6 Things to Toss for a Cleaner Holiday Home Before Decorating

Setting up a Christmas tree should feel exciting, not stressful. But every year, I notice the same thing: we bring in the tree, unwrap decorations, and suddenly the room feels cramped, chaotic, or worse—unsafe. I’ve learned that a little preparation goes a long way. Before you even lift the first branch, there are a few key things you need to clear out—old clutter, misplaced items, even hidden hazards—that make decorating smoother, safer, and way more enjoyable.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the six essential items you should remove first, so when your tree finally goes up, it’s the centerpiece it’s meant to be, and your home feels festive without the chaos.

1. Old Decorations & Seasonal Clutter (Autumn / Fall Decor)

Before you even think about placing your Christmas tree, I like to start by looking around the room for decorations that have overstayed their welcome. You know the ones—autumn wreaths, leftover Halloween or Diwali pieces, or centerpieces from last fall. They might have been fun at the time, but now they just take up space and make your tree look smaller than it actually is.

Here’s what I do:

• Sort through last year’s seasonal décor – decide what you actually love and what hasn’t been touched in years.
• Remove or donate items – anything that doesn’t fit your current holiday vision goes in a donation box or storage.
• Check for broken or worn-out pieces – old ornaments or faded ribbons can distract from the fresh, festive look you want.

Putting away out-of-season decorations isn’t just about space—it’s about giving your tree room to shine. The difference is noticeable: a clear area makes your decorations pop, and walking into the room feels much calmer. If you want to avoid the common mistakes people make once the tree actually goes up, you can also read my guide on Stop Doing These 6 Things When Decorating Your Christmas Tree. For inspiration on decluttering effectively, you can check tips from The Spruce on clearing seasonal clutter.

2. Everyday Knick‑knacks, Extra Furniture & Random Items

Once the seasonal décor is cleared, I turn my attention to the everyday stuff that quietly piles up around the house. Those tiny trinkets on side tables, decorative plants, extra chairs, or photo frames might seem harmless—but they can interfere with tree placement or make the room feel cramped.

Here’s how I tackle it:

• Clear surfaces – move small items like figurines, vases, or candle holders off the tables and shelves near the tree spot.
• Rearrange or store bulky items – chairs, ottomans, or side tables can be temporarily relocated to give the tree enough space to breathe.
• Check the floor space – remove any clutter that could block your tree stand or become a tripping hazard once lights and gifts are added.

Taking the time to clear everyday clutter doesn’t just make decorating easier—it transforms the whole vibe of the room. You’ll notice a lot more flow and room to move, and it sets the stage for a cozy, inviting holiday atmosphere.

3. Unsorted Craft Supplies, Wrapping Paper, Storage Boxes & Old Ornaments

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve started decorating only to get tangled in a mess of last year’s craft supplies or broken ornaments. It’s frustrating, and honestly, it slows down the whole holiday setup. That’s why I make it a rule to sort everything before bringing out the tree.

Here’s my process:

• Sort and discard damaged items – broken bulbs, torn ribbons, frayed strings of lights, or expired decorations go straight to the recycle or trash.
• Untangle lights and cords – test them before use so you don’t waste time fixing them mid‑setup.
• Organize craft supplies separately – glue guns, glitter, stickers, and other odds and ends should have their own box.
• Store wrapping materials thoughtfully – gift boxes, paper rolls, ribbons, and bows deserve a dedicated spot away from decorations.

Doing this saves a ton of headaches and ensures you’re only using decorations you love and are safe to use. According to the CPSC’s holiday decorating safety guidance, it’s important to check all lights and cords for damage before reusing them — damaged lights are a common hazard.

4. Scent Items – Candles, Diffusers, Air‑Fresheners & Competing Aromas

Before you even light that first festive candle, I like to take a sniff around the room. Off‑season scents — like pumpkin spice, autumn candles, or summer air fresheners — can clash with the cozy pine or vanilla tones of Christmas. Removing or storing these ahead of time ensures your home smells like the season, not last month.

