8 Things to Declutter Before the New Year

New Year’s is always an exciting time—it’s a fresh start in many ways for most of us, and it’s often an opportunity to kick off new goals, hobbies, and habits. But before we can turn over a new leaf, it’s always a good idea to shed some of the baggage weighing us down—and we don’t just mean the emotional kind. We mean the physical stuff, too. 

Decluttering your environment can have a profound effect on your psyche. It’s mentally preparing you to make space for new opportunities. “You’ll start the new year with a cleaner home, clearer mind, and a renewed sense of purpose,” says Shira Gill, professional organizer and author of LifeStyled. “Let go of what’s no longer serving you—and make room for what will.” Here, experts share eight things you should get rid of before the new year starts.

Expired Pantry Items

Pantries are notorious for holding onto expired foods! Now’s the time to check the dates on all your spices, oils, and snacks so you’re not reaching for anything past its prime in January. “Take a hard look at items you haven’t touched in months,” Gill advises. “If it’s stale, expired, or unlikely to be used, it’s time to toss.” 

Unsure of what to do with all that food? She recommends emptying contents into compost whenever possible, and rinsing containers clean and then recycling them. Consider donating non-expired items you won’t use to a local food pantry.

Sad Underwear

Yep, these have got to go before January 1st. “You know the ones: stretched-out elastic, worn-out fabric, or pairs that you’d be embarrassed for anyone to see,” Gill says. “Underwear is an everyday essential, and upgrading this small category can have a big impact on how you feel.” It’s not ideal to simply throw these out in the trash, so consider researching textile recycling facilities in your area to responsibly dispose of them.

Clothes That No Longer Fit

Don’t enter the new year with a closet that’s crammed with ill-fitting clothes—you should only have things that look and feel good on you! You may be tempted to sell gently worn pieces, but Jamie Hord, founder of Horderly Professional Organizing, cautions against that. “Consider dropping these off at donation rather than selling, if selling the item isn’t going to be worth your time and what you end up getting for it,” she says.

Unused Beauty Products

It’s very possible you have a stash of barely-touched beauty products that are just taking up a bunch of space in your bathroom. Part ways with these items so you’re only applying the freshest stuff on your skin in the new year. “If you haven’t reached for it in the past six months, it’s time to let it go,” Gill says. She recommends checking if the product packaging can be recycled through programs like Terracycle. 

Specialty Kitchen Gadgets

Toss any niche kitchen tools and entertaining dishes that weren’t used this year, Hord says. “If those ‘once-a-year’ items aren’t even getting used once a year, then it’s not worth taking up valuable space in your kitchen,” she adds. Consider regifting for the holiday to someone who might use these items more regularly. Your unused garlic press could be gold for the avid cook in your life!

Mystery Items

“We all have those objects lying around: random cords, unidentifiable tools, or parts to something long forgotten,” Gill says. “If you don’t know what it is, where it came from, or what it’s for, chances are you don’t need it.” She adds that if you’re trying to unload tech items like electronics or cables, you should check your local recycling programs or drop-off centers to dispose of them safely. (You really shouldn’t just throw electronics in the trash.)

Old Summer Gear 

Your brain might be in full-on holiday mode right now, but you should turn some of your attention to any lingering summer items before they become next year’s problem. “Summer was a whirlwind of play, but now you have a garage full of overused, dirty, broken toys,” Hord says. “Time to toss or donate them to make room for your car to live in the garage again.” 

Gifts You Really Don’t Love

This one’s tough, but hanging onto a gift out of guilt serves no one, Gill wisely says. If it doesn’t fit your style, home, or life, consider re-gifting it to someone who will truly appreciate it or donating it to a local charity. She recommends searching for local donation centers, shelters, or community groups that accept gently used household items. “Letting go of an object doesn’t diminish its sentiment or the thought behind it,” Gill adds.