17 | Seasonal Decorating: Love It or Hate It, 5 Tips to Make It Manageable
For years, I tried to keep up with decorating my home for every season and holiday. I bought cute seasonal decor, swapped it out every few months, and then struggled to find storage space for everything when the season was over. Eventually, I realized—it wasn’t bringing me joy. Instead, it was just another thing on my to-do list, adding to my stress.
So, I made a decision: I was only going to decorate for Christmas. That simple choice brought me so much relief, and for the past seven years, my home has remained seasonally neutral.
But seasonal decorating is personal, and what works for me might not work for you. So today, let’s explore:
Is seasonal decorating right for you?
How to manage seasonal decor without stress
Practical organization tips for storage and transitions
Are You Team Seasonal Decor or Seasonally Neutral?
I recently ran a poll on Instagram and here’s what you all said:
23% decorate for every holiday
46% decorate only for major holidays
27% keep their same decor all year
4% just wanted to see the results
There’s no right or wrong way to decorate—it all comes down to what feels right for you.
Ask Yourself These Questions:
Do I enjoy decorating, or does it feel like an obligation?
Does swapping out decor energize me, or do I dread it?
Do seasonal decorations add joy to my home, or do they feel like clutter?
If decorating makes your home feel cozy and festive, keep doing it! If it feels like another chore, it might be time to reassess.
For me, seasonal decorating wasn’t a fit because:
I had limited storage space in my early twenties.
The cycle of putting up, taking down, and storing decor stressed me out.
I didn’t love the process—it felt like an expectation, not a joy.
Meanwhile, my mom loves decorating for every season. It makes her happy, and she enjoys when guests compliment her displays. But she’s also retired, with fewer daily responsibilities. Different seasons of life = different priorities!
If you love decorating for seasons and holidays, then let’s make it easier for you!
How to Manage Seasonal Decor Without Stress
If you want to keep decorating seasonally, having a system is key. You need a way to swap things out smoothly, store items efficiently, and avoid unnecessary clutter.
Here are 5 simple steps to make seasonal decorating effortless:
1. Designate a Storage Space
Find a permanent home for your seasonal decor.
Ideal locations: Garage, attic, basement, or a dedicated closet.
Keep everything in one area so it’s easy to access when the season changes.
My setup: All my Christmas decorations are stored under the landing in our garage.
2. Categorize by Season or Holiday
Sort your decorations into clear storage bins by season or holiday so you can quickly find what you need.
Example labels: Fall Decor 🍁 | Christmas 🎄 | Easter 🐰
Bonus tip: Use clear bins so you can see what’s inside!
3. Label Everything
Make it easy on your future self.
Label each bin with what’s inside and where each decoration goes (e.g., “TV console,” “Entryway table”).
Leave yourself notes for next year!
Example: “Need to buy new Christmas lights” so you don’t forget.
4. Declutter Regularly
Before putting up new decor, remove what’s currently displayed.
Instead of layering seasonal decorations on top of regular decor, swap things out.
Before storing, take inventory—if you didn’t love it this year, donate or toss it.
5. Plan for Smooth Transitions
Simplify the process of switching decor between seasons.
One-Season-at-a-Time Method: Keep two sets of bins—one for the current decor, one for the next season. When it’s time to switch, swap them out.
All-Year Rotation Method: If you decorate for all four seasons, use three sets of bins so you always have one set displayed and one prepped to go next.
Bonus tip: Use painter’s tape to label bins that rotate between seasons.
Christmas Tip: I put my regular decor inside my Christmas storage bins so everything is in one place when I transition back.
Final Thoughts: Choose What Works for You
At the end of the day, seasonal decorating is a personal choice. If it brings you joy, keep doing it! Just set up systems that make it easier and less stressful.
But if seasonal decorating feels like more work than it’s worth, it might be time to simplify. There’s nothing wrong with keeping your decor timeless and neutral!
If you need help organizing your seasonal decor, I’d love to support you!
Send me a picture of your seasonal decor storage, and I’ll send you a FREE 60-second video with tips to streamline your setup. Click here to submit your photo!
So, where do you stand? Are you Team Seasonal Decor or Team Neutral? Let me know in the comments or DM me on Instagram @megansmithstressless!
Here’s to making home easier and more enjoyable—no matter how you decorate!
