Declutter Your Home for the Holidays: Stress-Free Tips Inspired by RV Living
As the holidays draw near, many of us prepare to decorate, entertain, and celebrate. But before all the festive items come out, it’s essential to declutter—and this is something I learned while living on the road.
After spending several years in an RV with my family, I developed a true appreciation for minimalism and the importance of keeping only what you need. The tight quarters of RV living taught me to be intentional, stay organized, and declutter regularly to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Now back in a traditional home, I approach holiday prep with the same mindset I did on the road: clear out the clutter, prioritize essentials, and create a peaceful, organized space.
Let’s dive into how my RV experiences have shaped my approach to holiday decluttering and how you can use these same tips to enjoy a stress-free, organized holiday season!
Why Declutter Before the Holidays? Lessons from RV Living
Create Positive Energy in Your Space: Living in an RV taught me that clutter brings a kind of heaviness to any environment. In a small space, every item has a mental weight, so we quickly learned to keep only what added value. Clearing clutter in your home now can help release stagnant energy and make room for new memories and experiences.
Make Room for the New: With only limited space in the RV, we had to be strategic with every new item we brought in. For the holidays, this translates to making room for decorations, gifts, and seasonal items without being bogged down by the unnecessary. By decluttering now, you’ll welcome the holiday season with plenty of space and peace of mind.
Feel Organized and Ready for the Holidays: Living on the road meant everything needed a “home.” If something didn’t have a place, it created chaos. Decluttering your home with this same mindset helps you create a sense of order that reduces stress and keeps everything in its place as the busy season unfolds.
This is what it looks like when you move into an RV. You have to be organized and have limited “stuff” so it all fits.
5 Key Areas to Declutter (Inspired by Life in an RV)
Holiday Storage Area and Bins: Just like limited storage in an RV, holiday storage needs to be organized and efficient. Go through your bins, toss broken ornaments, and organize decorations so you know exactly what you have. This approach makes it simple to access what you need without digging through unnecessary items.
Guest Room (for Hosts): In our RV, every area had to be multifunctional, which taught me the importance of a guest-friendly space. If you’re hosting for the holidays, clear out the guest room of anything that doesn’t belong. Fresh linens, a decluttered dresser, and a few thoughtful touches will make your guests feel welcome and relaxed. I love to use houseplants and fresh flowers.
Kitchen and Pantry: Space in an RV kitchen is precious, and I learned to keep only the essentials. As you prep for holiday cooking, take stock of expired spices, pantry items, and anything else taking up valuable space. Clear out the old, organize what’s left, and make a list of any ingredients you’ll need for holiday meals. This strategy makes cooking so much easier when everything you need is within reach.
Living Room or Main Gathering Space: Much like the central area of our RV, your living room will be a hub for gatherings and relaxation. Clear surfaces, organize loose items, and make space for holiday décor. By minimizing clutter now, you’ll create a cozy, inviting area where family and friends can gather comfortably.
Closet and Coat Area: RV closets (or lack thereof!) taught us that space is limited, so every item needed to serve a purpose. This is especially true for your home’s entry or coat closet, where holiday guests may need room for coats and bags. Declutter any off-season items and create a tidy space for easy access during holiday gatherings.
The ultimate declutter- when we moved out of our house and got rid of 99% of our stuff before we moved fulltime into our RV.
How to Declutter Efficiently (the RV Way)
Efficient decluttering is all about practicality and simplicity—two essentials we lived by on the road. Here’s a streamlined approach to make holiday decluttering easy:
Use Three Boxes: Keep, Donate, and Toss Label each box clearly, and take them from room to room. This system is simple yet effective, much like how we managed our limited storage in the RV. As you finish each room, transfer items from the donate and toss boxes into large trash bags for quick removal or donation.
Plan Donation and Recycling Options in Advance When we were on the road, planning was essential. Decide in advance where you’ll donate or recycle items so that you’re not left with boxes of things you don’t want. This makes it easier to say goodbye to items and ensures they’re out of your home quickly.
Set a Timer to Avoid Overwhelm Even in an RV, decluttering could feel overwhelming. Setting a timer for 10-15 minutes per area can make it more manageable. You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish with this focused approach!
Celebrate Small Wins Decluttering can be a big job, but each small area you clear deserves a little celebration. Embrace the accomplishment of a clean, organized space, knowing you’re creating room for holiday joy.
Personal Note
RV living taught me that clutter is more than just extra stuff—it impacts your energy, peace, and mindset. After living on the road, I quickly feel overwhelmed when things pile up at home. My rule is simple: if we don’t use it, it goes. Even 5 minutes of organizing can make a difference in how I feel, especially during the holidays. Clearing clutter now means less stress later, and it’s a gift I’m happy to give myself every year!
The day before we moved from 2500 square feet to just under 300 square feet in our fifth-wheel.
Get Your FREE Checklist!
Ready to make your holiday decluttering a breeze? Download my Road-Tested Holiday Decluttering Checklist and tackle each area with ease! With this simple guide inspired by life on the road, you’ll create a peaceful, organized space that’s holiday-ready. Grab your free checklist now and start clearing the clutter today!
Happy Holidays,
Courtney