The holiday season is here (my favorite time of year)—bringing cheer, family, and yes, a bit of chaos! Staying organized can make all the difference between feeling festive or frazzled. Here’s how to keep your space (and mind) calm, so you can truly enjoy the holiday magic.

1. Declutter Before You Deck the Halls

Before holiday decor goes up, take a few minutes to clear away everyday clutter. This is the perfect time to donate or toss items you no longer use. A clear space makes holiday decor shine and gives you a blank canvas to work with.

2. Designate Holiday Storage Zones

Set up dedicated zones for wrapping paper, decorations, and gifts. Use clear bins, label everything, and keep these zones easy to access. Need inspiration? A few well-labeled baskets or a small shelf in the closet can work wonders.

3. Simplify Gift Wrapping

Keeping wrapping supplies organized can save you a lot of time. Store all your ribbons, paper, and tags in one spot—an over-the-door organizer, storage bin, or even a stylish basket. I like to keep mine in our storage room and it hides away when it’s not in use. When it’s time to wrap, everything you need will be in arm’s reach!

4. Keep the Kitchen Clutter-Free

The kitchen is the heart of holiday hosting, so make it work for you! Clear out expired items, create space for seasonal ingredients, and organize baking supplies in clear, labeled containers. Consider a bin for quick snacks or extra plates for easy hosting.

5. Streamline Gift Shopping and Storage

Make a list of gift recipients and jot down ideas to avoid last-minute shopping stress. If you’re hiding gifts, designate a spot where you can keep everything together, so you’re not scrambling to remember where you stashed them.

This helped me last year when hiding gifts for my bonus daughter. I kept all of her gifts in our closet which is a place she rarely frequents and it made getting her gifts and even wrapping them without her seeing them effortless.

6. Plan Ahead for After the Holidays

Plan now for how you’ll pack everything away. Use labeled bins for decor, and consider donating anything that didn’t get used. Staying on top of post-holiday storage will make next year’s setup a breeze.

7. Take Time to Enjoy

Remember, organization is a tool to help you savor the season. Keep things simple, tidy up as you go, and let yourself soak in the joy around you. Your organized holiday will help you be fully present with loved ones—because that’s the best gift of all!

Staying organized doesn’t mean perfection; it’s about creating a space where you can truly enjoy the holidays. Embrace the tips that work for you, and remember: a little effort now can make the season brighter for everyone. Happy Holidays!