Inside: Consider these areas to declutter before Thanksgiving to enjoy a more relaxing day with your loved ones.
Thanksgiving is about spending time with loved ones, reflecting on what we’re grateful for, and enjoying a meal together.
But before the day arrives, you can ensure your holiday feels as relaxed and enjoyable as possible by decluttering key areas in your home.
Decluttering before Thanksgiving isn’t about achieving perfection or having a spotless house. It’s about creating a space where you can relax, focus on what truly matters, and enjoy the company of family and friends without being distracted by the mess.
Simplifying your environment can help you to be more present and enjoy the moments more.
In this post, I’ll share what to declutter before Thanksgiving so that you can create a calm, welcoming home that sets the stage for a more relaxing holiday.
Whether you have a few days or just a few hours, these simple decluttering steps can help you streamline your space and reduce the stress that often comes during the holidays.
7 Helpful Areas to Declutter Before Thanksgiving
These are seven helpful areas to declutter before Thanksgiving so you can relax and enjoy the day more!
1. Dining Room
The dining area is likely to be the heart of your Thanksgiving celebration. It’s where the turkey will be carved, the sides will be passed around, and memories will be made.
However, if your dining table is cluttered with excess stuff it can create unnecessary stress and make it harder to enjoy the holiday meal.
How to declutter your dining area:
- Clear the table: Remove anything that doesn’t belong, including random items that accumulate over time (mail, kids’ homework, keys). Give the table a quick wipe-down so you’re ready for the day.
- Declutter nearby surfaces: If you have a buffet, sideboard, or bar cart near the dining table, tidy it up by removing unnecessary items. Keep only what’s functional or decorative for the holiday.
- Consider the chairs: Wipe down or spot-clean your chairs. They often accumulate crumbs over time, so proactively clean them so they’re ready for Thanksgiving day. Make sure all chairs are structurally sound too.
By clearing clutter from your dining area it will feel more spacious and functional, creating a stress-free zone where everyone can gather around and enjoy the meal.
2. Kitchen Counters
The kitchen is the command center during Thanksgiving—where food is prepped, dishes are cooked, and family members gather.
Before the holiday rush begins, take a moment to declutter your counters so that you have more space to work.
How to declutter your kitchen counters:
- Remove unnecessary gadgets: Clear away items that you don’t use on a daily basis, like blenders, toasters, or miscellaneous appliances. Put them away in cabinets or storage for the time being.
- Clear food prep areas: Wipe down the counters and clear away any dishes, papers, or items that are currently taking up space. Set up areas for prep or serving that will help make cooking more efficient.
- Organize your utensils: Check your utensil drawers and declutter any unneeded items. Organize the remaining ones and make sure it’s easy to locate what you’ll need. A simple arrangement of essential tools can save time when you’re cooking or hosting.
While you’re working on decluttering in your kitchen, it’s also a good idea to clean out your fridge. Remove any expired items and give it a wipe-down to get it ready for the holiday.
A clean, decluttered kitchen not only makes cooking more efficient, but it also reduces stress during the inevitable holiday busyness.
3. Entryway
The entryway is a great area to declutter before the holidays as it’s the first thing people see when they arrive at your home. It’s also the spot where coats, shoes, and bags tend to pile up, especially during the busy holiday season.
A cluttered entryway can make the first impression of your home feel chaotic and disorganized, which isn’t the tone you want to set for Thanksgiving.
How to declutter your entryway:
- Hang up coats and bags: If you have hooks or a coat rack, make sure there’s enough room for your guests’ outerwear. Remove any personal items that don’t belong, like gym bags or shoes that aren’t seasonal.
- Clear the floor: If shoes are scattered around, consider adding a shoe rack or basket to corral them neatly. A tidy floor will create a welcoming first impression.
- Organize the console or table: If you have a table or shelf in your entryway, declutter it by removing mail, receipts, or random objects that have collected over time. Keep it simple and clean for a serene entry into your home.
By keeping the entryway tidy, you’ll help your guests feel welcomed and give them a place to set their things after they enter your home.
