10-Day Christmas Declutter Challenge: Tidy Your Home for the Holidays

Table of Contents

Day 1: Walk your house with a donation box

Start with a quick power purge to create immediate momentum.

Grab an empty box.

Take a lap around your home and collect items you no longer need or use—magazines, unread books, unused gadgets, worn clothing, or decor you don’t love.

Sort into trash, recycling, and donations, and keep the donation box somewhere accessible so you can add to it during the challenge.

Day 2: Declutter wrapping paper and supplies

Prepare your gift-wrapping station so wrapping becomes simple and enjoyable.

Sort your supplies: Check paper, ribbons, bags, and bows. Discard crumpled paper and tiny scraps that aren’t usable.

Organize small items in zip-top bags or small containers for easy access.

Take inventory of what you need—tape, scissors, tags—and arrange everything neatly so wrapping feels effortless.

Day 3: Declutter Christmas decorations

Many of us keep more decorations than we use. Today, focus on the pieces that bring you the most joy.

Pull out your decorations and separate favorites from items you no longer love.

Discard broken items that can’t be repaired and donate decorations you don’t use. If something hasn’t seen the light of day in a couple of years, it’s likely time to let it go.

Set a limit for how many boxes you’ll keep so future decor stays intentional and meaningful.

Day 4: Put away everyday decor

Simplify surfaces so your holiday decorations can shine without competing with everyday clutter.

Make room for the tree. Rearrange a chair or side table if needed to create the best spot for it.

Put away everyday decor like extra blankets, candles, or frames and swap in a few holiday items for a cohesive-seasonal look.

Store everyday items in a designated spot so they’re easy to return to after the season.

Day 5: Declutter toys

With new toys arriving, free up space by removing outgrown or broken items.

Set a timer for 20 minutes or aim to remove 10 toys to keep the task focused.

Sort toys into trash, keep, and donate piles. Remove anything broken or no longer used.

Include your children if possible to teach them about giving and maintaining a manageable collection.

Day 6: Glow up your guest room

Create a welcoming space for visitors with a few simple touches.

Clear drawers or closet space so guests have room for their clothes and belongings.

Tidy flat surfaces like nightstands and dressers so guests have space for essentials.

Provide fresh towels and basic toiletries and leave Wi‑Fi details on a small card for convenience.

Day 7: Simplify your Christmas kitchenware

Prepare your kitchen for holiday cooking and entertaining with a quick declutter.

Pull out holiday-specific items like serving dishes, festive plates, and cookie cutters. Dust off what you’ll use and remove what you won’t.

Check cookware for essentials—roasting pans, baking sheets, mixing bowls—and discard or donate items that are damaged or unused.

Organize and make space in cabinets for the tools you’ll reach for most during the season.

Day 8: Clear your kitchen counters

Free up counter space for cooking, crafting, and hosting.

Put away small appliances that aren’t used daily.

Sort mail and paper piles and return items to their proper spots.

Move decorative items like candles or vases to reduce visual clutter, then wipe surfaces clean.

Bonus: If you finish early, clear the dining table for extra prep space.

Day 9: Quick pantry, fridge, and freezer purge

A brief food purge creates room for holiday groceries and helps you avoid waste.

Discard expired items from the pantry, fridge, and freezer.

Plan meals using ingredients you already have so food gets used before the holidays.

Day 10: Tidy your entryway

Make a welcoming first impression for guests and family.

Remove excess shoes, bags, and jackets that have accumulated.

Add baskets or hooks to keep winter accessories organized and off the floor.

Shake out mats and vacuum the area for a neat and inviting entryway.

Bonus Challenge: Fill your empty boxes

Whenever a package arrives, use the empty box to collect items you no longer need. Making this a habit turns decluttering into a simple, ongoing routine that keeps your home manageable year-round.