Want to simplify your home before the holidays? This 10-day Christmas Declutter Challenge makes it easy to simplify and streamline key areas of your home in just 15-20 minutes each day. Get the details and your free challenge printable below!
Create space for new gifts, your favorite decorations, and holiday gatherings with this fun holiday declutter challenge. By the end, your home will feel calmer, and you’ll be ready to welcome the season with less stress.
Declutter for Christmas Challenge Details
Keep each task 20 minutes or less. We’re going for progress, not perfection! Squeeze in what you can each day, and by the end, your home will feel calmer, your mind clearer, and you’ll be ready to embrace the holidays with more ease and joy.
For those of you who love the satisfaction of checking things off, I’ve put together a handy printable to keep you on track. Just drop your name and email below, and I’ll get it right to you!
Day 1: Walk your house with a donation box
Kick things off with an easy win—a quick power purge!
Grab an empty box (with Christmas coming, you probably have a few handy).
Take a lap around your home and fill the box with anything you no longer need, use, or love—think magazines, books you’ve read, unused gadgets, holey socks, or even that ugly lamp you don’t like.
Sort: Separate trash and recyclables from items to donate.
Stash the box of donations somewhere accessible so you can easily add to it over the coming days.
Day 2: Declutter wrapping paper and supplies
Let’s get your gift-wrapping station ready today!
Sort through your wrapping supplies: Paper, ribbons, bags, and bows. Toss crumpled wrappings and scraps that are too small to use.
Organize the small stuff: Store tiny bows and gift tags in zip-top bags or small containers.
Take inventory: Make a list of any items you need for Christmas gift wrapping, like tape or scissors.
Neatly organize everything so it’s easy to find when it’s time to wrap gifts. A tidy station makes the process faster—and way more enjoyable!
Day 3: Declutter Christmas decorations
Most of us have way too many Christmas decorations. Today is about sorting through them and taming the clutter so your favorites can shine.
Pull out all your Christmas decorations and separate the ones you love most—the pieces that bring you joy and make your home feel festive.
Toss broken items that can’t be repaired and donate decorations you no longer use or love. Tip: Decorations that have stayed in the box the last couple of Christmases can probably go!
Set a limit on how many boxes of decorations you keep. This boundary will keep you from acquiring more and ensures you only keep the ones you love (and display) most.
Day 4: Put away everyday decor
Simplifying your living spaces will make them feel more festive and less cluttered when you put out your Christmas decor.
Make room for the tree. If you can rearrange a bit, try relocating a chair or side table to another room to create the perfect spot for your Christmas tree.
Spend a few minutes putting away your everyday decor to create space for your favorite Christmas decorations. Swap out items like throw blankets, candles, pillows, or picture frames for holiday-themed versions that bring in cozy, festive vibes.
Store everyday decor in a designated spot so it’s easy to bring back once the holidays are over.
Day 5: Declutter toys
With new toys likely to appear under the tree this year, now’s the perfect time to make space by decluttering the ones your kids have outgrown.
Set a timer for 20 minutes or a goal of 10 toys to keep the task quick and focused.
Go through the toys and pull out anything that’s broken, underused, or no longer age-appropriate.
Sort as you go: Toss broken or damaged toys and set aside any in good condition for donation to a local charity or shelter.
Involve your kids (if possible) to teach them about giving to others and keeping their space manageable.
Day 6: Glow up your guest room
A tidy, cozy guest room will make everyone feel more at home. Let’s make sure your space is welcoming and ready for holiday visitors.
Clear out drawers or closets where guests can store their clothes and tuck away toiletries.
Clear off flat surfaces like nightstands and dressers to make room for their personal items.
Put out fresh towels, a candle, and a few hotel-style toiletries (think mini soap, shampoo, and lotion) for a warm, inviting touch.
Write out your Wi-Fi details on a cute note card and leave it visible to guests.
Day 7: Simplify your Christmas kitchenware
Get your kitchen ready for holiday cooking, baking, and entertaining with a quick declutter.
Pull out holiday-specific items like serving dishes, festive dinnerware, and cookie cutters. Dust off what you’ll be using and declutter anything you won’t.
Check your cookware to ensure you have everything you’ll need—like a roasting pan, baking sheets, and mixing bowls.
Toss or donate anything that’s damaged or hasn’t been used in a while.
Organize what’s left and make space in your cabinets for the go-to items you’ll rely on in the coming weeks.
Day 8: Clear your kitchen counters
Make room for all the cooking, crafting, and entertaining you’ll be doing this holiday season.
Put away small appliances you don’t use every day.
Sort through mail and paper piles and return stray items to their proper places.
Relocate decorative items like candles and vases to free up extra space and reduce visual clutter.
Wipe down surfaces for a fresh, tidy touch, and maybe swap your dish rack for a festive dish towel!
Bonus: If you finish early, clear off your dining table too!
Day 9: Quick pantry, fridge, and freezer-purge
A mini kitchen clean-out will make room for holiday treats and help you save money on groceries in the next few weeks!
Toss expired food items from your pantry, fridge, and freezer.
Plan meals around what you already have and can use up before the holidays.
Day 10: Tidy your entryway
Create a warm and inviting entrance for holiday guests (and your family, too!).
Remove excess shoes, bags, and jackets that have piled up.
Add baskets or hooks to organize winter accessories and keep them where they belong (not on the floor or kitchen counter!).
Shake out your floor mat and the floor a quick vacuum for a neat and inviting entryway.
Bonus Challenge: Fill your empty boxes
Every time a package arrives over the coming weeks put it to good use by filling it with things you no longer need, use, or love. Make this a regular habit throughout the year, and decluttering will become a more manageable, ongoing routine.
With these small daily tasks, your home will feel lighter, more organized, and ready for the Christmas season in no time. Don’t forget to download the printable checklist to track your progress! Let’s declutter for Christmas and create a holiday you can truly enjoy.
More posts & challenges you might like
If you enjoyed this challenge, be sure to bookmark these for after the holidays!
- Perfect for the new year, my 30-Day Minimalism Challenge provides you with 30 simple tasks that will help you simplify your home, schedule, and mental load.
- This 30-Day Declutter Challenge has 30 simple decluttering assignments you can do in 20 minutes or less.
- My 5-Day Toy Declutter Challenge will help you tackle 1-2 different categories of toys each day.
- Hunting for the perfect gift? Check out these 75 minimalist gift ideas and 50+ experience gift ideas for kids.
