How to Organize Seasonal Décor and Declutter Like a Pro
Without knowing how to organize seasonal décor and declutter like a pro, you won’t be able to find what you need when you need it, reduce the stress of holiday setup and takedown, or keep your home beautifully clutter-free year-round. Instead, you will continue to face endless piles of décor that never quite fit into your storage space, spend valuable time searching through unorganized bins, and feel overwhelmed by seasonal transitions.
You’re in the right place! I created this proven, 5-step process to help you organize and declutter your seasonal décor, based on my research and experience over the past 10 years.
We’ll cover everything from sorting and purging outdated items to creating a foolproof storage system that will make every season’s decorating easier. I’ll also give you some things to look out for along the way, mistakes I made before I worked out this system, and ones I still see other décor enthusiasts making.
Just follow the steps, and by the time you finish Step 5, you’ll feel like a pro and enjoy a streamlined décor collection and stress-free seasonal changes.
Ready? Let’s go!
Step #1: Sort and Assess Your Décor Collection
Before you can begin organizing and storing your seasonal décor, you’ll want to take your time with this critical first step.
So, the first thing you need to do is take out all of your seasonal décor items, no matter where they’re currently stored. Set aside a designated space to go through everything—this could be your living room floor, a spare bedroom, or even your garage. Then, follow these steps to complete this first part of the process:
- Group Décor by Season or Holiday
Separate your items by season or holiday. Not only will this help you get a sense of what you actually have for each season, but it also allows you to see if any one area is taking up more space than it should. For instance, you might find that your winter decorations are overflowing while your summer items are sparse. - Evaluate Condition and Relevance
Assess the condition and style of each item. Ask yourself: does this item still bring me joy? Does it suit my current décor style? If an item is damaged, outdated, or no longer fits your aesthetic, consider donating, recycling, or discarding it. Keeping only what you love and need will make organizing much easier in the following steps. - Prioritize Your Favorites
If you have limited space, you may need to choose only your favorite or most meaningful items. This will also allow you to refresh your collection each season by adding one or two new pieces rather than being weighed down by items you feel obligated to keep.
For example:
If you discover you have multiple Halloween decorations you don’t love but only a handful of Thanksgiving items you enjoy displaying, prioritize keeping the Thanksgiving pieces and let go of the Halloween items. This way, you’re only storing items that you genuinely want to see in your space each year.
What to look out for:
Many people skip this foundational step and then wonder why they’re not able to keep their décor organized. Don’t let that be you! Taking the time now to pare down and assess your collection will set you up for success later on. Each step builds upon the next, so resist the urge to jump ahead!
All done? Great job! Let’s move on to Step 2.
Step #2: Designate Storage Zones for Each Season
At this point, you’re probably thinking that this is a huge time suck or maybe that dedicating space for each season seems unnecessary. You may even be wondering, “Do I really need to set aside zones for every holiday or season?”
If you hang in there, it will make sense, promise. What we’re doing is creating an organized, year-round storage system that will make accessing and putting away seasonal décor much easier. One thing that may help is to carve out a specific area in your storage space (like a closet, basement, or garage) where you can clearly see and access items for each season.
Now it’s time to create storage zones for each season in a designated storage area. Here’s what to do:
- Choose Your Space Wisely
Select a storage area that’s easily accessible and has enough room for separate sections. This could be a shelf in a closet, a few bins in the garage, or a set of shelves in the basement. Having a reliable, accessible area will make seasonal swaps a breeze. - Label Bins or Containers Clearly by Season
Using clear labels is key to quickly identifying what’s inside each container without opening everything. Label each bin by season or holiday, such as “Spring Décor” or “Christmas Ornaments.” This makes it easy to find what you need and return items to the correct zone later. - Arrange by Frequency of Use
Store frequently used or large-season items (like winter holiday decorations) in an easily reachable spot, while less-used items can go toward the back. This arrangement ensures you won’t have to dig through everything when transitioning décor each season.
For example:
If your main storage area is a hallway closet, consider stacking your winter holiday items at eye level, so it’s easy to retrieve those heavier bins. Spring or fall items might be placed on higher shelves since they are lighter and used less frequently.
The reason this step is important is that it will help you keep your décor streamlined and make it easier to swap out items each season. Plus, you’ll have a reliable system for managing décor that will save time and reduce stress when seasons change.
Here are some tips to help you move through this step quickly:
- Group Similar Décor Types
Keep like items together within each seasonal bin, such as placing all table décor in one section and hanging items in another. This setup makes decorating faster and more fun. - Invest in Sturdy Containers
Quality bins or boxes protect delicate décor items from damage and reduce the chance of shifting or breaking. - Utilize Stackable Storage
Stackable bins can maximize vertical space in closets or garages and make it easier to add new items without rearranging everything.
What to look out for:
When I first started organizing my seasonal décor, I stored everything in random areas, and it led to constant searching and confusion. I’ve also seen others make common mistakes that keep them from a clutter-free space. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Mistake #1: Tossing items into one bin without organizing. Instead of mixing everything together, sort items by type or display area for easier access.
- Mistake #2: Skipping labels. Labels are essential for quick identification, so if you’re tempted to skip them, remember they’ll save time in the long run.
- Mistake #3: Using flimsy boxes. If you find it hard to invest in sturdy containers, look for seasonal storage sales at big-box stores or use sturdy, unused containers you already have.
Step #3: Create a System for Easy Access and Rotation
Are you starting to get excited? I hope so. We’re just about there!
You may be feeling a bit overwhelmed, and that’s perfectly normal. Any time you’re trying something new, it takes a minute to process. Just be patient and stay with it.
