YOUR GUIDE TO A TOTALLY ORGANIZED HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS

The end of the year is a fantastic time to tackle the clutter in your home. Whether you’re preparing to host family and friends for holiday gatherings or gearing up for travel, chances are your home will soon be brimming with activity. Along with the joy of the season comes the inevitable influx of gifts, decorations, and yes, even post-travel laundry piles. Now is the perfect time to get ahead of the chaos by decluttering and organizing your space. With 9 weeks left until Christmas, you can tackle one room per week to transform your home into a haven of calm before the holiday frenzy hits. Let’s dive in:

 

 

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, making it the perfect place to start your organizational journey.

 

• Appliances First: Start with a deep clean of the fridge, oven, microwave, and other frequently used appliances. Toss expired items from the refrigerator and pantry, and give the shelves a good scrub. Clean behind and under appliances like the toaster and coffee maker.
• Declutter Gadgets: Sort through small kitchen gadgets and appliances—keep only what you use regularly. Donate or store rarely used items to free up counter and cabinet space.
• Top-to-Bottom Clean: Move beyond surface cleaning to deep-cleaning tasks, such as scrubbing walls, washing windows, and mopping floors. Don’t forget to sanitize cabinet handles and light switches, which can harbor grime.
• Organize Cabinets and Pantry: Use bins or clear containers to group similar items together, such as baking supplies or snacks. Labeling shelves can help maintain order long after the holidays.

Pro Tip: Consider adding drawer dividers or shelf risers to maximize space in cabinets.

 

 

Bathrooms are high-traffic zones that often accumulate clutter and grime. A systematic approach will make a world of difference.

 

• Purge Ruthlessly: Discard expired toiletries, half-used lotions, and old makeup. Group similar items together and consider using clear bins or tiered trays to keep everything accessible.
• Deep Clean: Scrub tiles, grout, and fixtures until they sparkle. Don’t forget to tackle overlooked areas like the underside of the toilet seat, baseboards, and the tops of mirrors.
• Moisture Management: If mold or mildew is an issue, invest in a dehumidifier or moisture-absorbing products. Regularly cleaning vents and airing out the space can also help.
• Refresh Linens: Launder all towels, bath mats, and shower curtains. Consider replacing worn-out items to give your bathroom a quick refresh.

Pro Tip: Use drawer organizers for items like razors and hair ties to avoid tangled messes.

 

 

A well-organized laundry room can make household chores less daunting.

 

• Clean the Machines: Run a cleaning cycle on your washing machine using vinegar or a specialized cleaner. Clear the dryer lint trap and vacuum any buildup from the vent to prevent fires.
• Declutter Supplies: Consolidate multiple bottles of detergent, softener, and stain removers. Toss out products you no longer use.
• Add Efficiency: Incorporate tools like a folding drying rack, small mending kit, and labeled bins for lost socks or laundry essentials.
• Style the Space: A coat of fresh paint or decorative storage solutions can make the room more inviting.

Pro Tip: Establish a laundry routine to prevent piles from building up in the future.

 

 

A clutter-free, polished living room sets the stage for a warm and inviting atmosphere during the holidays.

 

• Declutter: Sort through books, magazines, and knickknacks. Store or donate items you don’t love or use.
• Clean Thoroughly: Dust all surfaces, including baseboards, ceiling fans, and light fixtures. Vacuum or mop the floors and freshen up area rugs.
• Focus on Details: Clean mirrors, windows, and other reflective surfaces to make the room shine.
• Furniture Refresh: Clean upholstery and consider rearranging furniture for a fresh look. Add throw pillows or blankets for seasonal charm.
• Stylize: Once the space is spotless, add a few curated decorations to tie the room together.

Pro Tip: Use baskets or decorative bins to corral remotes, toys, or other everyday items that tend to clutter the space.

 

 

If you have kids, you’ve likely faced the never-ending challenge of keeping their rooms organized. However, with a clear plan, you can create a space that stays tidy (at least for a while!) and reduces the chaos.

 

• Declutter Strategically: Start with toys—sort through them one category at a time (stuffed animals, dolls, action figures, etc.). Discard broken items and set aside toys your child has outgrown to donate or sell. Next, tackle the closet and dresser, removing clothes that no longer fit or are too worn out.
• Deep Clean: Once the clutter is under control, do a top-to-bottom cleaning. Wipe down walls, vacuum or mop the floors, and dust shelves. Wash curtains and bedding to refresh the space.
• Organize Artwork and Schoolwork: Create a system to store sentimental items, like a labeled storage box or a hanging file system for artwork and important school papers. Digitize items that take up too much space but hold value.
• Establish Functional Zones: Designate areas for specific activities: a cozy corner for reading, a tidy space for playing, and a clear area for sleeping.
• Introduce a Labeling System: Use labels or pictures on cubbies, bins, and drawers to make it easy for kids (and parents!) to maintain order.

Pro Tip: Rotate toys to keep the space feeling fresh and prevent the room from becoming overrun with clutter. Store some toys in a bin out of sight and swap them out every few months.

 

 

Your bedroom should be a serene retreat, but clutter can quickly turn it into a stressful space. Reclaim your sanctuary with these steps:

 

• Declutter the Closet First: Go through your wardrobe and remove items you haven’t worn in the past year, don’t fit, or no longer suit your style. Donate or sell anything in good condition. Use slim hangers and shelf organizers to maximize closet space.
• Refresh the Room: Dust all surfaces, including hard-to-reach spots like ceiling fans and light fixtures. Vacuum carpets or mop floors, and launder all linens, including rugs and curtains. Flip your mattress and consider refreshing your bedding with cozy, calming options.
• Simplify Surfaces: Clear bedside tables, dressers, and other surfaces of unnecessary items. Keep only essentials like a lamp, a book, or a small decorative piece.
• Create a Relaxing Atmosphere: Use soft colors, cozy textiles, and minimal decor to make the space feel inviting. Add a diffuser with a calming scent like lavender to promote relaxation.

