Grateful, Gathered & Clutter-Free

Kat Farrior
Nov 18
2 min read

Thanksgiving is a time to slow down, gather with loved ones, and savor the little things: good food, warm company, and a moment to breathe before the whirlwind of the holiday season.

But let’s be honest… between meal prep, hosting guests, and keeping the house presentable, the week can feel anything but relaxing.

That’s where a little thoughtful organizing makes all the difference.

Here are some simple, sanity-saving tips to help you enjoy a beautifully calm and clutter-free Thanksgiving without the last-minute scramble.

1. Prep Your Kitchen Like a Pro

A well-organized kitchen is the secret to a smooth cooking day.

Try this:

Clear out expired items and unused condiments before shopping
Give yourself a Thanksgiving Zone: one cabinet or counter dedicated to all things holiday cooking
Use sheet pans or baskets labeled “Prep,” “Bake,” and “Serve” to keep tools and ingredients grouped

Pro Tip: Arrange your refrigerator before the grocery haul; don’t let an overstuffed fridge become a pre-turkey panic.

2. Create a Guest-Ready Home Without the Overhaul

You don’t need a top-to-bottom deep clean, just focus on the high-impact areas:

Entryway: Shoes contained, coat hooks free
Guest bathroom: Fresh hand towels, extra toilet paper visible, candle lit
Living room: Clear surfaces, fold blankets, fluff pillows

If you’re hosting overnight guests, prep a small basket with:

Hair ties, ear plugs, travel toothpaste
A handwritten Wi-Fi password card
A bottle of water and little snack

Your guests will feel special and you’ll feel incredibly put together.

3. Write a Menu + Timeline

Even the most seasoned hosts get overwhelmed if all the cooking happens at once.

Map out:

What dishes can be made ahead
What needs the oven vs. stovetop
What you actually enjoy cooking and what can be store-bought or delegated

A simple timeline on a sticky note can prevent the classic “The rolls burned again!” moment.

4. Build Your Donation Pile Early

Thanksgiving is all about giving and it’s the perfect moment to let go of items you no longer need.

Before the holiday decor comes out, walk through your:

Coat closet (any unused jackets?)
Kitchen cabinets (duplicate bakeware?)
Kids’ toys (outgrown favorites?)

Set aside a donation bin now and schedule your drop-off the week after Thanksgiving.

Bonus: If you work with us, we’ll coordinate donations AND receipts for you.

5. Traveling for Thanksgiving?

Whether you're driving across town or flying across the country:

Pack outfits by day in labeled packing cubes
Ship bulky holiday gifts in advance
Snap a photo of everything you pack to create an easy checklist for the return trip!

And if you're already dreaming of a move in the new year… now’s a great time to start purging.