Halloween can be a wonderfully imaginative time of year, full of costumes, laughter, and seasonal creativity, but it can also bring its fair share of chaos. Between the decorations, sweet wrappers, and costume accessories, it’s easy for the excitement to spill into overwhelm.
This year, let’s do Halloween differently. Let’s declutter, organise and simplify so you can enjoy every magical moment – without the stress.
Start with a Little Preparation
Just like with any area of your home, a calm Halloween starts with planning. Before the decorations or costumes come out, take ten minutes to think about what you already have.
Pull out your décor boxes and check:
- What still works or what do you still like?
- What can be reused or repurposed?
- What’s broken, outdated, or better donated?
Choosing reusable, well-loved decorations over disposable ones not only saves space but also creates tradition – the kind of memories children look forward to year after year.
If you’re starting fresh, stores such as Søstrene Grene offer beautiful, sustainable options that can be reused season after season.
Hosting a Halloween Party?
If you’re opening your home to friends or neighbours this year, remember that a little organisation beforehand makes all the difference. Hosting should feel enjoyable, not exhausting.
- Declutter before you decorate – clear surfaces so the fun elements stand out.
- Create zones – one for food, one for crafts or games, and one for quiet conversation.
- Keep décor simple and cohesive – a colour palette of two or three tones looks stylish and avoids visual clutter.
- Plan easy food – tray bakes, slow-cooker soups, or pre-portioned snacks save stress on the day.
- Prepare your playlist, plates, and napkins in advance so you can relax and be present.
If children are involved, a small “spooky snack station” with healthy and sweet treats can make things feel special while remaining organised.
Once the last guest has gone, spend ten minutes restoring calm – sweep floors, empty bins, and return items to their storage boxes. You’ll wake up to a fresh, tidy home instead of post-party clutter.
Create a Calm Craft Zone
With schools closed for the mid-term break, Halloween week can feel long and busy. A dedicated craft area helps channel energy into creativity and keeps the rest of your home peaceful.
Choose a table or corner that’s easy to supervise. Cover it with a wipeable cloth and gather your supplies: coloured paper, glue, paint, scissors, markers, stickers, and seasonal extras like googly eyes or pumpkin stencils.
Use baskets, jars or trays to keep everything contained, and label each one so children can find and return items easily.
Crafting teaches creativity, patience, and the habit of tidying up – lessons that carry far beyond Halloween.
Mid-Term Break Moments – Calm, Creative Ideas for Kids
Halloween coincides with the school mid-term break, so it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy simple, creative activities that keep children busy and connected without chaos.
Here are some easy, screen-free ideas for the week ahead:
Nature Treasure Hunt – collect autumn leaves, conkers and pinecones to create natural decorations.
Pumpkin Painting – less mess than carving and lasts longer too.
Halloween Story Time – swap scary tales for funny ones; make it a nightly family ritual.
Mini Home Cinema – a blanket fort, popcorn and a family-friendly film.
Organising Together – let children help tidy or label their costume box or toy area. Turning organisation into play teaches lifelong skills gently and positively.
Keeping children engaged doesn’t have to mean constant entertainment – it’s about providing small, thoughtful moments of calm creativity throughout the week.
Set Up a Simple Treat Station
- Whether you’re hosting friends or greeting trick-or-treaters, a small, organised treat station near the front door helps you stay calm when things get busy.
- Choose one surface – a small console, basket, or tray – and keep all sweets and supplies there. Separate them by type (chocolate, sweets, or allergy-friendly) and clearly label each bowl or container.
- Keep refill bags stored underneath or in a nearby drawer so you can replenish easily.
- A small decorative touch – a candle, mini pumpkin, or simple garland – adds atmosphere without clutter.
- When the evening ends, everything’s in one place for a quick tidy-up.
Don’t Forget On-the-Go Organisation
If you’re heading out for trick-or-treating or Halloween events, prepare a car kit for the night:
- Reusable bags or buckets for treats
- A few wipes, tissues, and hand sanitiser
- Spare costume pieces (masks, hats, accessories)
- A small torch or glow sticks
- Reusable water bottles
Keeping these in a small basket or storage box makes the evening smoother – no frantic last-minute searches or sticky car seats to clean later.
Store Thoughtfully Afterwards
When the fun is over, take a few extra minutes to tidy before packing everything away.
- Check decorations for damage and store similar items together in labelled boxes.
- Keep costumes folded neatly in breathable bags or containers – and if your children have outgrown theirs, consider donating them to schools, crèches or community groups.
- Take photos of your storage solutions and decorations before packing up – they’ll serve as easy visual reminders for next year.
A Calmer Kind of Celebration
Halloween doesn’t have to mean chaos. With a little thought and structure, it can be full of creativity, laughter and the kind of good memories that come from being present – not pressured.
When you declutter, organise and simplify, you’re not just keeping your home in order; you’re setting the tone for how you and your family experience life’s special moments.
This Halloween, create calm first – and let the magic unfold naturally.
Download Your Free Resource – Your Ultimate Halloween Checklist is the perfect companion to this guide — a step-by-step resource covering everything from preparation to storage, helping you stay calm, clutter-free and in control.
Thanks to Jenny Douglas, Founder of A Good Moment Company for sharing her wonderful tips for Halloween. You discover more about Jenny HERE and explore her website and services HERE
