Before you lock the doors and jet off on your next vacation, take a moment to declutter your home. You might be thinking, “Why would I clean when I’m about to leave?” But hear us out: coming home to a fresh, tidy space is one of the best post-vacation gifts you can give yourself. Not to mention, traveling offers the perfect excuse to toss, donate, and tidy things up. Here’s your pre-vacation decluttering checklist — what to toss, what to donate, and what to deal with before you pack your bags.
If you are new to the blog, welcome! I blog about cleaning, decluttering, and organizing. You can find my free printables to help you get organized in the drop down menu under the Printables category.
Also, check out this post on Decluttering the Car for Road Trips. You can get my Printable Trip Planner Page here.
Also, you can get the complete digital printable copy of the Year Long Thorough Declutter Series Calendar and Checklists here. The printable digital download is delivered to your email. It includes 25 pages of printable calendar pages and declutter checklists like the one below to help you declutter every room in your home.
You can find my Free Printable Home Maintenance Record here.
Also, check out this post on Pest-Proofing Your Home for Summer.
Pre-Vacation Decluttering: What to Toss Before You Travel
1. Perishable Food That Will Expire While You’re Gone
Check your fridge and pantry for anything that will go bad while you’re away. Also, look for anything that will attract ants or rodents. No one wants to come home to the smell of spoiled milk or wilted lettuce. This decluttering task is essential. If you can only manage one task on this list before you go, make sure to tackle food and then take out the trash.
Toss:
- Leftovers you won’t finish before you leave
- Produce that’s already on its last leg
- Dairy, meat, or eggs expiring soon
Pro Tip: Consider dropping off unopened, non-expired food items to a local food bank if you know you won’t use them in time.
2. Old Travel Toiletries
Going through your travel bag? It’s probably full of nearly empty bottles, dried-up toothpaste, or expired sunscreen.
Toss:
- Leaky containers
- Expired medications and SPF products
- Hotel freebies you never use
Keep only what’s in good condition, and refill reusable containers with fresh products.
3. Expired Medications and Supplements
Speaking of expiration dates, go through your medicine cabinet while you’re already tossing expired items.
Toss:
- Expired cold medicine
- Outdated vitamins
- Prescription meds that are no longer in use
Most pharmacies have a drug take-back program, so dispose responsibly.
4. Mail and Paper Clutter
You don’t want to return home to a counter buried in junk mail and random paperwork.
Toss:
- Flyers, catalogs, expired coupons
- Old receipts you don’t need
- Shred sensitive documents you no longer need
Bonus Tip: Place a “hold mail” request with your post office to keep things even more streamlined.
5. Clothes You Haven’t Worn in Months
Packing for a trip is the perfect time to take inventory of your wardrobe. If you’re skipping over items again and again, it’s time to let them go.
Donate or Toss:
- Anything that doesn’t fit
- Items that are damaged beyond repair
- Outdated trends you’ll never wear again
Create space in your closet and make room for any souvenirs you might bring back!
6. Empty or Dried-Up Cleaning Supplies
Weirdly enough, cleaning supplies can be clutter too. Check under the sink or in your cleaning caddy.
Toss:
- Empty spray bottles
- Dried-up sponges and scrub brushes
- Half-used cleaners you no longer use or like the scent of
Restock the basics so your home is ready to go when you return.
7. Old Magazines, Newspapers, and Catalogs
If you’re saving magazines or catalogs with the idea that you’ll get around to them “someday,” now’s your chance to let go.
Toss or Recycle:
- Anything over a month old
- Papers you’ve already read or skimmed
- Travel brochures you no longer need
Free up space on your coffee table or reading nook.
8. Random Items in the Junk Drawer
Open that dreaded drawer (we all have one) and give it a 10-minute declutter session.
Toss:
- Dead batteries
- Dried-up pens
- Mismatched screws or mystery keys
You’ll feel so much better knowing it’s not full of junk when you return.
9. Beauty Products That Have Seen Better Days
Your makeup bag and bathroom counter are likely harboring expired products.
Toss:
- Old mascara (especially if it’s over 3 months old)
- Expired skincare
- Dried nail polish or used-up lotions
Travel Tip: If you’re packing beauty products, keep it minimal and only bring what you know you’ll use.
10. Pet Supplies That Are No Longer Needed
If you have pets, go through their stash, too.
Toss or Donate:
- Toys that are torn or dirty
- Expired treats
- Old leashes or collars you no longer use
If your pet will be staying home with a sitter, it’s also a good time to tidy their space.
11. Unsent Returns and Forgotten Packages
Do you have online purchases sitting by the door, waiting to be returned?
Before you go:
- Return or exchange items before the return window closes
- Unbox any deliveries and recycle the packaging
- Donate impulse buys you won’t use
Clearing these up saves you stress when you return.
12. Digital Clutter
Digital chaos can be just as stressful as physical mess.
Declutter:
- Delete unused apps
- Clear out your photo roll or back up photos to the cloud
- Organize your inbox with folders or labels
Travel is the perfect excuse to have your phone in top shape — especially for capturing memories!
Bonus: Pack with Purpose
Once you’ve decluttered, packing becomes easier. You’re not digging through cluttered drawers or messy closets to find what you need.
Try this:
- Lay everything out and pack only what’s essential
- Use packing cubes or a capsule wardrobe approach
- Leave space in your luggage for items you might bring home
Why Pre-Vacation Decluttering Is Worth It
- You come home to peace. A clean home helps extend that vacation relaxation.
- You prevent waste. No spoiled food or expired items waiting for you.
- You feel more organized. Less clutter = less stress, even post-vacation.
Vacations are a time to recharge — and there’s nothing better than returning to a fresh, clutter-free space. With just a little effort before you go, you can ensure your home feels like a mini-vacation too. So before you grab your suitcase and head out the door, take 30 minutes to clear the clutter. Future you will thank you.
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