Organize Your Holiday Decor in 4 Easy Steps

Written By Julie Royston

A Simple Way to Make Next Year Easier

The holidays feel magical — until it’s time to pack everything away. Decorations come down quickly, but organizing them in a way that actually works for next year often falls to the bottom of the to-do list.

This time, you can make the process simple. Follow this four-step guide to organize your holiday décor so you start the new year feeling lighter — and make decorating next season much easier.

1. Gather Your Supplies

You’ll stay focused and finish faster when you have what you need before you begin.

Here’s what to grab:

  • A few empty boxes

  • Sticky notes or a small notepad

  • A permanent marker

  • Containers you already own (don’t buy anything new yet)

  • A label maker, if you have one

Once everything is nearby, you’re ready to start.

2. Declutter as You Go

Decluttering doesn’t mean getting rid of everything. It simply means being intentional.

As you take down your holiday decorations, ask yourself:

  • Do I love this enough to store it for a full year?

  • Is it still in good shape?

  • Does it actually bring joy or serve a purpose?

If the answer is no, set up a clearly marked DONATE box and add items as you work.
Broken items can go straight into a TRASH box.

This step alone will make next year’s decorating feel calmer and easier.

3. Sort Your Decorations

Once you’ve decided what you’re keeping, it’s time to sort.

Use boxes or piles to divide everything into categories:
KEEP, DONATE, and TRASH.

For the items you’re keeping, choose the sorting method that fits your home best:

Sort by Location

Group decorations based on where they belong — living room, dining room, kitchen, porch, tree décor, etc.

This approach makes next year’s setup incredibly quick because each box is tied to a specific space.

Sort by Category

Prefer a more visual system?
Group items like this instead:

  • Lights

  • Greenery

  • Ornaments

  • Wrapping supplies

  • Linens

  • Holiday dishes

  • Outdoor décor

If you choose this method, add a quick label noting where the items go so you’re not guessing next year.

4. Store with Intention

Here’s the golden rule:

Fit your container to your items — not your items to the container.

The most common mistake I see is buying storage first and trying to force everything to fit. Start by sorting your décor, and then choose containers based on what you actually need.

A few tips:

  • Shop your home first.
     Look for bins, totes, baskets, or boxes you already own.

  • Clear containers make finding things easier.
    If you prefer cardboard, label the top and at least one side clearly.

  • Label everything.
     Even the most organized system falls apart without labels.

  • Store all décor together when possible.
     Keep your holiday boxes in a single, designated area so everything is easy to find next year.

Final Thoughts

Putting holiday decorations away isn’t just a chore — it’s a chance to reset your space and start the new year feeling organized and grounded.

Give yourself time, involve your family if that feels helpful, and make it a low-stress process. The payoff is a calmer, more enjoyable holiday season next year.

Need Support?

If you’re overwhelmed just thinking about it, you don’t have to tackle it alone.
I offer holiday decluttering and organizing services — and yes, I can take care of the entire process for you.
Start with a free, no-pressure discovery call and let’s talk.

Until next time,

Julie
Peaceful Priorities Organizing

Serving the Capital Region of Upstate New York
 If you're ready to get organized in the Capital Region, we’d love to help. Whether it’s a single space or a full-home overhaul, we’re here to make the process simple, supportive, and even a little fun.

We proudly serve clients in and around:
• Albany
• Clifton Park
• Ballston Spa
• Malta
• Latham
• Saratoga Springs
• Schenectady

Julie Royston
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