By Michele Perry, Professional Organizer in Columbus, Ohio

The week before Christmas can feel like a whirlwind school events, wrapping gifts, shopping, preparing for guests, and managing daily life that never slows down. It’s no surprise that many homes feel more chaotic this time of year. As a professional organizer in Columbus, Ohio, I see this happen every December. But with a few simple and intentional steps, it’s possible to create a holiday that feels lighter, calmer, and easier to manage.

Here are a few ways to reduce holiday clutter before it even starts, so your home can feel peaceful in the midst of the season.

Create a Holiday Drop Zone

In December, new items enter your home every day gifts, groceries, bags, wrapping materials, and deliveries. It may feel like you and the Amazon delivery driver are on a first-name basis. Designating intentional “drop zones” keep the rest of your home from absorbing the chaos.

This can be as simple as:

a basket for mail and packages
a cleared corner of the counter for incoming items
a bin for gifts that still need to be wrapped
a reusable bag for returns or exchanges (kept by the door so you don’t forget)

Drop zones keep things contained so they don’t spread throughout the house.

Reset One High-Traffic Area

Instead of trying to declutter your entire home before Christmas, choose one space that will give you the biggest feeling of calm when it’s tidy.

Good spots to reset:

kitchen counters
entryway
living room surfaces
dining table

A quick 10–15 minute reset in a key area helps your home feel grounded again and makes daily routines flow more smoothly. I recommend keeping your bedroom clear as possible from clutter during the holidays. Having a calm, peaceful retreat at the end of the day makes a noticeable difference during a busy season.

Prepare for Gifts With a “Home to Go Home to”

New items will be entering your space very soon. Preparing ahead of time prevents the post-holiday overwhelm so many families experience.

Create space now by:

clearing a shelf for new toys
making room in drawers or closets for new clothing
donating outgrown or unused items
freeing up a little space in your pantry for holiday baking supplies

When new items have a home to go home to, they don’t become clutter.

Simplify Wrapping Supplies

Instead of letting wrapping paper, gift bags, ribbon, tape, and tags take over your home this week, gather everything into one portable spot.

Something like:

a small tote
a basket with handles
a clear bin

Being able to carry your wrapping supplies from room to room keeps things contained and makes the whole process easier.

Give Yourself Permission to Do Less

One of the biggest sources of holiday clutter isn’t physical, it’s mental. The pressure to do everything, host perfectly, or maintain unrealistic standards adds weight.

Give yourself permission to choose:

fewer decorations
simpler meals
one meaningful tradition instead of ten
a calm home over a “perfect” one

A calmer Christmas doesn’t come from doing more, it comes from doing what matters. Laugh with and love those around you. Play games, watch the Christmas movie, eat the pie, experience the true joy of the season.

A Holiday Home That Supports You

When your home feels organized and manageable, the holidays become more enjoyable. These simple steps create clarity, reduce stress, and help you feel more in control during a season that often feels overwhelming.

If you’re in Columbus, Ohio and want support creating a home that feels lighter and easier to manage during the holidays or anytime, I’m here to help. With a client-centered approach to professional organizing, we can create spaces that support your life and bring more ease into your everyday routines. Visit me at MicheleMakesSpace.com. I’d be honored to help you create peace in your space, clarity in your home, and freedom in your everyday life.

A Calm Christmas: How to Reduce Holiday Clutter Before It Starts