How to Prepare Your Home for the Fall and Winter Holidays

Planning ahead is the best way to ensure you set yourself up for a smooth and pleasant holiday season. Here are some steps to follow to ensure you stay on track.

Evaluate Your Schedule

Your calendar is your best planning tool. If you’ll be hosting Thanksgiving dinner, start by mapping out what that evening looks like. For example, think about how many guests you’ll seat, how much servingware you’ll need and whether your dining table will require an extension or an extra folding table. If you’re traveling for part of the season, consider what you’ll need to prepare for your own absence, like arranging pet care, setting timers on lights, weatherproofing your home, etc.

Review What You Already Own

Before shopping, open closets, cupboards, pantries and bins to see what’s already there. Visit your storage unit and peek into your attic, basement and garage. Count how many sets of sheets you have for overnight guests, check your stock of wrapping paper and tape, and test your holiday lights to make sure they still work.

Learn From Last Year

Think back to moments of stress from the last holiday season. Did you run out of wine glasses during the big toast? Were there never enough chairs at the table? Did you forget that your slow cooker had gone missing until the morning of a potluck? Write down these “pain points” now, so you can resolve them in advance rather than scrambling in December.

Plan Your Budget and Timing

Once you know what you need, make a short shopping list of essentials, such as new guest towels, extra extension cords, toilet paper for the guest bathroom or food storage containers for leftovers. Then look at the bigger picture: holiday sales are a great time to score bargains on decor, tableware, storage bins and other items you might need. If you plan ahead, you can take advantage of after-holiday sales and already be one step ahead for next year.

Before pulling out your wallet, head to your storage unit. Chances are, much of what you need for the season is already there, packed away since last year. Here are some things to do when you go to your unit:

• Take inventory of what’s inside: Pull out boxes labeled “holiday,” “winter” or “seasonal” and do a quick scan. You might rediscover string lights, extra wrapping paper or those serving platters you thought you’d lost. Knowing exactly what you already own keeps you from overbuying.
• Test and assess decor: Plug in lights to make sure they still work, and check fragile ornaments or wreaths for damage. Replace bulbs or make small repairs now instead of during crunch time.
• Reorganize for accessibility: Move fall and winter items to the front — blankets, portable heaters, snow gear, holiday boxes, etc. — so you’re not digging through summer gear when you’re in a rush.
• Protect temperature-sensitive items: If your unit isn’t climate-controlled, store candles, electronics, delicate ornaments or wood pieces in airtight plastic bins to prevent moisture damage, warping and cracking.
• Think ahead to next year: As you rotate items in and out, create a system that makes sense for the long run. Clear labels, stackable bins and sturdy shelving will make packing everything back up in January faster and easier.

If you know family or friends will be staying over, getting the guest room ready now will save you from scrambling at the last minute. Start by clearing out any clutter that’s accumulated in the space — whether it’s off-season clothing, boxes or an overflow of household items — so guests feel like the room is truly theirs. Wash and refresh all linens, including sheets, pillowcases, blankets and comforters, and don’t forget to give pillows a good fluff to restore their shape. Fresh towels should be neatly folded and placed where they’re easy to find, and a spare set or two doesn’t hurt if you’re hosting multiple visitors. 

Adding a few thoughtful touches can make the space feel even more welcoming: a bedside lamp with warm light, a cozy throw draped at the foot of the bed and a small basket with essentials like bottled water, tissues and travel-size toiletries can go a long way. If the room doubles as a home office or storage space, make sure the surfaces are clear and there’s enough room in the closet or dresser for guests to unpack. The goal is to create a cozy, functional retreat that lets them settle in without needing to ask for basics.

Since so much of the holiday season revolves around food, the kitchen and dining areas deserve some early attention. Begin by giving your pantry and refrigerator a clean sweep — toss out expired items, consolidate duplicates and make space for the extra ingredients and leftovers that inevitably come with entertaining. 

Next, take stock of your cookware and baking supplies. Pull out roasting pans, pie dishes and cookie sheets to make sure they’re clean and in good shape, and replace or borrow anything that’s missing. The same goes for your dining essentials. Check your dishware, glassware, serving utensils and serving items to confirm you have enough for the number of guests you’ll be hosting. If you know you’ll need extras, securing them now gives you time to shop or borrow without the holiday rush. 

Also, consider setting up a small beverage or coffee station that’s easy for guests to access on their own so you don’t have to be responsible for constant refills. Lastly, give your dining table and chairs a once-over, tightening screws or polishing surfaces as needed, and think about whether you’ll need an extension leaf or additional seating.

The quickest way to make your home feel holiday-ready is to layer in seasonal touches that create warmth and atmosphere. Start with the basics, then build on what you already own before adding anything new.

• Transition your textiles: Swap out lightweight summer fabrics for heavier textures like wool, plaid and chunky knits. Drape throws over sofas and chairs, and bring out thicker curtains or table linens that instantly change the mood of a room.
• Layer your lighting: Create a cozy glow with a mix of string lights, candles, lanterns and lamps. Soft, warm lighting makes spaces feel inviting and helps set the stage for gatherings that stretch into the evening.
• Decorate with what’s versatile: Choose pieces that can carry you through multiple holidays — think neutral pumpkins in October that still work for a harvest theme in November, or evergreen garlands and metallic accents that transition seamlessly from December into New Year’s.
• Shop your storage first: Pull out last year’s decor before heading to the store. You may find forgotten gems — ornaments, wreaths, table runners — that can anchor your decorating and save you from overspending.
• Add natural elements: Seasonal greenery, pinecones, dried citrus or bowls of fresh apples bring in the feeling of fall and winter without being tied to a specific holiday. They’re inexpensive, timeless and can be refreshed throughout the season.

Once the celebrations wind down, it’s tempting to toss everything back into boxes and deal with it later, but a little extra effort now makes next year infinitely easier. As you put away decorations, store them in sturdy, labeled containers so you can quickly find what you need next season without having to dig through a maze of unmarked boxes. Make quick notes while the details are fresh in your mind — what you ran out of, what you never used and what worked exceptionally well. Even jotting these reminders on a sticky note and tucking it inside your storage bin can save frustration later. 

When you’re packing away, think about organizing items in a way that aligns with how you’ll use them. For example, group all kitchen-related decor in one container, or separate indoor and outdoor lights. This is also the best time to take advantage of after-holiday sales. Pick up items you know you’ll need (think: extra wrapping paper, new storage bins, upgraded dishware) and place them directly into your storage unit so they’ll be waiting for you next year. That way, you’ll not only wrap up this holiday season smoothly but also give yourself a head start on the next one.

Ready to find a storage unit? Use our Storage Locator to find a facility near you. For additional tips on staying organized, head to the SmartStop blog.