Declutter, Store Store & Make Space for Christmas & New Year
The holidays are upon us—and that means family dinners, guests, decorations, and (sometimes) tons of extra stuff. Whether you're prepping for Christmas or New Year's Eve, now is a fantastic time to declutter, free up space, and get organised ahead of time. Here's how to make your home feel refreshed and ready—and how you can use storage units near me plus local junk-hauling help to simplify it all.
Step 1: Declutter & Sort
Begin by walking through each room and deciding what stays, what goes to storage and what is junk/donate.
Use three categories: Keep / Store / Remove. This is recommended by junk-removal professionals.
For items you'll keep but might not need during the holidays (e.g., summer gear, extra décor, seldom-used furniture) consider moving them into storage near me so your house feels open for entertaining.
Items that are broken, unused, outdated or simply not needed anymore go into the "remove" pile.
Donate anything still in good condition—gives you space and supports local charities.
Step 2: Choose What Goes into Storage
Once you've chosen what to "Store," pick a nearby facility and pick the right size unit. For instance, items like extra furniture, holiday décor, off-season clothes or business inventory can go into a drive-up unit (great for easy access). At Storelocal Mini Storage, conveniently located at 8150 Tamarind Ave in Fontana, you'll find secure storage space near me options perfect for seasonal rotation.
While you pack, group items (holiday decorations, guest linens, extra chairs, etc.) so when you pull them out you can find them quickly.
Label boxes clearly and keep an inventory list (digital or paper). You'll thank yourself later when retrieving items.
For local Fontana residents: choose a storage facility that's accessible, safe and convenient—so you're more likely to use it effectively. Storelocal Mini Storage offers storage places near me that are just minutes away from popular apartment communities throughout Fontana and the Inland Empire.
Step 3: Dispose of Junk & Unwanted Items
For the "Remove" pile, many items are bulky (old furniture, mattresses, appliances, tons of boxes) or may require special handling. This is where a junk-hauler comes in handy.
Professional junk removal services handle haul-away, disposal, recycling/donation of items you no longer need.
It's often safer and more efficient than scheduling multiple pickup runs yourself.
Step 4: Deep Clean & Prepare for Guests
With clutter cleared and non-essentials stored or removed, you'll have more space to deep clean.
Set aside time to vacuum, wipe surfaces, air out rooms, and prep guest-spaces (guest beds, extra blankets, towels).
Arrange furniture to provide flow and comfort for gatherings. Use your freed-up space for hosting rather than storing.
Put up décor and holiday touches now—so you're ready for the big events without scrambling.
Step 5: Maintenance Plan Through the Holidays
Once things are in place, keep an eye on new clutter: gifts, packaging, extra linens, decorations.
Plan a quick "five-minute tidy" each morning during busy weeks.
After each holiday event (Christmas, New Year’s party, etc.), spend an hour putting away décor, returning supplies to storage, removing trash/donations, so your home doesn't get overwhelmed going into the next season.
Post-New Year's: Review what you stored, what you can clear out, what you'll release for the next year.
Storage Solutions for Fontana Apartment Residents
Living in an apartment in Fontana or surrounding areas means maximizing every square foot, especially during the holidays. If you're a resident at Cottonwood Apartments at 8150 Cottonwood Ave, Aventerra Apartments on Sierra Avenue, or any of the nearby communities along Tamarind Avenue, having storage rental near me at Storelocal Mini Storage makes holiday preparation stress-free.
The facility's convenient Tamarind Avenue location in the heart of Fontana means easy access whether you need to grab decorations for your holiday party or rotate seasonal items. Situated near the San Gabriel Mountains with convenient access to I-10 and I-15, many apartment dwellers discover that storage rooms near me become essential for maintaining an organized, spacious living environment year-round.
For those searching uhaul near me options, moving your items to storage is simple and convenient with rental truck services available throughout the Fontana area, including locations along Arrow Boulevard and nearby streets.
Local Junk Hauling Services Around Fontana
Here are a few trusted companies you can call when you're ready to haul away the "remove" pile.
1. Innovative Junk Hauling & Demolition
They offer reliable junk removal backed by years of industry experience. They provide eco-conscious disposal with same-day pickups, weekend appointments, and 24/7 emergency services. As a family-run business focused on responsible waste practices, they remove everything from old furniture to construction debris with friendly, professional service and fair pricing.
2. Junk Dawgs
Waste management service
Locally-owned and operated in nearby Redlands, Junk Dawgs offers 7-day-a-week service with early morning and evening hours from 7am-7pm. Same-day appointments available with polite, friendly service at fair prices. Full-service approach means no heavy lifting required from you. Call (909) 365-5950.
Ideal for quick turnarounds and flexible scheduling to fit your busy holiday prep timeline.
3. 951 Junk Removal
Debris removal service
Professional junk removal serving the entire Inland Empire with eco-friendly disposal, recycling, and donation options. They handle everything from appliances to yard waste with reliable service and affordable rates. Request free estimates by phone at (951) 366-8199, by text, or online.
Perfect choice if you prefer comprehensive eco-conscious disposal that keeps the Fontana community clean.
Guide: How to Hire a Junk Hauler (and Sync with Storage Move)
Here's a simple step-by-step for hiring a hauler and coordinating your storage move for a smooth holiday-ready home.
Define the Scope
Make a list (or take photos) of what you want removed: old furniture, broken appliances, boxes, yard waste. Also list what you want to keep and will move into storage lockers near me. This helps the hauler give a proper estimate and ensures the storage unit is sized appropriately.
Get Quotes & Compare
Contact 2-3 local haulers and ask: "What items are included? Are there extra fees for heavy items or disposal?" Ask for a written estimate, clear pricing (volume or truck-load basis) and what happens to the items (recycled? donated? landfill?). Confirm scheduling, truck access, parking, time frame.
Coordinate with Your Storage Facility
Select a storage unit at Storelocal Mini Storage (size, type—drive-up vs regular aisle). Reserve it so you can move items in on the same day (or next day) after the hauler removes the junk. This gives you momentum—haul → move → clean.
Prepare Your Home for the Day
On removal day: clear pathways, make sure items to be hauled are grouped and accessible. For the storage move: pack items neatly, label boxes, load logically (items you'll need sooner are easier to access). Ensure pets/children are safe and out of the way of movers or haulers.
Review Disposal Practices
Ask the hauler what happens to the items: "Do you recycle/donate salvageable items? Do you dispose of heavy/hazardous items separately?" Verify they are insured and licensed (especially for big items). After the job, you'll often receive a receipt/invoice and may get a small donation receipt if usable items were donated.
Final Walk-through & Clean-up
Once the junk is gone and your storage items are moved out, take a look around: sweep or vacuum the emptied area, wipe down surfaces. Rearrange furniture and décor to reflect your refreshed space.
Why This Pays Off for the Holidays
You'll have more open space for guests, holiday décor, dining, and entertaining.
Less stress and chaos: you won't be scrambling with clutter when it's time to celebrate.
You'll feel more mentally clear and relaxed living in a fresh, organised space (studies show clutter adds stress!).
You'll be ready for the new year with momentum: clean, organised, and ready for what's next.
With Storelocal Mini Storage on Tamarind Avenue just minutes away from major Fontana apartment communities and accessible near I-10, I-15, and the 210 freeways, you have the perfect storage solution for a clutter-free, holiday-ready home. Set against the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains, Fontana offers easy access to both storage and entertainment at Falcon Ridge Town Center. Visit Storelocal Mini Storage today to reserve your unit and start enjoying a more spacious, organized home this holiday season.
