Get Your Home Holiday-Ready: Declutter, Store & Make Space for Thanksgiving, 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 Thanksgiving, 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 a storage unit 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 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• Items that are broken, unused, outdated or simply not needed anymore go into the “remove” pile.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).
• 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 Laguna Beach residents: choose a storage facility accessible, safe and convenient—so you’re more likely to use it effectively.

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 (Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas 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.

Local Junk Hauling Services Around Laguna Beach

Here are a few trusted companies you can call when you’re ready to haul away the “remove” pile.

1. Innovative Junk Hauling & Demolition

Debris removal service

Family-oriented, local debris removal service based in Orange count

Good option if you prefer working with a reliable company.

2. Laguna Junk

Waste management service

• Smaller scale local junk removal service that can handle home clean-outs and garage clearance.

3. Junk Tigers Hauling & Demolition

•Junk removal service

• Ideal for larger jobs, major furniture or mixed debris and even demolition/clearance.

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.
• 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 (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.