4. Living Room
Whether you’re hosting guests for Thanksgiving dinner or just having family over for a casual hangout, the living room is likely a place where everyone will gather.
If your living room feels cluttered, cramped, or chaotic, it can take away from the relaxing feeling you’re trying to create.
How to declutter your living room or common areas:
- Clear flat surfaces: Go around your living room and clear off coffee tables, side tables, and TV stands. Keep only what’s essential or decorative. If you have children, corral any toys into a designated basket or bin for the day.
- Declutter the couch: Remove any extra throw pillows, blankets, or items that don’t add to the room’s aesthetic. While it’s cozy to have extra throws, make sure the space feels comfortable but not overly packed.
- Streamline décor: If you’re a fan of seasonal décor, great! But if your living space feels overwhelmed with decorations, pare it down to the things you love most. A few pumpkins, candles, or autumn-colored accents will add warmth without cluttering the space.
Creating a calm, clutter-free environment will allow your guests to settle in and relax, making your home feel more inviting.
5. Bathroom
You may not think of the bathroom as a place that needs decluttering before Thanksgiving, but it’s a helpful space to tidy up, especially if you have multiple guests coming in and out.
A messy bathroom won’t create the relaxing feeling you’re going for.
How to declutter your bathroom:
- Clear countertops: Remove any non-essential items like old beauty products, excess soap, or toothbrushes. Give the counter a quick wipe-down so it feels fresh and tidy.
- Organize toiletries: Take a few minutes to organize the bathroom drawers or medicine cabinet. Throw away expired products or items that no longer serve a purpose.
- Tidy towels and bathmats: Make sure clean towels are neatly folded and ready for use. If you have extra towels or bathmats lying around, put them away in a closet or drawer to reduce clutter.
A clean, organized bathroom shows your attention to detail and allows guests to feel at ease during the holiday gathering.
6. Guest Room
If you’re hosting family or friends for Thanksgiving, your guest room will likely be used for the occasion.
Before guests arrive, it’s a good idea to tidy up and declutter the space so that it feels comfortable and welcoming.
How to declutter your guest room:
- Clear off surfaces: Make sure the bed is neatly made, and remove extra personal items or clutter from the nightstands, dresser, or shelves.
- Freshen up linens: Change the bedding and replace any used towels. If your guests are staying overnight, making the room look inviting can help them feel more comfortable.
- Declutter the closet: Make space in the closet or drawers so that your guests have a place to hang up their things or store extra clothing.
By ensuring your guest room is ready for visitors, you’ll make your guests feel comfortable and cared for when they arrive.
7. Seasonal Decorations
Decorating your home for the season is fun, you don’t want to overcrowd your home with excessive seasonal decor.
Keep things simple, focusing on accents that make your home feel warm and inviting without overwhelming the space.
How to declutter your seasonal decorations:
- Keep it simple: Opt for a few key pieces like a fall wreath, a decorative bowl of pumpkins, or a cozy table setting. Less is often more when it comes to seasonal décor.
- Remove excess: If you have too many autumn-themed decorations, clear out some of the items that aren’t adding value to the space.
- Consider natural elements: Fall is a great time to use items you find in nature. A bonus is they’re free and you don’t have to store them after that season’s over.
By keeping your seasonal décor simple and purposeful, you’ll ensure that your home feels festive but not cluttered.
Final Thoughts on Areas to Declutter Before Thanksgiving for a More Relaxing Day
Decluttering before Thanksgiving isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about creating a home that is relaxed, welcoming, and prepared for the celebrations ahead.
By focusing on the key areas which include: the dining table, kitchen counters, entryway, living room, bathroom, and guest spaces, you’ll create an environment where you can fully embrace the holiday and spend quality time with loved ones.
Bonus tip: Prepare what food you can in advance so that you can relax more on Thanksgiving!
Take a deep breath, clear away the clutter, and set the stage for a holiday full of gratitude, warmth, and simplicity. Your home, your family, and your future self will thank you for it.
What areas do you plan to declutter before Thanksgiving? Let us know in the comments section below.
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