Lifestyle Moving & Storage reveals why Americans are panic-decluttering before holiday guests, and the simple storage fixes that instantly calm the chaos.
With holiday guests set to arrive and family gatherings filling calendars, Lifestyle Moving & Storage is reporting one of its most frantic annual trends: the 48-hour pre-visit declutter, as homeowners scramble to make their spaces guest-ready before the relatives walk through the door.
From emergency calls for last-minute storage pickups to panicked requests to “take anything that doesn’t need to be here,” the company says the run-up to Christmas has become a domestic pressure cooker.
“The days before guests arrive are some of our busiest of the entire year,”
said Ivan Martinović, Founder of Lifestyle Moving & Storage.
“People suddenly realize the guest room isn’t a guest room, the hallway’s overflowing, and the furniture layout doesn’t work with a family of five staying over. Short-term storage becomes the only realistic solution when you’ve got 48 hours and no space.”
Why the 48-Hour Declutter Has Become a Holiday Ritual
Lifestyle Moving & Storage’s teams in New York and Miami say the same patterns appear every December:
Guest rooms that aren’t guest rooms
Most “spare rooms” are now offices, gyms, or unofficial storage spaces — until relatives announce they’re staying.
Hallways that embarrass homeowners
Shoes, coats, delivery boxes, toys and strollers pile up, creating a stressful first impression.
Oversized furniture that makes hosting impossible
Extra chairs, big sofas or bulky tables make it difficult to fit guests, luggage or temporary sleeping setups.
Seasonal gear that has nowhere to go
Bikes, air conditioners, fans, holiday décor and sports equipment take over small apartments.
The dreaded ‘shove it in a closet’ method
Closets become so overloaded they barely close — something in-laws always notice.
“The emotional pressure is real,” Martinović added.
“People don’t want relatives walking into clutter or chaos. Storage gives them breathing room without having to reorganize their entire home in a weekend.”
Lifestyle’s 48-Hour Declutter Plan (What the Pros Tell Clients)
1. Clear guest pathways first
Entryway → living room route → guest bathroom → sleeping area.
Forget perfection — create calm, clean movement through the home.
2. Build a ‘temporary storage pile’
Gather anything you won’t need before January:
Out-of-season clothing
Extra chairs / side tables
Hobby gear
Bulky toys
Paperwork and boxes
These items are perfect for short-term storage.
3. Remove one large item per crowded room
The fastest way to make a room feel bigger is to remove volume — not micro-organize.
“One piece of oversized furniture into storage can completely change the mood of a space,”
Martinović said.
4. Use storage as a ‘holiday pause button’
Instead of rushing decisions on sentimental items or family belongings, box and store them until the holidays are over — avoiding arguments or regret-decluttering.
The Rise of “Holiday Storage Units”
Lifestyle Moving & Storage reports a growing number of families who book a small storage unit every December as part of their hosting routine.
“It’s becoming as standard as a deep clean,” Martinović said.
“Decluttering isn’t about having a perfect home — it’s about creating space for people you care about. Storage makes that possible in two days, not two months.”
Common reasons customers book short-term holiday storage include:
Creating space for overnight guests
Protecting expensive or delicate furniture
Preparing a home for holiday viewings or open houses
Reducing visual clutter and stress
Keeping kids’ gear out of shared areas
Making small apartments feel bigger and calmer
No comments:
Post a Comment