The holidays are right around the corner (hello, Thanksgiving!), and for many families that means one thing: guests. Whether it’s a last-minute weekend stay from out-of-town relatives, the annual neighbor drop-by, or the chaos of kids bringing cousins home — a tidy, welcoming space makes everything feel easier. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune or take a whole week off to get your home guest-ready. With some thrifty systems, a focused plan, and a few smart products, you can declutter fast and keep what matters.
This guide breaks decluttering down into simple choices — toss, donate, or sell — and gives practical, budget-friendly steps that work for busy families. Think bite-sized wins, not perfection. Let’s dive in.
Why declutter now? The payoff is bigger than just looks
Decluttering before the holidays does more than make your home look nicer:
- Less stress: A cleaner, less-crowded house reduces overwhelm during gatherings.
- Better flow for guests: You’ll have space for coats, gifts, and extra seating.
- Extra cash or tax deductions: Sell items for holiday spending or donate for a charitable deduction.
- Fewer distractions: You can actually enjoy your guests instead of worrying about mess.
You don’t have to do everything. The trick is focusing on the spaces guests will see and the places your family uses most: entryway, living room, guest room, bathrooms, and kitchen.
Quick rules to decide: Toss, Donate, or Sell
Start with these simple, consistent rules so decisions don’t stall you:
- Toss: Broken, stained, expired, or unsafe items. If repair costs more than the item’s value, toss it.
- Donate: Good-condition items you haven’t used in 6–12 months, or things that will quickly find a new home (coats, quality toys, small appliances).
- Sell: Higher-value items in good shape (brand-name clothes, electronics, furniture). If an item’s resale value is worth the effort, list it. If not, donate.
Use a timer: set 30–60 minute sessions per room. Making decisions quickly is the point — you’ll have momentum and avoid “maybe” piles.
The 5-step holiday prep decluttering plan
This is a step-by-step routine you can follow in one afternoon or stretch over a weekend.
Step 1 — Prep (15 minutes)
- Gather three labeled boxes/bags: Toss, Donate, Sell.
- Bring cleaning supplies, a tape measure (for resale listings), your phone (for photos), and sticky notes.
- Put on a playlist and set a 30–45 minute timer for the first room.
Step 2 — Attack the visible zones first (30–45 minutes per zone)
Start with rooms guests will use: entryway, living room, guest room, and bathrooms. Do a fast surface sweep: pick up toys, mail, shoes, and coats. If it’s been a while, clear the coffee table, fireplace mantel, and kitchen counters.
Step 3 — Make three-choice decisions (timer: 5–10 minutes per pile)
Work in 10-minute bursts on categories (books, clothes, kitchen gadgets). Use the Toss/Donate/Sell rules above. If you’re stuck, ask: “Will this help my life in the next 12 months?” If no, out it goes.
Step 4 — Handle “sell” items efficiently
Take photos, measure or note brand details, and post to resale apps (Poshmark, Mercari) or local buy/sell groups. Price slightly higher than minimum so you have room to negotiate.
Step 5 — Final tidy & staging (15–30 minutes)
Put donated items in your car or a marked box ready to drop off. Take out trash/recycling. Put simple cozy touches in guest areas: a clear basket with towels, a small tray for chargers, and a little seasonal decoration.
Room-by-room checklist
Entryway
- Toss: broken umbrella, single mismatched shoes beyond repair.
- Donate: coats you haven’t worn this season.
- Sell: high-quality boots in good condition.
- Tip: Use a small rolling basket or tray for footballs, lost-and-found toys, and reusable grocery bags so guests don’t trip over them.
Living Room
- Toss: stained throw pillows, broken remote batteries.
- Donate: books you won’t reread, outgrown board games with missing pieces.
- Sell: working, newer gaming consoles or collectible books.
- Tip: Put away piles of paper into a single basket labeled “to sort later” — it looks tidy and buys you time.
Guest Room / Bedroom
- Toss: threadbare sheets or stained mattress protectors.
- Donate: extra blankets you don’t use that are in good condition.
- Sell: dressers or nightstands you’re replacing.
- Tip: Make the bed with neutral layers and leave a simple guest basket with a small soap, a travel-size lotion, and a note.
Kitchen & Dining
- Toss: expired spices, cracked Tupperware.
- Donate: extra sets of plates or mismatched serving pieces you never use.
- Sell: specialty gadgets you used once and never again (e.g., ice cream maker).
- Tip: Clear 1–2 counter zones for guest prep — a tidy coffee and serving station makes a great impression.
Bathrooms
- Toss: expired medications, old makeup, cracked toothbrushes.
- Donate: unopened full-size toiletries (check local shelter rules).
- Tip: Keep a dedicated organizer for guest towels and a small basket for extras like toothbrushes and feminine products.
Practical examples: real-life scenarios
Example 1 — The rushed weekend prep (2 hours)
- Set timer for entryway (20 min): collect shoes, hang coats, clear mat.
- Living room blitz (30 min): box toys, fold throws, stack magazines for recycling.
- Kitchen sweep (30 min): clear counters, stash small appliances in cabinets.
- Quick bathroom touch (10 min): tidy counters, fresh hand towels.
Result: house looks guest-ready in two hours.
Example 2 — The selling-focused approach (3–4 hours)
- Identify 4–5 high-value items (a vintage lamp, kids’ bike).
- Photograph, measure, and list them on resale apps with fair pricing.
