Get Your Home Holiday-Ready: Declutter, 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 you and local junk-hauling to help 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consider moving them into storage near me so your house feels open for entertaining.Items that are broken, unused, outdated or simply not needed anymore go into the "remove" pile.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 Storage Lake Forest, conveniently located at 22535 Aspan Street in Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest residents: choose a storage facility that's accessible, safe and convenient—so you're more likely to use it effectively. Storelocal Storage offers storage places near you that are just minutes away from popular apartment communities throughout Lake Forest and Orange County.
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 party, New Year’s, 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 Lake Forest Apartment Residents
Living in an apartment in Lake Forest or surrounding areas means maximizing every square foot, especially during the holidays. If you're a resident at eaves Lake Forest near Aspan Plaza, Spring Lakes Apartment Homes on Jeronimo Road, or other nearby communities, having storage rental near me at Storelocal Storage makes holiday preparation stress-free.
The facility's convenient Aspan Street location means easy access whether you need to grab decorations for your holiday party or rotate seasonal items. 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 Lake Forest area, including nearby locations on Front Street.
Local Junk Hauling Services Around Lake Forest
Here are a few trusted companies you can call when you're ready to haul away the "remove" pile.
1. 1. Innovative Junk Hauling & Demolition
Junk removal service
Professional, eco-friendly junk hauling with transparent pricing based on truck space. They prioritize recycling and donation, handle everything from furniture to construction debris, and offer free quotes. They also offer same-day services. Great option for both residential and commercial clients looking for comprehensive junk removal services.
2. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Orange County North
Waste management service
Full-service junk removal with next-day availability. They price based on volume with discounted options for single items like mattresses and appliances. The team calls 15-30 minutes before arrival and handles all the heavy lifting.
Ideal for quick turnarounds and convenient scheduling when you need your space back fast.
3. Platinum Bucket Hauling & Junk Removal
Debris removal service
Local, family-owned business specializing in appliance removal, furniture disposal, garage cleanouts, and yard waste. They handle all the heavy lifting and prioritize recycling and donations to local Orange County charities.Perfect choice if you prefer working with a small, locally-focused company that provides personalized service.
Guide: How to Hire a Junk Hauler
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 Storage Lake Forest (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 Storage Lake Forest on Aspan Street just minutes away from major Lake Forest apartment communities and accessible near the 405 and I-5 freeways, you have the perfect storage solution for a clutter-free, holiday-ready home. Visit Storelocal Storage Lake Forest today to reserve your unit and start enjoying a more spacious, organized home this holiday
