Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and good food—but it can also come with a fair amount of stress! With the right storage and organization strategies, you can make the season as enjoyable as possible. From maximizing kitchen space to decluttering your entryway, here’s how to get your home Thanksgiving-ready. 

Start with the Kitchen 

Thanksgiving prep starts in the kitchen. Consider setting up a dedicated shelf or cabinet for all the ingredients you’ll need, including spices, baking tools, and mixing bowls. If you have limited space, look into organizers that make vertical storage easier, like stackable bins or clear canisters that keep items visible and easy to grab. 

Tip: Use over-the-door organizers to categorize ingredients. Label bins for easy access and put high-priority ingredients, like herbs and spices, at the front. You’ll save time, reduce stress, and keep everything in one place. 

Free Up Fridge and Freezer Space 

Thanksgiving meals usually mean more than your average grocery haul. Clear out your fridge and freezer in advance to make room for all the perishables. Use clear storage bins in the fridge to organize items by category, like “veggies,” “dairy,” and “prepared sides,” which will help you find what you need quickly. 

Tip: Plan for leftovers by setting aside containers in advance. Stackable, reusable containers are a great choice to save space and make post-Thanksgiving cleanup easier. Consider labeling each container so guests can easily pack up leftovers. 

Declutter the Dining Room for a Cozy Atmosphere 

Creating a welcoming dining area is as much about reducing clutter as it is about décor. Begin by putting away items that don’t fit the Thanksgiving theme, such as magazines, books, or miscellaneous items that accumulate over time. 

Tip: Set up a small storage bin in a nearby closet or cabinet for temporary storage. You’ll have a clean, open space to work with, and once Thanksgiving is over, you can reintroduce items gradually. 

Make Room for Guests in the Entryway and Mudroom 

First impressions matter! Clear out coats, shoes, and other items in your entryway to make space for guests. Consider adding a few baskets or hooks to hold guests’ belongings. This creates an organized, welcoming space for family and friends as they arrive. 

Tip: Use a small storage bench if space allows. It can double as seating and storage for shoes, scarves, and other outdoor essentials. 

Prepare the Guest Room with Storage in Mind 

If you’re hosting overnight guests, take a few extra steps to make them feel at home. Clear out space in the closet or a drawer for their belongings, and set out a few essentials like towels, toiletries, and extra blankets. 

Tip: Use adjustable storage to maximize space if your guest room is small. Moveable drawers or baskets can hold extra linens and supplies without taking up valuable closet space. 

Preparing for Thanksgiving can be a joy when you plan ahead with the right storage and organization techniques. By setting up organized spaces in your kitchen, entryway, and guest areas, you can focus on what matters most: enjoying time with loved ones. Make your Thanksgiving celebration smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable for everyone—yourself included!