BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM

The holidays have arrived, bringing with them guests, gifts, and bright decorations. But, before you drape your home with tinsel or set out that magnificent tablescape, there is one critical step you must take: tidy. A little preparation now can save you a lot of stress later.

Barbara Brock and Ashley La Fond, professional organizers, are here to help with expert ideas for dealing with often-overlooked spots and items. Their advice will make your holiday home both inviting and efficient.

1. Ditch non-seasonal décor

Start your holiday season refresh by getting rid of the year-round clutter on your shelves and countertops. “If you add holiday décor to existing decorations, it will appear cluttered with conflicting themes,” explains Barbara Brock, a professional organizer and home stager.

Instead, store non-seasonal items in a bin until the holidays are gone. This easy step makes room for your festive accessories to shine. Furthermore, it gives your home a coherent, deliberate appearance.

2. Check your holiday essentials

Reviewing your holiday inventory early will help you avoid last-minute panics. Brock advises:

• Check holiday tree ornaments and lights.

• Inventory your holiday candles.

• Make sure you have adequate gift wrap, ribbons, and tape.

•Make a list of meals and beverages to serve when hosting.

If anything is broken or running low, now is the time to discard or replace it. Streamlining your holiday stash also frees up space for new stuff, ensuring you’re completely prepared to impress your guests.

3. Prepare your coat closet (and more)

It’s easy to neglect your foyer or coat closet until guests come, only to discover there’s no space for their jackets. “Clear out your front closet, mudroom, or add a rolling rack with lots of empty hangers,” says Ashley La Fond of Of Space & Mind.

Pro tip: Don’t stop with coats. Declutter your shoe racks to make a place for boots, and store any out-of-season shoes to keep the area tidy.

4. Refresh children’s toys and clothing

The holiday season often brings an inflow of new gifts for children. That makes now the ideal moment to clear their rooms and closets.

“Review kids’ clothing and toys to see what they have to wear for the holidays and in anticipation of them receiving new items,” according to La Fond. Donate gently worn items to local organizations to make room for new treasures while also providing a relaxing, structured atmosphere for children.

5. Inspect table settings and dinnerware

Before you prepare your perfect holiday dinner, make a list of your dining essentials. Brock recommends starting with textiles: check your placemats, tablecloths, and napkins for tears or stains. Repair, replace, or renew as needed.

Then switch to dinnerware. Inspect dishes, bowls, glasses, and mugs for chips or cracks. A swift audit ensures that everything is in tip-top form, so your tablescape will impress your guests for all the right reasons.

Quick tips for last-minute decluttering

If the holidays sneak up on you, don’t worry—these tactics will help you fake a flawless home:

• Prioritize surfaces. “Clearing off surfaces will have the biggest impact,” adds La Fond. Use a trash bag to dispose of goods and a container to temporarily store items.

• Concentrate on public areas. Brock recommends clearing shared areas first, such as restrooms, living rooms, and guest bedrooms, before moving on to less visible regions like closets.

• Use bins for quick fixes. If guests are only a few minutes away, Brock recommends storing superfluous items in an empty container or closet for later sorting.

Adopt a decluttering mindset

A one-in, one-out rule will help you keep your home organized after the holidays. “Commit to a certain amount of storage for each holiday and be intentional about what you keep,” recommends La Fond. Store all holiday items in one location for easy access the next year.

By following these guidelines, you can create a serene, gleaming house that is ready to welcome guests and spread joy. So grab your supplies, put on your favorite holiday soundtrack, and begin decluttering—it’s a gift your future self will appreciate.