The holiday season is full of joy, gatherings, and—let’s be honest—a little bit of chaos. With decorations coming out of storage, gifts piling up, and visitors dropping by, Christmas is the perfect time to give your home a reset. Decluttering before the holidays not only frees up space but also makes your home feel calmer, lighter, and ready for celebration. Here are 30 things you can declutter before Christmas to make the season more joyful and less stressful.
Also, check out my post on The Ultimate Christmas Decluttering Checklist here.
Short on time? Check out my 7 Day Christmas Declutter Challenge here.
Also, check out this post on the Top 10 Areas To Declutter Before The Holidays.
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, 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 linked above to help you declutter every room in your home.
30 Things to Declutter Before Christmas
1. Old Holiday Décor
If the lights are broken, ornaments are chipped, or you haven’t used them in years, let them go.
2. Worn-Out Gift Wrap
Recycle wrinkled wrapping paper, empty tape rolls, or tangled ribbons.
3. Expired Pantry Items
Make space for holiday baking by tossing anything past its prime.
4. Extra Coffee Mugs
Keep your favorites, donate the rest—especially the ones collecting dust.
5. Unused Cookware
If that specialty gadget hasn’t been used in two Christmases, it’s time to donate.
6. Leftover Candles
Get rid of half-burnt candles that don’t smell good anymore.
7. Outgrown Kids’ Clothes
Donate or store clothes that don’t fit—especially before new holiday outfits arrive.
8. Shoes You Don’t Wear
Clear the entryway so guests aren’t tripping over piles of shoes.
9. Excess Coats & Scarves
Perfect to donate before cold weather really sets in.
10. Old Towels
Make space for fresh linens (or guests!) by letting go of the ragged ones.
11. Bedding You Don’t Use
Free up closet space by donating extra sets.
12. Expired Medicine
Check your cabinets and responsibly dispose of anything outdated.
13. Toiletries
Travel-size bottles, nearly empty shampoo, or lotions you don’t like—time to clear out.
14. Old Makeup
If it’s expired or untouched in a year, toss it.
15. Paper Clutter
Recycle catalogs, expired coupons, and random stacks of mail.
16. Greeting Cards
Keep only the sentimental ones, recycle the rest.
17. Old Electronics
Donate or recycle gadgets you no longer use.
18. Chargers & Cables
If you don’t know what they belong to, you won’t miss them.
19. DVDs & CDs
If you stream everything now, donate the physical copies.
20. Books You Won’t Reread
Free up shelf space for new reads (or decorations).
21. Toys with Missing Pieces
Games missing half the cards? Out they go.
22. Duplicates
Extra scissors, spatulas, or notebooks? Pare them down.
23. Seasonal Clothes You Don’t Wear
If last winter’s sweaters stayed in the closet, donate them.
24. Bags & Purses
Keep the ones you actually use, donate the rest.
25. Old Calendars & Planners
Out with the old, ready for the new year.
26. Broken Ornaments
If you meant to fix them and didn’t, let them go.
27. Kitchen Junk Drawer
Clear out expired batteries, random screws, and mystery keys.
28. Old Receipts
Shred what you don’t need for records or returns.
29. Random Décor
If you don’t love it, don’t store it for another year.
30. Extra Glassware
Donate those wine glasses you never use and free up space for festive cheer.
✨ Pro Tip: Make this a family activity. Set a timer, choose one category at a time, and reward yourselves with a cozy Christmas movie when you’re done.
Decluttering now means less stress, more space for holiday magic, and a home that feels truly welcoming.
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