A Checklist for Downsizing Before the Holidays: What to Keep, Store, or Donate

As the year winds down and the holiday season approaches, many people begin to think about simplifying their lives. If you’re planning a move—or even just trying to make room for gatherings and seasonal décor—downsizing is one of the most effective ways to create a fresh start.

The process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right checklist, you can decide what to keep, what to store, and what to donate before the holidays arrive. Whether you’re preparing for a relocation with Alliance Relocation Services or just clearing space for guests and festivities, here’s a step-by-step guide to decluttering with purpose.

Why Downsizing Before the Holidays Makes Sense

The holiday season is full of joy, but it can also feel crowded and chaotic. Downsizing before December offers several benefits:

• More room for holiday decorations and gatherings. A clutter-free home feels open and festive.

• Lower stress if you’re moving. Fewer belongings mean fewer boxes to pack, transport, and unpack.

• A chance to give back. Donating items you no longer need helps others during the season of giving.

• A fresh start for the new year. Simplifying now sets the tone for more organized living ahead.

Step 1: Start With a Plan

Jumping into downsizing without a roadmap can leave you frustrated. Begin by making a simple plan:

• Set a timeline (for example, one room per week).

• Gather supplies—boxes for donations, bags for trash, and labels for items to store.

• Decide on your categories: keep, store, donate, recycle, discard.

Breaking the project into manageable steps makes the process easier to stick with.

Step 2: Sort Seasonal Items

Fall is the perfect time to go through seasonal belongings like coats, boots, and holiday décor. Ask yourself:

• Do I wear this winter jacket or does it sit in the closet year after year?

• Are there holiday decorations I never put up anymore?

• Does this décor still match my style?

Keep only the pieces you truly love and use. Donate gently worn clothing and extra décor to local charities. If you want to save items for future use but don’t need them now, consider professional storage options. Alliance Relocation Services offers solutions that keep your seasonal items safe until you’re ready for them.

Step 3: Tackle Clothing and Accessories

Clothing closets are often the biggest source of clutter. Use the one-year rule: if you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s probably time to let it go. Separate your clothing into piles:

• Keep: Daily wear, work essentials, and favorites that fit well.

• Store: Specialty items you’ll need later, like formalwear or off-season clothes.

• Donate: Gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Donating clothing before the holidays is especially meaningful, as shelters and charities see an increased need during the colder months.

Step 4: Streamline Kitchen and Dining Items

If you’re hosting this year, you’ll want a functional, uncluttered kitchen. Go through:

• Small appliances: Keep what you use often (like a coffee maker), store specialty items (such as a fondue pot), and donate duplicates.

• Cookware and utensils: If you have more spatulas than you’ll ever use, it’s time to pare down.

• Holiday dishes: Keep family heirlooms and sentimental pieces. Donate extras you never pull out of the cabinet.

Simplifying your kitchen makes cooking and entertaining less stressful.

Step 5: Organize Furniture and Large Items

Furniture takes up the most space when moving. Downsizing means carefully deciding what truly belongs in your home. Ask yourself:

• Does this piece fit my lifestyle and my new home’s floor plan?

• Is it in good condition, or would replacing it make sense?

• Could it serve someone else better than it serves me?

Keep only what fits your new space and style. Store heirloom furniture you’re not ready to part with, and donate pieces in good shape to local nonprofits or furniture banks.

Step 6: Sort Through Décor and Keepsakes

Personal belongings and décor can be the hardest to downsize. While sentimental items deserve care, remember that less is often more when it comes to creating a warm, inviting space.

• Keep the treasures you cherish most.

• Store items with emotional value that you don’t display year-round.

• Donate décor and knickknacks that don’t have personal meaning.

This approach ensures your home feels uncluttered but still reflects your personality.

Step 7: Evaluate Electronics and Gadgets

Many households accumulate outdated or duplicate electronics. Before your move or holiday gatherings:

• Recycle broken or obsolete items responsibly.

• Keep current devices you actually use.

• Donate gently used electronics through certified programs.

This step reduces clutter and makes setup in your new space much simpler.

Step 8: Pack and Label Smartly

Once you’ve sorted everything, pack up the items you’ll store. Use sturdy containers and label them clearly by category (e.g., “Holiday Décor – Store” or “Winter Clothes – Donate”).

If you’re moving, this makes unpacking easier and ensures that your belongings arrive organized. Alliance Relocation Services offers professional packing and crating solutions to streamline this process and protect your items.

Step 9: Schedule Pickups or Drop-Offs

Don’t let donation boxes sit in the corner for weeks. Schedule a pickup with a charity or take items directly to a donation center. Knowing your belongings will help others makes the process even more rewarding.

Step 10: Enjoy the Benefits

Once you’ve completed your downsizing checklist, take a moment to enjoy the results. Your home will feel lighter, more organized, and more welcoming—perfect for celebrating the holidays and preparing for a new chapter.

Final Thoughts

Downsizing before the holidays isn’t just about decluttering—it’s about creating space for what matters most. Whether you’re moving with Alliance Relocation Services or simply making your home holiday-ready, following this checklist helps you decide what to keep, store, or donate with confidence.

The reward is a home that feels spacious, organized, and festive, ready to welcome family, friends, and all the joy the holiday season brings.