Here’s how I handle scents:

• Remove off-season aromas – pack away fall or summer candles, diffusers, or sprays.
• Keep holiday-themed scents ready – pine, cinnamon, or other festive fragrances work best, but don’t overdo it. Too many competing smells can be overwhelming.
• Test your combinations – before guests arrive, make sure the aromas blend well and feel inviting, not chaotic.

5. Clothes, Jackets, Unused Items — Clear Out Closet Overflow & Floor Junk

Before I even think about putting lights on the tree, I take a good look at what tends to pile up near the tree spot. Coats, jackets, shoes, or bags often end up scattered in the living room during holiday gatherings. If you don’t clear these away, the base of your tree can become cluttered, hiding ornaments or creating a tripping hazard.

Here’s how I handle it:

• Temporarily relocate seasonal clothing – move coats, jackets, scarves, and shoes to a closet or storage area until the holidays are over.
• Organize wardrobe overflow – tidy up drawers or closet sections near the living room so nothing accidentally spills into the tree area.
• Keep floor space clear – make sure walkways and the area around the tree stand are free of obstacles for safety and aesthetics.

6. Safety Hazards: Faulty Lights, Flammable Items, Heat Sources & Fire Risks

Safety is something I never skip when setting up my Christmas tree. Faulty lights, flammable materials, and heat sources near the tree are a recipe for disaster. Taking a few minutes to inspect and clear hazards can save a lot of worry later.

Here’s what I do:

• Inspect lights and cords for damage – replace frayed wires, broken sockets, or loose plugs. Only use lights rated for indoor use.
• Relocate heat sources – keep candles, heaters, and fireplaces far from the tree. A safe distance prevents accidents. If fire safety is a priority in your home during the holidays, you might also find my breakdown on 7 Things You Should Never Burn in Your Fireplace really helpful.
• Remove flammable clutter – old wrapping paper, fabric, or ribbons near the tree base can easily catch fire.

For detailed tips on reducing Christmas tree fire hazards, I follow the National Fire Protection Association’s holiday safety advice. They highlight everything from inspecting lights to proper placement and watering of real trees.

Plan the Layout: Where the Tree Will Go & Clear the Spot Ahead

Before you even bring out the tree, I always take a moment to plan exactly where it will stand. Picking the right spot makes all the difference in how your decorations look and how safe the setup is.

Here’s my approach:

• Decide tree placement carefully – choose a location away from heat sources, high-traffic areas, and exit paths so it can stand securely.
• Clear the floor and wall space – remove rugs, furniture, or any items that might block the tree base or get in the way while decorating.
• Visualize the setup – imagine how gifts, lights, and ornaments will look in the space before committing.

Bonus: Create “Inventory & Storage Strategy” Before You Begin

Once the space is ready, I like to organize everything I’ll be using. A quick inventory prevents wasted time and avoids bringing out decorations that are broken, missing parts, or no longer useful.

Here’s what I do:

• Group decorations, lights, ornaments, and storage boxes – checking what you have upfront shows you what’s usable and what needs to go.
• Label and store items neatly – organize your supplies in clear boxes or compartments. This makes packing up after the holidays easier and simplifies next year’s setup.

And if you like the idea of reusing what you already have, don’t miss my list of 10 Kitchen Items You Should Never Throw Away — Smart Reuse Ideas for Homes.

Conclusion

By taking these steps—clearing old decorations, managing everyday clutter, sorting craft supplies, checking scents, organizing clothing, inspecting hazards, planning the layout, and creating an inventory—you’re setting yourself up for a festive season that’s both beautiful and safe. I’ve found that a little preparation makes decorating genuinely enjoyable rather than stressful.

Now I want to hear from you: which of these steps will you tackle first this year? Or do you have your own pre-tree routine that works wonders? Drop a comment below and share your tips!

And if you want more practical, easy-to-follow guides for creating a home that feels fresh, organized, and holiday-ready, check out more articles at Build Like New.

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional safety advice. Always follow official guidelines and manufacturers’ instructions when setting up holiday decorations.