Before the holidays get busy, take a little time to get your home ready for the people, meals, packages, and traditions ahead.
Boston, MA (PRUnderground) October 7th, 2026
The holidays are supposed to be fun, but the lead-up can feel like a lot. You do not need to have every room spotless or every tradition planned by October. A little preparation in the right places can make the season feel much easier, especially when life is already busy.
Here are ten things we suggest getting ready before the holiday rush arrives.
Your Front Door Area
The entryway gets crowded fast this time of year. Coats, boots, school bags, packages, and guest shoes can pile up before you know it. Clear out the summer items, move anything that does not belong there, and make room for what the season brings. A bench, basket, or a few hooks can go a long way.The Kitchen Counter
Holiday baking, family dinners, and school paperwork all seem to land in the kitchen. Before things get busy, clear off the counters and take a look through the pantry. Toss expired items, make room for baking supplies, and pull out the serving pieces you know you will use. Nothing is worse than hunting for the good platter while something is burning in the oven.Guest Towels And Bathroom Basics
You do not need a hotel-style bathroom, but it is nice to have a few clean towels ready, extra toilet paper nearby, and a counter that is not covered in half-used products. Guests appreciate a little room to set down a toiletry bag or brush their teeth without moving six bottles.Holiday Decorations You Truly Like
This is a great time to look through your holiday bins before dragging every single one upstairs. Keep the pieces that still make you happy. Let go of broken lights, tired garland, and decorations that have not come out in years. You do not need to use every ornament or every bin just because you own it.A Place For Deliveries
The package pile is real. If boxes are already landing on the dining room table, pick one spot for deliveries, returns, and gifts. It can be a corner of the mudroom, a shelf in a closet, or even a large basket. The goal is to keep cardboard from slowly taking over the house.Your Guest Room Or Guest Space
If family or friends are staying with you, take care of the guest space early. Clear a nightstand, make room in a closet, wash the sheets, and check that there is a phone charger or outlet nearby. It does not have to be fancy. It only needs to feel comfortable and welcoming.Gift Wrapping Supplies
Most people have wrapping paper somewhere, but the question is where. Gather tape, scissors, tags, bows, and paper in one bin or basket before the last-minute rush begins. It makes wrapping easier, and it keeps those supplies from spreading across the kitchen table for three weeks.Winter Gear
If you live in New England, you know the drill. Coats, hats, mittens, boots, and wet shoes can make a small entryway feel like a locker room. Rotate summer gear out, check that everyone has what they need, and give wet items a place to dry. It makes cold mornings much less hectic.The Calendar
Look at the next few weeks before they sneak up on you. School concerts, dinners, travel, hosting, work events, shopping, and family traditions add up fast. Seeing it all in one place can help you decide what matters most and where you can give yourself a little breathing room.The After-Holiday Plan
This one gets forgotten every year. Before you decorate, think about how you will put it all away. Keep the bins easy to reach, save the packaging for delicate pieces, and label things by room or category as you pack. January will still be January, but it does not have to start with a basement full of mystery boxes.
The holidays do not need to be perfect to feel meaningful. A home can be a little messy, a little loud, and still feel warm and special. Getting organized ahead of time simply gives you more room to enjoy it.
Let The Holidays Feel Lighter
If holiday decorating, hosting, or putting everything away feels like too much to manage alone, An Organized Life is here. We can help you prepare your home, set up your favorite decorations, and create a storage plan that makes next year easier.
