As winter approaches and temperatures drop, it's time to think about decluttering. This season brings out heavy coats, snow boots, winter skincare, and festive decorations—ideal opportunities for a good refresh. Take stock of what you cherish and what you're ready to let go of. Below are expert tips on what to declutter for a cozy winter.
Revamp Your Linen Closet
Stash away lightweight summer bedding and pull out your flannel sheets and extra blankets. Carol Appelbaum, founder of a Houston organizing service, suggests sorting linens during this transition. "Winter is perfect for donating gently used towels, sheets, and blankets that you no longer need," she explains. "Organize your closet so your favorite winter linens are easy to grab, making it simple to create a cozy bed on chilly nights."
Want a cozier bed during your decluttering? "While rotating linens, wash or fluff blankets in the dryer!" Appelbaum adds.
Assess Your Medicine Cabinet
Winter signals the start of cold and flu season. Appelbaum advises checking your medicine cabinet for expired items to ensure peace of mind as illness strikes. "Get rid of expired medications, cough syrups, and supplements. Then, take inventory of essential cold care items like pain relievers and decongestants and restock as needed," she suggests.
A well-stocked cabinet can prevent last-minute trips to the store when you're feeling under the weather. Prepare now so you're ready if illness hits!
Clear Out Holiday Decorations
Now is a great time to declutter holiday decor. Sort through your decorations and set aside any pieces you're ready to part with. If you're decluttering in December, Sarah Dunn from a local organizing business recommends donating items quickly. "Many nonprofits appreciate early donations so they can distribute them this season," she shares. Since January often sees a surge in donations, consider waiting until next November to donate your decluttered items, but do throw away any broken ornaments or lights.
Letting go of decorations you no longer love will free up space for what you cherish, making seasonal decorating a more enjoyable task.
Reorganize Your Coat Closet
As the weather changes, your entryway may need some attention. Take time to go through your winter outerwear. "Consider donating coats, scarves, or sweaters that you don't wear or that don't fit," says Aaron Traub, owner of a New Orleans organizing service. "Decluttering makes it easier to grab your go-to pieces on cold mornings without wading through unwanted items."
Dunn also suggests checking your children's snow gear, as they outgrow it quickly. "Most kids need new winter gear every one to two years, so donate or sell what no longer fits to make room for new purchases," she adds.
Streamline Your Pantry
Cozying up with a warm bowl of soup and fresh bread is a seasonal delight. An organized pantry simplifies meal prep and holiday hosting. "Check for expired items or food you won't use to clear space for baking essentials and staples," Traub notes. "A quick refresh can save you time and stress during busy months ahead."
As you go through your pantry, toss out expired items and set aside food for donation. "The holiday season is perfect for donating non-perishables to local food banks," Appelbaum points out. When restocking, categorize items for easy access. An organized pantry feels rewarding!
Sort Through Toys and Games
As the holidays approach, decluttering toys and games is wise. Traub suggests preparing for an influx of gifts by clearing out broken items, missing pieces, or toys your children have outgrown. "This creates room for new gifts and keeps things from becoming overwhelming after the holidays," he explains.
Just as adults can feel bogged down by clutter, kids can too. Keep the toys that bring joy. If you're unsure about a toy, put it in a bin for a month. If it gets asked about, it's worth keeping; if not, it's likely time to donate.
