10 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 help you avoid having duplicates of items you already own.

Before you start shopping for new decorations or hosting supplies, make a quick trip to your storage unit. Chances are, many of the seasonal essentials you need for both Thanksgiving and December holidays are already tucked away, whether it’s festive tableware and cozy throws or string lights, candles and accent decor.

Start by sorting through your seasonal bins and boxes. Pull out Thanksgiving staples like autumn garlands, harvest-themed centerpieces and extra serving platters, then set aside winter decor such as ornaments, wreaths and twinkle lights for later in the season. 

As you go through your stored items, take inventory and note what’s missing or damaged. You may find that you only need to replace a few things — like napkin rings, candles or a strand of lights — rather than buying everything new.

If your unit is climate-controlled, it’s also a great time to inspect delicate items like candles, fabrics or ornaments that could be affected by temperature changes.

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.

While we’re on the note of organizing your high-traffic areas — pay extra attention to the kitchen, which is the beating heart of your home during the holidays. Begin by unpacking serving platters, table linens, glassware and other dining essentials that may have been stored away after last year’s celebrations. Inspect everything for chips, stains or dust, and give items a quick wash or polish before they make their way to the table.

Set aside one cabinet or storage bin for entertaining pieces you’ll need throughout the season — for example, serving utensils, extra napkins, votive candles and seasonal decor like table runners or centerpiece items. If you use a storage unit, group dining-related items together in clearly labeled boxes (“Holiday Serveware,” “Drinkware,” “Table Linens”) so you can access them easily when hosting.

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:

• Gratitude leaves. Cut leaf shapes from kraft paper or felt, write what you’re thankful for on each and hang them from twine or scatter them across the table as thoughtful place cards.
• Mini pumpkin centerpieces. Hollow out small pumpkins or gourds to use as candle holders or mini vases for dried flowers, wheat, or eucalyptus stems.
• Plaid table runner. Repurpose an old plaid scarf or blanket as a table runner for instant warmth and color — just fold or trim to fit your table’s length.
• Rustic harvest baskets. Fill woven baskets or shallow wooden crates with pinecones, apples and seasonal greenery for a natural centerpiece that lasts through the entire fall season.
• 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 a festive 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.

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

While you’re busy decorating for the holidays, don’t forget to protect your home and belongings from the elements. As temperatures drop, make sure your home is ready for rain, wind or snow. Here are some things you can do:

• Check weatherstripping around doors and windows to keep cold air out and energy bills low. 
• Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams or blockages.
• Make sure outdoor furniture and decor are either stored or securely covered.
• Bring home snow shovels, ice melt and winter boots while storing away summer gear like patio cushions or garden tools.
• Prepare for emergencies by checking that flashlights have working batteries and that you have an accessible stash of blankets, candles and bottled water.

Instead of rushing to find scissors and tape at the last minute, set up a dedicated area for wrapping and mailing gifts early in the season. If space at home is tight, your storage unit can double as a private, clutter-free spot to organize everything — and keep presents safely hidden from curious family members.

To create a functional and organized wrapping station, you’ll need:

• A sturdy work surface: A folding table, portable desk or even a shelving unit can give you a flat area to spread out wrapping paper and boxes.
• Essential supplies: Keep scissors, tape, gift tags, pens and shipping materials like boxes, bubble wrap and labels within easy reach.
• Organizers for small items: Use clear bins or drawer units for ribbons, bows and gift bags so you can quickly find what you need.
• Vertical storage for wrapping paper: Stand rolls upright in a tall bin or basket to prevent creasing and save space.
• Portable lighting: Most storage facilities don’t have electrical outlets, so bring a battery-operated lantern or clip-on light for visibility.

Once everything’s set up, restock supplies as you go. Having a central wrapping and shipping station makes holiday prep faster, tidier and a lot less stressful.

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.