The holidays are filled with twinkling lights, family gatherings, and cozy nights, but they can also be filled with just a bit of…chaos. Between school events, visiting relatives, shopping, decorating, cooking, and the general bustle of December, it’s easy for even the most prepared JSJ Builders homeowner to feel overloaded. JSJ homes are beautifully built for the holidays, as each floorplan offers flexible options for hosting and creating magical moments. 

To avoid any unwelcome chaos, your JSJ Builders team has created the 12 Days of Organizing guide just for you! Think of this as a friendly, festive roadmap to stay ahead of the stress while embracing the season’s simplicity and joy. These tasks are small, achievable, and can be spread out to reduce that feeling of being overwhelmed. And, because they’re tailored for our stunning JSJ communities across North Carolina, they are designed for real-life living. 

Day 1: Reset Your Entryway:

In JSJ homes, the entryway sets the tone! Whether you have a dedicated foyer, a drop zone, or a hallway bench, start organizing in the entryway. It’s a simple step to an instant sense of calm and organization!

• Add hooks or a coat rack for an easy spot to store guests’ jackets.
• Clear stray shoes out of the traffic zone for an easy declutter.
• Place a boot tray near your main entrance for visitors to shed wet shoes.
• Add a pretty basket for guests to drop their gloves (and to store any lost ones!).

Day 2: Declutter the Kitchen Counters:

The kitchen is the heart of every JSJ home, and you’ll be spending a lot of time here in the coming weeks. Decluttering your kitchen will magically make your entire home feel cleaner.

• Put away unused appliances to give yourself more counter space.
• Corral mail into a single basket to keep track of all those holiday greetings.
• Add a festive candle or a miniature tree to the kitchen for a little extra cheer.
• Define a “prep zone” for cooking marathons to allow helpers plenty of space without being in the way of the appliances.

Day 3: Organize the Fridge (Before the Feast!):

Your refrigerator is about to be filled with holiday goodies; make space for them now!

• Toss expired condiments that are currently wasting coveted shelf space.
• Wipe down each area to remove signs of any spills. 
• Create an empty space, in your refrigerator, large enough to hold party platters.
• Use plastic bins for kid-friendly snacks to keep them from rummaging later (and re-cluttering your hard work).

Day 4: Tidy the Guest Room (or Create One!):

Residents in JSJ communities often host friends and family during the holidays. Whether you have a dedicated guest suite or are transforming a flex room for visitors, guests will appreciate a few added touches to its organization and warmth.

• Add clean sheets and fluffy towels. Keep a spare set cleaned and ready in case a quick swap is needed. 
• Set out your home’s Wi-Fi information, a bottle of water for each guest, and a small basket of snacks.
• Add a candle or tiny wreath to your guest room for an extra touch of southern holiday charm.

Day 5: Make Space in the Pantry:

Soon you will be stocking up on flour, sugar, spices, snacks, and party foods. Organizing your pantry now will reduce stress later. 

• Group baking items on a single pantry shelf to make them easy to find while you’re at work. 
• Do the same with your holiday serving dishes, placing them within reach and grouped together. 
• Are you a giver? If delightful, homemade holiday treats are your favorite gift, create a bin specific to the project that includes packaging options.
• As you ready your pantry for the holidays, donate any unused items (that haven’t expired) to a local NC food pantry.

Day 6: Create a Gift-Wrapping Zone:

Instead of wrapping presents all over the house, designate a centralized spot such as a desk, corner of the bonus room, or even a rolling cart. Keep all your wrapping supplies in this spot to prevent late-night wrapping meltdowns. Stock it with:

• Scissors
• Tape (there is never enough!)
• Wrapping Paper
• Gift Bags
• Ribbon
• Tags

Day 7: Prep Your Living Spaces:

No matter which of JSJ’s spacious floorplans you’ve picked, the living room will likely be where everyone gathers. Make it even more welcoming by:

• Adding a basket of cozy blankets within arm’s reach of your seating areas. 
• Fluff all pillows regularly to keep the room looking fresh.
• Clearing tables of magazines and remotes to create space for drinks or snacks.
• Building a “kiddie basket” with quiet toys, crayons, or blocks to keep younger visitors occupied while the adults mingle.

Day 8: Bathroom Refresh Day:

Bathrooms do a bit of extra work during the holidays, and a quick spruce-up will keep things looking merry. 

• Clear clutter from countertops before giving them a good cleaning. 
• Add a stack of freshly washed hand towels so guests never have to dig for a way to dry their hands. 
• Stock toilet paper and tissues in a decorative basket, easily visible to guests.
• Just before guests arrive, light a subtle holiday candle in the bathroom.

Day 9: Declutter the Drop Zone or Laundry Room:

JSJ families often rely on drop zones, mudrooms, and laundry rooms as command centers. Refreshing these areas will keep your home running smoothly!

• Create areas specific to: backpacks, jackets, packages, and random holiday clutter.
• Add a bin for each family member to drop gloves, hats, or other small items in.
• Pre-label a large bin for “returns/exchanges” so they will be easy to find when the season is over.
• Clear a shelf and use it for gifts that will go on the road. This will help you avoid that last-minute dash around the house while hunting for a misplaced neighbor or friend’s gift. 

Day 10: Streamline Holiday Decor:

Instead of letting decorations take over your home, take an intentional approach to create a more curated home that also feels elegant. 

• Keep only the holiday decor that sparks joy or contributes to your desired theme.
• Either pack away or donate any extra items while you are in organization mode. There is no rule that says you have to display every single piece of decor!
• Label decoration bins by the room they apply to (living room, porch, tree decor, etc.) for more streamlined storage and decorating.
• Create a “Holiday Decor Toolbox” that includes all those things typically forgotten or lost: hooks, tape, and ornament hangers, etc.

Day 11: Plan Your Entertaining Zones:

Hosting this year? JSJ homes offer great spaces for flex dining, open concept living, and huge kitchen islands. Organize your entertainment zones now to avoid last-minute chaos. Pay attention to spots that may get crowded and place items strategically to draw guests away. Map out your party by station:

• Appetizers
• Drinks
• Kid-friendly Activities
• Coat Storage
• Pet Needs
• Conversation-friendly seating

Day 12: Create a “Holiday Survival Basket”:

The last step in your “12 Days of Organizing” will be the most fun. Why? It starts with a brainstorm: What are all of those missing items that made you frantic in previous years? Your future self will owe you a big thanks for filling a decorative, pretty basket with:

• Single-serving Snacks
• Holiday Chocolates
• Gift Tags
• Scissors
• Tape
• Batteries
• A Lint Roller
• A Phone Charger
• Extra Hand Towels
•  A Bottle of Bubbly (because you deserve it!)

The 12 Days of Organizing isn’t just about cleaning. It’s about making the most of your new home’s floorplan, reducing stress, and creating amazing memories with guests. It’s your personalized holiday prep plan!

JSJ homes are designed with thoughtful layouts, flexible floorplans, and smart spaces that make real-life living easier. From functional pantries to spacious primary suites and from cozy living rooms to multi-purpose bonus spaces, our homes are built to support the rhythms of family life, especially during the holidays.