The holiday season is magical—and let’s face it—a bit chaotic. Between holiday parties, family gatherings, and gift exchanges, we’re often rushing to pull out the right outfits, accessories, and even wrapping supplies. I know the stress of reaching into a disorganized closet when time is tight, only to find that favorite holiday sweater tangled in a mess of last season’s outfits. But with a few simple steps to get your custom closet holiday-ready, you can enjoy the season with less stress. From my experience, a well-organized custom closet is truly a place of calm in a busy season.
By prepping your closet before the holiday craziness hits, you’ll be ready for whatever the season throws at you—without the frustration of lost items and last-minute outfit crises. So, here are my practical, tried-and-true tips to prepare your closet for the holidays:
- Declutter and store off-season items to make space
- Create a holiday wardrobe section for seasonal outfits
- Streamline your wardrobe for holiday evenings and gatherings
- Organize cold-weather essentials for easy access
- Use clear bins and labels to organize accessories
- Organize holiday gift-wrapping supplies with drawer dividers
- Rotate closet items by frequency of use
- Maintain closet organization with quick daily habits
If you want a holiday season that’s truly stress-free, keep reading! These simple steps will help you set up a closet that keeps up with all your holiday needs, from gift-wrapping supplies to warm winter essentials—all neatly within reach.
Declutter and Store Off-Season Items to Make Space
Start with a good old-fashioned declutter. Trust me, it’s worth it. If you’re storing summer clothes, beach accessories, or warm-weather gear in your closet, it’s time to set those aside.
Freeing up space means you can focus on what you’ll actually need this season. Vacuum-sealed bags and storage bins are lifesavers here—they make storing bulky off-season items compact and manageable.
By clearing out the non-essentials, you’ll have room to bring in your holiday wardrobe without overcrowding. Trust me—when you can actually see everything in your closet, it’s so much easier to grab what you need without sifting through off-season items that are just taking up space.
Create a Holiday Wardrobe Section for Seasonal Outfits
One of the best decisions I made was dedicating a small section of my closet to holiday-specific outfits. Whether you’ve got a lineup of casual gatherings, family photos, or fancy soirées, having a holiday wardrobe section keeps everything you need for the season right at your fingertips.
To make this even easier, I like grouping outfits by event type—casual, semi-formal, and formal—so I can just grab and go. No more digging through everything else! Setting up a seasonal section also reduces the stress of last-minute outfit hunting, letting you get ready for events in no time.
Streamline Your Wardrobe for Holiday Events and Gatherings
When it comes to the holiday season, a streamlined wardrobe can save your sanity. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Select Key Pieces: Pick a few versatile holiday staples, like a black dress or a dressy pants and shirt, that can be styled differently for multiple occasions. The fashion experts at Nordstrom also recommend keeping some cozy knitwear on hand to wear to casual gatherings.
- Pre-Plan Outfits: If you have a packed social calendar, pre-planning outfits is a game-changer. Choose outfits for each event in advance, hang them together, and you’re ready to roll.
- Refresh with Accessories: Accessories are your secret weapon for adding variety without cluttering your closet. A well-placed scarf or statement necklace can transform a look, giving you multiple options from fewer pieces.
Organize Cold-Weather Essentials for Easy Access
Winter coats, scarves, gloves, and hats—these are the season’s must-haves, so make them easy to grab. Dedicate a section in your closet or entryway for cold-weather essentials, where everything is organized and accessible.
Small items, like gloves and hats, do best in labeled bins or baskets. It keeps them from disappearing into the abyss of the closet and makes it easy to find the right pair when you’re in a hurry. When outerwear is organized and accessible, you’re prepared for the winter weather without crowding your main closet space.
Use Clear Bins and Labels to Organize Accessories
Nothing derails a holiday outfit like lost accessories! To keep everything in order, I use clear storage bins and labels for holiday jewelry, special shoes, and event-specific bags. Drawer dividers or trays are also fantastic for smaller items—no more tangles or hunting for that one elusive earring.
With accessories organized in clear, labeled bins, I can get ready for events quickly. The simple act of seeing everything at a glance saves so much time and keeps your accessories in perfect shape all season.
Organizing Holiday Gift-Wrapping Supplies with Drawer Dividers
Every year, I used to find myself scrambling to locate tape, gift tags, and ribbon. Now, I use drawer dividers to create a mini gift-wrapping station in my closet. Here’s how I set it up:
- Ribbon and String: Keep these in narrow compartments to avoid tangles and make them easy to grab.
- Gift Tags and Stickers: Assign a small section to tags and stickers, so they don’t get lost among other items.
- Tape and Scissors: Place these essentials in their own spots for quick access when wrapping.
With a designated area for wrapping supplies, I can wrap gifts without the chaos, saving me precious time during the holiday rush.
Rotate Closet Items by Frequency of Use
A simple trick that I swear by? Rotate closet items by how often you use them. Place frequently worn holiday pieces, like your favorite sweater, boots, or party attire, at eye level for easy access. Items you use less often can be stored on higher shelves or lower drawers.
I’ve found this simple step keeps everything organized and prevents me from rummaging through items I rarely need. By prioritizing what I use most, daily life is just a little easier during the busy season.
Maintain Closet Organization with Quick Daily Habits
Finally, keeping your closet organized doesn’t have to be a big chore. Small, daily habits make a world of difference. Here’s what works for me:
- Return Items to Their Spots: When you’re done, put everything back in its place. It sounds simple, but it’s incredibly effective.
- Re-Fold and Organize High-Traffic Areas: Take a few seconds to straighten the holiday wardrobe section after each use.
- Declutter Accessories Weekly: Go through your accessory section regularly to keep only what you need.
Conclusion
An organized custom closet can be a true holiday lifesaver. When everything is in place, you get to enjoy the season without the chaos that an unorganized closet can bring. Start organizing now, and by the time the holiday rush hits, you’ll have a well-prepared, peaceful space ready to support a joyful season. A little prep goes a long way, so let’s get started and make this the most organized, stress-free holiday season yet!