Next, it’s time to create a simple system that makes accessing and rotating your décor easy and stress-free. This means putting the most frequently rotated or seasonal items in accessible spots, while those that stay stored longer can go in the back or higher up.
While you’re organizing, make a note of where each bin is placed so that you have a mental map of your storage area. This makes retrieval and reorganization during the next seasonal swap easier and faster.
Creating this system is important because it prevents you from wasting time rummaging through bins, which can be especially frustrating when you’re looking for something specific. Plus, knowing where everything is at a glance will make each decorating session more enjoyable.
For example:
When setting up my own décor rotation system, I realized that keeping spring and summer items in one section and fall and winter in another saved me loads of time. This way, I could swap things in just a few minutes without pulling out everything.
If you want, you can download my Décor Storage and Rotation Guide. I created it to help you create an organized setup without any stress and keep your décor neatly accessible year-round.
Click here to download the Décor Storage and Rotation Guide to get started!
What to look out for:
It may be hard to zero in on which items you’ll want access to most frequently, especially if you have a lot of seasonal décor. Here’s how to make it easier:
- Tip 1: Start with the season you’re in and organize décor for it first. This way, you’ll get a feel for what works best as you add each season in sequence.
- Tip 2: Use color-coded labels or bins for quick identification. It’ll make rotating items in and out more manageable, especially when you’re in a rush.
Step #4: Pack and Label for Long-Term Storage
We’re just about done—just two more steps to go!
Here’s what to do next:
- Pack Items with Protection in Mind
Carefully wrap delicate or fragile items in tissue paper or bubble wrap to keep them safe while in storage. Use sturdy containers that stack easily to keep everything secure and organized. - Use Clear, Consistent Labels
Label each container with the season, specific holiday (if applicable), and a general description of what’s inside. Labels like “Fall Décor – Table Settings” or “Winter – String Lights & Ornaments” make it easy to find exactly what you need without opening each bin. - Place Heavier Items on the Bottom
When stacking containers, place the heaviest or most durable bins at the bottom, with lighter or more fragile bins on top. This will prevent your storage area from becoming a game of Tetris and reduce the risk of items being crushed.
What to look out for:
No matter what you do, don’t skip over labeling clearly or assume you’ll remember what’s inside each bin. If you do, you’ll only risk wasting time and getting frustrated later on when trying to find specific items. So, make sure to label thoroughly and stack strategically. As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Keep going! You’re nearly there.
Step #5: Create a Seasonal Decor Rotation Schedule
This is the last step. Get ready to celebrate!
Now that everything is sorted, packed, and stored in labeled containers, it’s time to set up a rotation schedule so you know exactly when to pull out and put away each season’s décor. This step ensures that your organized system stays functional year-round without adding clutter.
Here’s how to get the best results with this:
- Mark Your Calendar by Season
Choose specific dates on your calendar when you’ll take out and store décor for each season. For example, you might mark “Spring Décor Out” in early March and “Holiday Décor Out” in mid-November. By setting these reminders, you’ll stay organized and prepared. - Evaluate Items as You Go
As you take out each season’s decorations, make a quick assessment to see if everything still fits your style or if any items need to be replaced. This keeps your décor updated without unnecessary clutter. - Allow Time for a Quick Clean-Up
Block out a bit of time each season to clean the storage area, dust off items, and make sure everything is in top shape for the next round. This little maintenance step keeps your storage space fresh and your items protected.
What to look out for:
The first time I created a rotation schedule to make seasonal swaps easier, I got overzealous and scheduled everything too close together—pulling out Thanksgiving décor just a week after Halloween! But funny enough, it worked out, and I loved having a clear plan.
The biggest lesson for me in all that was to be flexible with the schedule. You’ll find that sometimes a quick shift or adjustment is what keeps things easy and enjoyable.
It just goes to show there’s more than one way to stay organized and clutter-free. So more than anything else, do what works best for you!
Bonus! Create a Décor Inventory List
And finally, here’s a Bonus Tip just for you! This is something I started doing after years of trial and error, and it was a total game-changer for keeping my seasonal décor organized.
Keep a Décor Inventory List
Create a simple inventory list for each season or holiday’s décor. This can be as easy as jotting down what’s in each bin or using a notes app to keep track of everything. Include the bin label, a brief description of items, and any specific placement notes (like “Entryway Garland” or “Tabletop Pumpkins”).
Having an inventory list is a lifesaver for two reasons: it helps you keep track of your collection, and it prevents buying duplicates since you’ll have a record of exactly what you already own. Every season, you can refer to this list to see what you might need to replace or add, and it makes planning your décor setup even faster.
This tip might take a little extra effort up front, but trust me—it’ll save you tons of time (and money) in the long run!
Key Takeaways
Congratulations! You just learned how to organize seasonal décor and declutter like a pro. Follow the steps above to create a streamlined, stress-free storage system that makes each seasonal swap a breeze, instead of dreading the clutter and chaos that can come with each change in décor.
I’ve given you all my best tips, tools, and techniques to help ensure your success. Just knowing them isn’t enough, though. It’s time to act and get the results you’ve been dreaming about!
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Click here to download the Décor Storage and Rotation Checklist so you can get started with a clear system in place and avoid the seasonal clutter shuffle! This guide will walk you through each step in detail, from organizing and labeling to creating a rotation schedule that works perfectly for your home.
This guide will help you get organized, cut down on stress, and enjoy a clutter-free home all year round. Download it now to make the most of your décor!
related blog post topic: The Ultimate Holiday Planning To-Do-List
