it’s late November, and I’m standing in the middle of my living room, completely overwhelmed. Everywhere I look, there are piles of…well, stuff. Some of it I recognize—like the random papers that seem to multiply like rabbits on every available surface. But then there are those mystery items: games my kids haven’t touched in months, old clothes we no longer wear, and kitchen gadgets I honestly forgot we even owned. My closets are full, my drawers are crammed, and my mind is racing. I know the holidays are coming, which means new gifts, decorations, and probably some relatives arriving soon too. And all I can think is, how on earth will I handle even one more item coming into this cluttered mess?
Does that sound familiar? That moment when you realize you’re already at your limit, yet a whole season of “more stuff” is just around the corner? This was me 5 years ago, my home was a cluttered mess and I knew I needed to start decluttering, but I felt completely stuck. And that’s when I came up with a plan: a simple declutter your home checklist to help me get organized, starting with the areas that cause me the most stress.
So, if you’re feeling anything like I was, I’ve got your back. Grab a cup of coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s tackle 30 things you can declutter right now to give your home some breathing room before the holidays. This isn’t just any holiday cleaning session—it’s a way to feel a little more at peace in your space, even if it’s packed with the chaos of family, friends, and all the festive excitement.
Ready to start? Here’s your guide on how to declutter efficiently and keep it low-stress!
The 30 Things to Declutter Before the Holidays
1. Expired Food in Your Pantry and Fridge
Start by tossing anything past its prime. Tis the season to eat yummy foods, so let’s get rid of any foods/sauces/bottles/jars that are past their prime! This way, you will make room for yummy holiday goodies and avoid unpleasant smells in the fridge.
2. Duplicate Kitchen Utensils
Head to the utensil drawer or jar and get rid of duplicate kitchen utensils you never use. I have several spatulas that I do use, so don’t get rid of things you actually use!
3. Old Cleaning Supplies
Clear out half-used or dried-up cleaning products and consolidate where you can. A tidy supply area will definitely make holiday cleaning much easier. Don’t forget to check your cleaning caddy too, and clear out any empty bottles.
4. Mismatched Tupperware
This will save your sanity as we get closer to the holidays! How many times have you gotten tupperware out of the cabinet only to find out you don’t have the matching lid! Doing this will make sure you are only keeping containers with lids and sizes you actually use.
5. Unused Small Appliances
Let’s get rid of that bread maker you swore you’d use every weekend, but now it’s sitting taking up space in your cupboard! Get rid of any appliances that are gathering dust, and make space for new things you might actually use! If that bread maker (or waffle iron, or juicer!) is just taking up space, it’s time to let it go. No guilt needed—just more room for things you actually use!”
6. Old Towels and Linens
Sort through your towels and sheets in that linen closet, keeping only those that are in good condition. Get rid of the ones that are really badly stained, or way past their prime!
7. Outdated or Broken Electronics
Go through your electronics, like old phones, outdated tablets, chargers that no longer fit anything, and the mysterious tangle of cords you’ve held onto ‘just in case.’ We all have that drawer (or box!) filled with tech relics from another era. Recycle anything broken or obsolete, and only keep what’s truly useful.
8. Unnecessary Papers
From mail to old bills, start decluttering your paperwork by shredding what you no longer need. Those stacks of old statements, takeout menus, and warranties from long-gone appliances are just taking up valuable space. Keep only the essentials, like important tax documents or warranties you might actually use
9. Books You Won’t Read Again
Go through your kids books, get rid of any ripped books, and keep their favorites. Donate any books they have moved on from to your local library!
10. Outgrown or Damaged Kids’ Toys
With the holidays around the corner, remember that your kids will soon have new toys to add to the mix. Take this chance to go through their current collection and clear out anything that’s broken, toys they have outgrown, or simply neglected. I actually do this minimum a couple of times per year, it helps to keep toy clutter at bay!
11. Old Makeup and Toiletries
Makeup and skincare products have expiration dates, and using them past their prime can be bad for your skin. Declutter your bathroom by tossing anything old, dried out, or forgotten in the back of a drawer. That half-used bottle of face serum you swore you’d finish? If it’s expired, let it go.
12. Expired Medications
Do the same for your medications, Get rid of any expired medications, and check for empty medicine bottles while you’re at it. You’d be surprised how many expired medications you will find.
13. Unused Holiday Decor Items
As you dig through your holiday decor boxes, take a closer look at each item. If you find decorations that no longer bring you joy or suit your style, set them aside for donation. Let them go to a good home where they will be appreciated, plus, letting go of these items frees up valuable space for the decorations you truly love.”
14. Broken or Outgrown Shoes
Take a good look at your shoe collection: if a pair is too small, worn out, or simply not your style anymore, it’s time to let them go. Those shoes that pinch your toes or don’t match anything in your closet? They’re only taking up space and gathering dust. Decluttering your shoe rack means keeping only the pairs you genuinely love and wear, and making roon for some new shoes……
15. Unused Gift Wrap Supplies
Sort through your gift wrap collection, discarding any torn, wrinkled, or faded paper. Keep only what’s in good condition and that you’ll actually use. Gift wrapping is much easier when you’re not using gift wrap that’s torn and used!
16. Expired or Duplicated Spices
Check your spice cabinet and toss anything expired or duplicate. Only keep the spices you use, and the ones that are up to date.
17. Excess Coffee Mugs
Take a look at your coffee mug collection—do you really need that many? We all tend to collect mugs from vacations, gifts, or impulse buys, but too many can clutter up any cupboard. Keep only the ones you truly love or use regularly, and consider donating the rest. Letting go of the extras frees up room and makes your favorite mugs easy to reach.
18. Outdated Cookbooks or Magazines
If it’s been years since you looked through them, pass them along or recycle. Plus, you can probably find most of them online these days!
19. Old Holiday Decorations
Sort through your holiday decor—over time, the items you loved a few years back might not hold the same appeal. Keep only the decorations that truly bring you joy or hold special meaning. I’ve noticed, especially after a few Hobby Lobby sales, that some of my past purchases don’t spark the excitement after a few years of having them. Letting go of those pieces creates space for the decorations that genuinely make the season feel magical.
20. Unused Craft Supplies
Donate supplies you’re not using to make room for other essentials.
21. Expired Coupons and Gift Cards
Take a moment to go through your wallet and kitchen drawers. Toss anything that’s expired.
22. Old Bedding and Pillows
Donate gently used bedding and recycle pillows that are no longer comfortable.
23. Unused Exercise Equipment
If it’s been sitting untouched, it’s time to reclaim the space.
24. Duplicate Tools
Go through your tools and keep only what you actually need.
25. Stained or Torn Clothing
As you declutter your closet, get rid of anything that’s beyond repair.
26. Single Socks and Old Underwear
Free up some drawer space by decluttering those lonely socks and any worn-out underwear.
27. Excess Blankets
Decide on a reasonable number of blankets to keep and donate the rest.
28. Old Batteries and Light Bulbs
Properly recycle any expired or broken batteries and bulbs.
29. Unused Board Games or Puzzles
If they haven’t been used in years, pass them along to someone who’ll enjoy them.
30. Cluttered Surfaces
Start by clearing counters, nightstands, and other surfaces. This small step makes a big difference!
Final Thoughts:
Decluttering before the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful. Use this declutter your home checklist to tackle the areas that feel the most chaotic, and take it one step at a time. When you start decluttering early, you’re setting yourself up for a more peaceful holiday season, with more room for joy and less space for stress. So grab this list, carve out a little time, and let’s get your home holiday-ready, one small step at a time!
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