3 Declutter Spots to Tackle Before the Holidays
Feeling overwhelmed before the holidays? Start November with peace, not pressure. Discover three simple home resets to create calm and clarity before the rush begins.
Start the Season Grounded: A Gentle Reset Before the Rush
The holidays can be both beautiful and overwhelming. There’s magic in cozy gatherings and sparkling lights — but behind the scenes, the buildup of to-dos, clutter, and expectations can quietly drain your energy.
Before the whirlwind of decorating, hosting, and gifting begins, take a breath. Your home doesn’t need to be perfect — it just needs to feel peaceful.
By tackling a few key spaces early in November, you can reset your home (and your mindset) for a calmer season. Think of it as pressing pause before the pace picks up. These three quick decluttering spots will help you clear visual noise, reduce stress, and create a foundation of calm.
1️⃣ Entryway Reset: Welcome Calm Energy Into Your Home
Your entryway is more than just a place to drop your shoes — it’s the energetic threshold between the outside world and your personal sanctuary. When this area feels chaotic, it can subtly add stress every time you walk in the door.
Why It Matters
A cluttered entryway sends the message that there’s more chaos waiting inside. But a clear, intentional space immediately grounds you. It also sets the tone for visitors — calm, welcoming, and cared for.
Quick Ways to Reset
Add a basket or tray for shoes to keep piles contained.
Hang hooks for coats and bags so they don’t end up on chairs or floors.
Keep a small dish or organizer for keys and mail — simple, consistent routines prevent buildup.
Add soft lighting or a candle with grounding scents like cedar, vanilla, or eucalyptus.
Simplify Life Tip
Try a two-minute evening ritual: clear shoes, sort mail, and wipe surfaces. It’s a small act of calm that shifts how your home feels the moment you step in tomorrow.
2️⃣ Kitchen Counter Reset: Clear Space, Clear Mind
If you’re like most people, the kitchen counter becomes the catch-all — for groceries, mail, backpacks, even half-finished projects. But cluttered counters can quietly chip away at your sense of control.
Why It Matters
Visual clutter is mental clutter. A clear counter allows you to focus, cook, or simply exhale without distraction. Especially during the busy holiday season, this reset can make your entire home feel lighter.
Quick Ways to Reset
Designate a drop zone — one small bin or basket for mail, papers, and loose ends.
Put away small appliances that aren’t used daily (like blenders or toasters).
Use a small tray to group items (like a candle, small plant, or fruit bowl). Containment creates calm.
Wipe down surfaces nightly — it’s the simplest “reset” ritual there is.
Simplify Life Tip
Try the “one-touch rule” — when something lands on the counter, decide where it truly belongs and put it there once. This prevents clutter from ever taking root.
3️⃣ Living Room Surface Reset: Create Space for Connection
Your living room should be your soft place to land — a space for laughter, conversation, and rest. But when every surface is buried under “stuff,” it’s hard to feel relaxed.
Why It Matters
This is where you gather with loved ones. Clutter in your living room competes for your attention and energy. A few small tweaks can transform it back into a place that invites calm and connection.
Quick Ways to Reset
Clear coffee tables and end tables of piles or excess décor.
Keep only a few intentional items — a candle, a favorite book, or something that sparks warmth.
Add soft, cozy textures like throws, blankets, or pillows for an inviting feel.
End your day with a 2-minute tidy: fold a blanket, stack remotes, clear mugs. Small routines keep chaos away.
Simplify Life Tip
Swap clutter for coziness. It’s not about having less — it’s about creating more space for what matters most.
Closing: Small Steps. Big Calm.
Decluttering isn’t about achieving a Pinterest-perfect home — it’s about creating peace. Every cleared corner and every calm surface gives your brain a little more room to breathe.
Start small. Breathe deep. Let your home reflect the peace you want this season.
✨ Ready for a fresh start before the holidays? Book a Simplify Life organizing session and let’s simplify together.
