7 Holiday Prep Checklist Items You Don’t Want to Miss

Before you start shopping for extra decorations or hosting supplies, visit your storage unit. Many seasonal essentials — like festive tableware, cozy throws and holiday linens — are probably waiting there, ready to make your home feel complete. Checking your storage first can save you time and money, not to mention helps you avoid having duplicates of items you already own.

Your storage unit is also a great way to keep your gifts and gift-wrapping supplies (wrapping paper, ribbons, tape and more) organized and out of your home. You may even want to consider setting up a gift-wrapping station in your storage unit if you’re looking for a private space to wrap gifts away from curious family members. To create a practical wrapping area, you’ll need:

• A sturdy surface, like a folding table or shelving unit
• Scissors, tape, gift tags and pens
• Clear bins or organizers for wrapping paper, ribbons and bows
• A portable, battery-operated light or lantern (storage facilities don’t have outlets or lighting)

Amidst the chaos of the holidays, it’s easy to overlook guest accommodations until the last minute. Avoid scrambling by taking some time to tidy and refresh these spaces now. A clean, cozy guest room or shared sleeping area is a great way to make your visitors feel welcome and reset your home for the season.

In addition to decluttering and cleaning the guest area, you’ll want to make sure you have essential items, such as:

• Fresh linens, extra pillows and blankets
• Toiletries like shampoo, toothpaste and hand soap
• Space for luggage (clear off a dresser or leave room in the closet)

Add some seasonal touches to make the space feel festive. A small vase of winter greenery, string lights, a holiday-scented candle or a welcome basket with snacks and water can go a long way. If your guest space doubles as another room, like an office, make it easy to switch between functions by using storage bins or baskets for quick decluttering, or invest in a portable room partition (Shoji screens are one of our favorite dividers).

When hosting holiday gatherings, it’s not just the tree and mantel that need attention. Kitchens, bathrooms and entryways are most used during the season, so make them a priority for deep cleaning and organization.

• Living Room: Clear surfaces of clutter and wipe them down. Fluff pillows, fold blankets and vacuum or sweep floors. Add simple festive accents, like a bowl of ornaments or a winter-themed throw, to elevate the cozy atmosphere.
• Kitchen: Wipe down counters, clean appliances and stock up on basics like coffee, tea and snacks. Organize your pantry to ensure you and your guests have easy access to holiday essentials.
• Bathroom: Refresh towels, stock up on toiletries and add a festive touch with a small seasonal decoration or candle. Give mirrors, countertops and other surfaces a quick wipe with a gentle cleaning solution.
• Entryway: Remove clutter or objects that take up unnecessary space, shake out doormats, and tidy up shoes and coats. Create space in your entryway closet so you can hang your guests’ coats or store their suitcases.

Your outdoor spaces set the tone for visitors before they even step inside, and a few simple touches can make a big difference. Start by tidying up the porch or yard — sweeping leaves, shoveling snow or clearing walkways. Remember to check that all walkways are well-lit and free of ice or snow to ensure safety for guests arriving after dark. From there, add festive accents like string lights draped along railings or trees, a wreath on the door or potted evergreen arrangements alongside the entryway. If you’re watching your budget, there are plenty of DIY alternatives. Wrapping an old planter with burlap and ribbon or filling a clear jar with ornaments and battery-operated lights can create eye-catching displays without breaking the bank.

You don’t have to completely overhaul your home to transform it into a holiday retreat. A few thoughtful swaps and additions can add the perfect warm and inviting tone. For example, try replacing everyday items like pillow covers, throws and table settings with seasonal alternatives in festive colors or patterns. Lighting also plays a huge role in setting the mood, so consider dimming overhead lights and relying on string lights, candles or a glowing fireplace for a cozy, welcoming glow.

If the decorations you want are sold out or you’re trying to be more economical, try your hand at one of the following DIY decor ideas:

• Mason jar lanterns. Fill mason jars with small candles surrounded by holly, berries or pinecones for a rustic centerpiece or accent light.
• Paper snowflakes. Cut intricate snowflake patterns from white paper and hang them in windows or string them together for garlands.
• Ornament-filled bowls. Arrange extra ornaments in a decorative bowl or vase for an easy and colorful table display.
• Festive pillow covers. Wrap your regular throw pillows in gift wrap or fabric and tie them with ribbon to resemble presents.
• Evergreen sprigs. Clip small branches from an evergreen tree, tie them together with twine and use them as napkin rings or simple wall accents.
• Holiday candle holders. Place small pillar candles on a tray surrounded by cinnamon sticks, cranberries or star anise for a fragrant, festive display.
• DIY garland. String popcorn, dried orange slices and cranberries to create a nostalgic garland for your tree or mantle.

Last, but not least, remember to add a touch of holiday scent with pine-scented diffusers or cinnamon potpourri to round out the festive atmosphere!

If your pantry is looking a little empty, beat the crowds at your local market and grab your kitchen essentials as soon as possible. If you’re looking for specific ingredients or items — whether it’s nuts, sugar or butter — be sure to stock up on common holiday items before they sell out. 

You should also be prepared for any unexpected surprises or emergency needs while hosting. Double-check your home to ensure you have:

• Batteries (for toys, decorations and electronic gifts)
• Extra serving spoons, tongs, ladles and silverware
• Snacks for guests
• Backup beverages (coffee, tea, hot cocoa and bottled water for guests)
• A first-aid kit that’s well-stocked with bandages, antiseptic wipes, burn gel and gauze
• Allergy and cold medications
• A “host’s toolkit” with scissors, tape, a sewing kit, stain remover, candles, matches and a small flashlight

As exciting as the holidays are, the post-season cleanup can feel overwhelming — unless you plan ahead. Start now by designating and organizing storage bins for your decorations. Durable plastic bins that are stackable and see-through are the best containers for your decorations since they’re airtight and keep out moisture and pests. Label your bins clearly by type, like “lights,” “ornaments” or “table decor,” to make packing up easier. For those that may be tight on space, find creative ways to minimize the volume that certain objects take — for example, shrink-wrap your artificial tree or wrap fragile items in winter blankets and linens — before putting them away.

If you’re storing holiday items at home, avoid placing temperature- and moisture-sensitive items (like candles, delicate ornaments and electronics) in areas prone to extreme conditions, such as the garage or attic. For long-term peace of mind, consider using a climate-controlled storage unit. These units maintain consistent temperatures and humidity levels, protecting your holiday decorations from warping, cracking or mold. If you’re already using self storage, now’s a great time to reorganize your unit and find any items you may want to bring in after the new year.