10 Seasonal Organization Secrets for Small Spaces That Experts Swear By

This is a sponsored guest post from Evelyn Long of Renovated Magazine. Interested in having your post appear on Imagine it Done's blog? Apply here.

If you love changing seasons but dread swapping your belongings and decor in a small space, you’re not alone. This can be a challenge, but with careful planning and some expert tips, you can make the process seamless and stress-free, leaving you more time to enjoy your refreshed home with each new season.

This simple approach to small space organization can make all the difference as you transition throughout the year.

1. Declutter Before You Store

The most important secret of all may seem obvious, but in the hurry to change from one set of decor to another, it’s easily overlooked. Storing items you no longer love or need is one of the biggest mistakes. 

Set up keep, donate and discard piles, and sort everything. This saves you from storing items you no longer want and keeps the focus on things that bring you the most joy. Psychologists believe that decorating early for the holidays can boost your mood, so jump in once you’ve finished decluttering.  

2. Keep Everything in Its Place

Apartments are ideal for people looking for a place to live for around one to two years, so many renters view their space as temporary. Luckily, you don’t have to wait to nail your seasonal organization. Mastering it in a smaller space can set you up even better for a larger space one day, where clutter has more potential to expand without a system.

Where to start? Lisa Jacobs, founder and CEO of Imagine it Done, recommends organizing by zone. “Some of these zones might include tree decorating, outdoor décor and indoor accents,” she suggests. “Place items for each zone into separate bins ... For example, keep all tree ornaments, hooks and garlands in one bin labeled ‘Tree Supplies.’” This simple zoning method creates built-in small space organization that makes every seasonal swap faster and less stressful.

3. Find Hidden Real Estate

Under the bed is the prime place to start. Shallow, rolling bins give you access to what you need. Consider investing in multifunctional furniture that conceals storage and can close when not in use to maximize your space. Some options include ottomans that open, coffee tables with drawers or benches with hidden compartments.

Some possibilities might surprise you. “Behind the door is like a gold mine,” shares Lisa. “It’s like winning the lottery. Imagine this as the best opportunity to maximize space ... Mount brackets and bins onto the inside of a door.”

4. Choose the Right Containers

Stackable bins are always a good idea, and if carefully chosen, can look like a chic part of your decor. Vacuum-sealed bags are a game-changer for bulky items like winter coats and duvets, as they significantly reduce volume. Suitcases you already have can be used for storage until you need them for your vacation.

5. Pack by Season, Not Item Type

Keep all your seasonal items together, sorted by season or holiday, rather than by type. This minimizes the number of bins you will have to process during the swap over and saves you from having to rummage through multiple decor items packed together to find the right ones for spring or fall.

6. Hack the Packing Process

Get smart about how you pack your items. Put small pieces inside larger ones. Nest things together. Wrap string lights around cushions or use your linens and napkins to cushion fragile ornaments.

Alternatively, use specialty containers, such as ornament boxes with dividers, to prevent tangles and breakages. Store holiday dishware and platters vertically in a bin with cardboard dividers. An over-the-door organizer works perfectly for storing wrapping paper.

7. Label Everything

Even if you think you’ll remember where everything is next season, labeling is essential and will make swapping out items easier. It also helps maintain order and will show other family members where things are kept. 

8. Take Photos

Before you pack away the decor, take photos of it in storage. Print them out and pop them in the relevant bins. You will thank yourself for this extra step next year when you can’t remember how your beautiful setup was put together. It saves time and sanity.

9. Be Mindful About Adding to Your Inventory

You may have a cherished tradition of buying one new ornament each holiday or refreshing your festive table linens every year. These can be healthy, enjoyable traditions if you manage them well. However, be sure to limit your new purchases to meaningful things.

In 2024, 42% of Americans intended to spend more than $150 on Christmas decorations, but if you loved last year’s decor, do you really need more? If you do want to buy new, think about setting a sustainable habit of donating your now unwanted decor or only buying from thrift stores. You can save both money and space by being intentional about what you bring into your home.

10. Start Small

If creating a seasonal organization system feels overwhelming, start with one small area. This may feel especially essential if you are neurodivergent. “Break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks rather than attempting to take it all on at once,” advises Lisa. “The goal isn’t perfection, it is moving forward and making small achievements every day.”

Sleigh Your Seasonal Swapover

You can still enjoy the joy of seasonal decorating in a small space. By decluttering before you store, maximizing hidden spaces and packing cleverly, you can master the cyclical swap. These expert-approved secrets transform organization from a chore to a refreshing ritual, leaving you with more time and energy to enjoy what truly matters each year.

Evelyn Long is a recognized expert in organization and decluttering, dedicated to helping individuals create clutter-free homes and minds. She contributes her insights to publications such as the National Association of Realtors and Tidied by K, while also serving as the Editor-in-Chief of Renovated Magazine. Through her work, Evelyn inspires readers to embrace simplicity and efficiency in their everyday lives.