- Box the rest for donation and schedule a pickup or plan a drop-off.
Result: extra cash for holiday treats plus less clutter.
Storage & organization strategies that actually save money
The goal is not to buy everything — it’s to buy smart. A few well-chosen storage pieces let you keep sentimental items without the mess.
- Prioritize visibility: clear storage bins show what’s inside, so you don’t repurchase.
- Label like a boss: labels save time searching and keep families on track.
- Under-bed equals gold: seasonal items tucked under beds free up closet space.
- Rotate seasonal goods: store out-of-season items in vacuum bags or high shelves.
1. Clear Stackable Storage Bins
If you’re ready to tackle closets, toy rooms, or seasonal décor, these ClearView Stackable Storage Bins are game changers. They’re clear, so you can see exactly what’s inside without opening every lid, and they stack neatly to save precious space.
2. Vacuum-Seal Space Bags
Bulky sweaters and blankets taking over your shelves? These SpaceSaver Vacuum Storage Bags can shrink piles down to a fraction of their size — perfect for storing out-of-season bedding or guest linens. They’re airtight, waterproof, and ideal for families with limited closet space.
3. Adjustable Metal Shelving Unit
If your garage, basement, or laundry area needs serious help before the holidays, an Adjustable Metal Shelving Unit is your best friend. These shelves are sturdy enough for bins, sports gear, or bulk pantry items — and they’re far cheaper than installing built-ins.
🛏️ 4. Under-Bed Rolling Storage Drawers
Out of closet space? Slide an Under-Bed Rolling Storage Drawer right under your bed for a hidden organization zone. It’s perfect for kids’ outgrown clothes, shoes, or extra bedding. The rolling design makes it easy to access — no more digging in bins.
5. Heavy-Duty Reusable Storage Bags
Make your donation drop-offs effortless with Heavy-Duty Reusable Storage Bags. They’re stronger than cardboard boxes, reusable for future cleanouts, and fold flat when not in use. I love using one per family member to simplify sorting.
6. Label Maker
Once you’ve decluttered, labeling is the secret to keeping your home organized. The Brother P-touch Label Maker makes it quick and easy to create neat, durable labels for storage bins, toy boxes, and pantry jars.
7. Resale Apps & Services
Don’t let those sellable items sit in a corner! With Poshmark or Mercari, you can quickly turn extra clothes, home goods, and kids’ items into holiday spending money. The apps are easy to use — just snap a few photos and list in minutes.
How to price for sale and list smarter
- Be honest but competitive: Research similar items on resale apps. Price slightly higher to allow negotiation.
- Include clear photos: Natural light, plain background, and shots from multiple angles help items sell fast.
- Be transparent about flaws: A small tear or scratch? Show it in the picture — buyers appreciate honesty and it prevents returns.
- Bundle small items: Group small toys, books, or kitchen gadgets into themed bundles for easier sales.
Donation etiquette and where to go
- Check local charity rules: Some shelters accept only certain items (no used underwear, for example). A quick call saves time.
- Tax receipts: Many charities give receipts for donations — keep a list and photos for tax season.
- Drop-off vs. pickup: Big donations may qualify for free pickups from organizations like Goodwill or local churches. If you have a car, a quick drop-off can be the fastest route.
Keep family buy-in: make decluttering a team habit
Getting everyone on board makes decluttering sustainable:
- Create a donation corner in the garage where family members can drop items.
- Use small rewards (hot chocolate night or extra game time) for kids who donate toys.
- Schedule a family “swap” for clothes once a season — kids trade items they’ve outgrown.
- Use one-in, one-out rule for new toys or clothes to avoid pile-up.
Quick fixes for a warm, guest-ready home
- Fresh-smelling but not overpowering scents — a simmer pot (citrus + cinnamon) or a subtle candle.
- A simple “welcome” basket with towels, bottled water, and a charger cable.
- Clear spaces for coats and gifts: a folding table or bin near the door makes arrival smooth.
- Soft lighting and a cozy throw — small touches go a long way.
Common decluttering mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Mistake: Trying to declutter every room at once.
Fix: Prioritize guest-facing spaces and do 30-45 minute sessions. - Mistake: Holding onto “maybe” items.
Fix: If you can’t think of a use in 12 months, move it out. - Mistake: Forgetting to act on donation and sell piles.
Fix: Schedule a drop-off or list sell items the day you declutter — momentum matters.
A simple 2-hour holiday readiness schedule
If you only have two hours, follow this plan:
0:00–0:15 — Gather baskets and supplies; set timers.
0:15–0:45 — Entryway and living room blitz.
0:45–1:15 — Kitchen clear and stage coffee station.
1:15–1:35 — Guest bath tidy and fresh towels.
1:35–2:00 — Load donation bags in car, take out trash, and add cozy staging touches.
You’ll be amazed at how calm your home feels with focused effort.
Final pep talk: small steps add up
You don’t have to be perfect. The goal is to create space that helps your family relax and enjoy the holidays. Small, consistent decluttering sessions prevent the last-minute panic and let you actually be present with guests. Think of this as holiday prep that gives you back your time and peace.
If you take one thing from this post, let it be this: pick one room, set a 30-minute timer, and make the three piles. You’ll finish more than you expect — and you’ll be ready to welcome the season with less stuff and more joy.
Happy decluttering — and happy holidays from The Thrifty Nest. You’ve got this.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you decide to make a purchase through one of these links. Thanks for your support!
