Twelve Days of Organizing

A tidy home doesn’t just impress guests—it also makes the season’s numerous demands easier to manage.

But instead of viewing cleaning as a chore, why not turn it into a challenge? This year, embrace the spirit of the holidays with this twelve-day organizing plan that will help you tackle clutter and refresh your spaces, ensuring that they’re both inviting and stress-free.

Day 1: Set up a donation box

Because you’ll likely come across stuff you no longer need during your cleaning spree, start by setting up a donation box for clothes, household items, toys, and other pieces in good condition. Put it somewhere central in your home, such as in the living room, so you can quickly add items as you go.

Day 2: Clear the entryway

Next, move on to the first thing guests see in your house—your entryway. Clear out old shoes from the floor or shoe rack, coats from the stand or hooks, and mail from the side table to create a welcoming zone where people can shed their outer layers when visiting. Once it’s straightened up, consider giving it a small, festive touch with a holiday wreath on your front door or a decorative basket for keys.

Day 3: Spruce up the living room

It’s important to make sure that this area is cozy since you’ll likely spend a lot of time gathering here. Stow away unused items, tidy up bookshelves, and clear off the coffee table for a neat appearance, which will let your holiday decor shine for greater warmth and charm.

Day 4: Refresh the bathrooms

Turn your attention to your bathrooms, decluttering countertops, disposing of expired and unused toiletries, and adding a bit of cheer with a seasonal hand towel or scented candle. Consider also incorporating storage solutions like baskets or drawer organizers to maintain order for both yourself and any visitors.

Day 5: Tidy the kitchen

Cooking for a crowd is easier in a clutter-free kitchen, so remove rarely touched appliances and other items to make space for baking and meal prep. Additionally, wipe down every surface, organize your utensils, and make sure that frequently used ingredients are within reach in your cupboards.

Day 6: Refresh the pantry

Before buying supplies for your holiday meals, take stock of your pantry. Check expiration dates, and clear out anything that’s past its prime. Further, grouping like items together, such as baking essentials, will make it simpler to find what you need when you’re ready to get cooking.

Day 7: Purge the fridge and freezer

Similarly, make room for ingredients in your fridge and freezer; you’ll also appreciate having the extra space when it comes time to find a home for leftovers. Remove everything, wipe down shelves, and toss expired items. You can then sort what’s left, using clear bins to ensure that everything is visible and easily accessible.

Day 8: Tackle the closets

Prep for new gifts by going through your various closets and tossing belongings you no longer need into your donation box. For the one in your bedroom, store away lighter fabrics and rotate seasonal clothing (if you haven’t already) so your warm options are front and center. If you’re having any overnight visitors, create space in the guest bedroom and bathroom closets for their belongings.

Day 9: Streamline your gift-wrapping supplies

Make your life easier by keeping all your wrapping supplies together in one place, such as a hall closet. An over-the-door organizer is great for storing gift tags, ribbons, tape, scissors, and other small materials. Place rolls upright in the corner, and toss any scraps you may have been hanging on to.

Day 10: Whittle down holiday decor

Once you’re done decking the halls with your holiday decorations, take stock of what remains. Should you realize that you haven’t used something in a few years, it may be time to part with it and free up storage for new items in the future.

Day 11: Sort toys and games

If you have children, go through their toys and games, donating gently used items to make room for gifts. You can even encourage your kids to participate by letting them choose which items to give away or get rid of.

Day 12: Organize the home office

Though people may not be hanging out in your office during visits, it’s a good idea to clear out old paperwork, tidy your desk, and set up a designated space for holiday cards and receipts. This will help you enjoy the well-wishes from loved ones and make any necessary exchanges or returns in the coming days.

A perk of this challenge is that it is completely customizable—you can start it whenever you like, switch up the order of the days, and swap out irrelevant tasks for ones essential to you. Either way, a well-defined plan will allow you to embrace the holiday season with a clean and cozy home that’s ready for celebrations, relaxation, and a fresh start in the new year.