Pro Tip: Invest in under-bed storage containers for off-season clothes or extra linens to keep your closet less crowded.

 

 

The garage is often a dumping ground for items that don’t have a home, but with some effort, it can become a functional, organized space.

 

• Purge with Purpose: Take everything out of the garage to assess what you really need. Separate items into categories: keep, donate, sell, and toss. Be ruthless—if it’s broken, outdated, or hasn’t been used in years, it’s time to let it go.
• Deep Clean the Space: Once the garage is empty, sweep or vacuum the floor and clean any built-up grime on walls and surfaces. A fresh coat of paint on the walls or floor can instantly refresh the space.
• Evaluate Storage Needs: Invest in storage solutions to maximize vertical and ceiling space, such as wall-mounted racks, pegboards for tools, and overhead shelving. Use clear bins to store seasonal items like holiday decorations, labeling them for easy access.
• Create Zones: Organize the garage into specific zones: tools, gardening supplies, sports equipment, and holiday decor. Designate an area for items like bikes or outdoor gear.
• Keep the Floor Clear: Whenever possible, keep items off the ground. This prevents clutter from accumulating and makes cleaning easier in the future.

Pro Tip: Install hooks or racks near the garage entrance for everyday items like backpacks, coats, or umbrellas, making them easy to grab on your way out.

 

 

Your home office should be a space that promotes productivity and calm, but clutter and disorganization can easily derail that goal. Here's how to reclaim this essential space:

 

• Tackle Paperwork First: Begin by gathering all loose papers, then sort them into categories: keep, shred, or recycle. Important documents can be stored in labeled folders or filing systems. Consider going digital by scanning essential papers and using cloud storage for long-term organization.
• Declutter Everything Else: Remove non-office-related items such as toys, dishes, and miscellaneous cords. Designate clear homes for office supplies, books, and electronics to prevent clutter from creeping back in.
• Invest in Storage Solutions: Use drawer organizers, shelf dividers, and cable management systems to keep everything tidy. Label bins or folders for quick access to frequently used items.
• Deep Clean: Dust all surfaces, including electronics and shelves. Wipe down your desk, vacuum the floor, and sanitize high-touch areas like keyboards and doorknobs.
• Add Style and Comfort: Create a workspace you’ll enjoy spending time in by adding decorative touches like a cozy rug, framed artwork, or a plant for a touch of greenery. Choose a comfortable chair and good lighting to enhance functionality.

Pro Tip: Establish a “clean desk” rule by tidying up at the end of each day to maintain an organized space.

 

 

Your home’s entryway is the first impression for guests and the gateway to keeping your house organized.

 

• Refresh the Exterior: Sweep the porch or stoop and clean the front door. Polish door fixtures and consider adding a seasonal wreath or welcome mat for charm.
• Declutter Inside: Empty the entryway entirely, then only bring back items that serve a purpose, such as a coat rack, shoe storage, and a designated spot for keys and mail.
• Organize Essentials: Install hooks for jackets and bags, add a bench with hidden storage for shoes, or use a small console table with drawers to keep mail and other essentials tidy.
• Manage Dirt and Mud: Place an indoor-outdoor mat or boot tray to catch debris before it spreads through the house. Consider adding a small basket for umbrellas and weather gear.
• Add Style: Use decorative baskets or bowls for keys and smaller items. A mirror can make the space feel larger and more welcoming, while a small lamp or light fixture creates a warm ambiance.

Pro Tip: Rotate seasonal items in the entryway to ensure it doesn’t become overcrowded with unnecessary things.

 

 

Your dining room should be a serene space for meals and gatherings, not a catchall for clutter. Let’s bring it back to its purpose:

 

• Declutter Thoroughly: Clear the table and other surfaces of unrelated items such as toys, laptops, shopping bags, and books. Create a system to keep these things out of the dining room permanently.
• Deep Clean: Vacuum or mop the floors, paying attention to corners and baseboards. Dust all surfaces and clean mirrors, windows, and light fixtures to make the room shine. Use a wood polish or suitable cleaner on the dining table and chairs for a refreshed look.
• Buffet and Storage: If you have a buffet or sideboard, organize its drawers and shelves. Store table linens, napkins, and serving ware neatly, using dividers or bins if necessary.
• Enhance Lighting: Assess your lighting to ensure it complements the space. Consider swapping out bulbs for a softer glow or adding a dimmer switch to create ambiance for different occasions.
• Add Finishing Touches: A centerpiece like fresh flowers, candles, or a decorative bowl can tie the room together and add elegance without overwhelming the space.

Pro Tip: Establish a no-clutter rule for the dining table, making it a space reserved solely for meals and special occasions.

 

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Getting your home organized before the holidays may seem daunting, but with a clear plan and a little effort, you can create a clutter-free, inviting space for your family and guests. Tackle one room at a time, stay consistent, and enjoy the satisfaction of a clean and organized home that’s ready for the festive season.

 

If you’re dreaming of finding the perfect home in Charleston, SC, Kim Meyer is here to help. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or simply explore your options, contact Kim today to make your real estate goals a reality!