Whatever your end goals are, they likely involve you getting dressed, which is why we recommend starting your holiday organization efforts in your closet. Your closet is the space where you begin and end each busy day, and it has the power to help you feel calm, relaxed, and in control. Start cleaning for the holidays by moving this season’s favorites into easy-access locations inside your closet and rotating clothes you won’t be wearing into out-of-the-way storage spots. Think about the events you’re hosting or attending and what you’re going to wear to each, even the casual ones. Holiday organization that starts in your closet can save you money by preventing you from buying things you already own. The key is to think through your outfits ahead of time, so you’re not stressed the day of the event and have ample time to shop for what you do need. Additionally, consider moving your hamper around to a spot where dirty laundry is kept out of sight. Once you’ve finished cleaning for the holidays, you can start to tackle the rest of the items on your holiday planning checklist with the calm and confidence a clean closet brings.

If you’re hosting this year, you’ll want to make sure that your home and holidays feel welcoming, and that starts in your entryway. The first impression of your home, your entryway sets the tone for the rest of your home and the time spent in it, so be sure there is appropriate storage for any belongings that friends and family may bring. Keeping holiday organization tips in mind, work to include plenty of shoe storage and coat hooks for family and guests alike. Try an entryway bench with hidden storage or baskets underneath, offering guests a seat as they remove or put on their shoes and an easy drop zone to get organized before they go.

Near the top of everyone’s holiday planning, is shopping for gifts. If beautifully wrapped gifts are your love language, create a dedicated wrapping station. Make it part of your home office or an out-of-the-way spot in your garage, giving you your very own holiday organization station where you can wrap gifts, work on greeting cards and tackle any other holiday-related items you need to do. Stock up on tape, markers, scissors, gift bags, ribbons, and wrapping paper. Whether you love wrapping or wish that Santa’s elves were real, creating a dedicated space, means you’re better able to contain the mess that comes with neatly folded corners and expertly tied bows. Hint: A dedicated space also means you can control the music, so put on your favorite holiday album and wrap every item with love and joyful anticipation for the smiles it will bring. If you don’t have space for a dedicated workstation, keep materials in storage bins that function as your holiday organizer. You might discover you love having it so much that you keep this holiday organizer stocked for year-round wrapping or gift-giving needs.