep your energy up.

Get the whole family involved and make it a team effort. Sharing the process can make the task feel less daunting and you might even have some fun!

Reward yourself along the way. Once you've successfully finished a room, treat yourself to a festive snack or hot drink to celebrate. Some people find it motivating to have a visual reminder of their progress, so feel free to take a quick 'before and after' photo for each room.

Have an organised Christmas with Hammonds

A pre-Christmas declutter can make the festive season more relaxed and enjoyable. Upgrade your storage solutions this year and book a free design visit with one of our experts. Don't forget to request a free brochure for top tips and inspiration on how to transform your home.