Decluttering Essentials: Items to Purge This Season

1. Winter Clothing
Alyssa Gautieri
New sweaters and boots are always on my Christmas list, but I’m a big believer in the "one-in, one-out" rule. My plan is to purge winter clothing that no longer suits my style and boots I rarely wear, whether they’re uncomfortable, out of style, or scuffed up from previous winters. Donate anything in good condition to a local organization.
[RELATED: Here’s Where to Donate Clothes to Give Them a Second Life]

2. Holiday Decorations I’m Not Using This Year
Alyssa Gautieri
When I pulled out my holiday decorations this week, I was surprised to find items I totally forgot about. Anything that I’m not putting on display will get donated. Holiday decor can be donated to thrift stores, like Goodwill, or a local community center. Drop off decor ASAP, so someone else can use them this season!

3. Grocery Bags
Alyssa Gautieri
Well, this messy pile of reusable grocery and tote bags is embarrassing—and this wasn’t even my entire collection. I narrowed it down to 10 bags that I actually use. I threw out older bags and plan to donate the rest (I’ve heard many food banks and pantries accept new and gently used tote bags).

4. Bath Robes
Alyssa Gautieri
How many robes does one person need? The answer definitely isn’t four, so I tossed two of them. Hack: If your old robe is made from a towel-like material, you can shred it up into rags!

5. Half-Used Candles
Alyssa Gautieri
I’m giving myself until the end of the month to burn through these old candles—or they’re getting tossed! I always save my prettiest jars and repurpose them into vases or catchall dishes. Place the jar in a bath of very hot water until the leftover wax melts, then scoop it out with a spoon.
[RELATED: How to Remove Candle Wax From the Jar]

6. Chargers and Random Wires
Alyssa Gautieri
We all have a drawer filled with messy wires and cords, right? Make way for new items (holiday gifts!) in your cabinets by tossing random wires. I have tons of old phone chargers that aren’t compatible with my new phone.

7. Pens
Alyssa Gautieri
Colorful pens are my guilty pleasure, but this collection has gotten out of hand. Test every pen and toss any that no longer work. I had a few that were leaking ink, which is what really spurred this project.

8. Throw Blankets
Alyssa Gautieri
I keep spare throw blankets in my closet, but I need some of that real estate to stow away holiday gifts, so it was the perfect time to purge my least favorites. Remember: New or gently used throw blankets can be donated to local charities or animal shelters.

About the Author: Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends and shopping data, working with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.

Decluttering for the New Year: What to Purge This Winter

As the holiday season winds down and we transition into the new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what we have and what we truly need. Winter is a great season to declutter, especially as we gear up for the arrival of new winter items and gifts. Here’s a list of winter essentials that might be taking up unnecessary space in your home, all with the aim of promoting a cleaner, more organized life.

1. Winter Clothing

Alyssa Gautieri emphasizes the importance of keeping your wardrobe current. If you have sweaters and boots that no longer suit your style, it’s time to let them go. Purge any uncomfortable or scuffed footwear and donate anything in good condition to a local organization. Remember, for every new item you acquire, try to follow the "one-in, one-out" rule to keep your closet manageable.

[RELATED: Here’s Where to Donate Clothes to Give Them a Second Life]

2. Holiday Decorations Not in Use

After pulling out your holiday decorations, you may discover items you forgot about. Anything that doesn’t make it onto your display should be considered for donation. Local thrift stores and community centers often welcome holiday decor, and dropping them off early ensures they find new homes in time for the festivities.

3. Grocery Bags

That overflowing pile of reusable grocery bags can be overwhelming. By narrowing it down to essentials, you not only reduce clutter but also ensure that you only keep bags you actually use. Consider donating your extra bags—many food banks accept new and gently used tote bags which can help those in need.

4. Bath Robes

How many robes do you really need? If your collection has grown too large (four might be excessive!), it’s a good time to part with a few and keep only what you love. Additionally, consider repurposing worn-out towels into cleaning rags for a sustainable touch.

5. Half-Used Candles

Candles can accumulate quickly, especially when they are saved for a special occasion. Set a deadline to burn through your half-used candles, and if they’re not used by then, they can be tossed. You can even repurpose beautiful jars into vases or storage containers—just melt out the remaining wax for an easy clean.

[RELATED: How to Remove Candle Wax From the Jar]

6. Chargers and Random Wires

That chaotic drawer filled with tangled cords and chargers can be daunting. Make space for new items by discarding any cables you no longer use. Old chargers that are no longer compatible with your devices can take up valuable space—let them go!

7. Pens

If you’re a fan of colorful pens like Alyssa, you might find your collection has become unwieldy. Test every pen and toss the ones that no longer work. A simple pen test can help you declutter this small category of supplies, leaving you with a manageable set of writing tools.

8. Throw Blankets

Winter is the perfect time to snuggle up with your favorite throw blankets, but if you find you have too many, consider donating the ones you don’t use. Local charities and animal shelters often appreciate the donation of blankets—ensuring they’re used to keep someone or something warm this winter.

By making a conscious effort to declutter, you’ll not only alleviate the stress of overcrowded spaces but also create opportunities for giving back. Let this winter be about embracing simplicity, enjoying the items you truly love, and sharing with those in need. Happy decluttering!

Alyssa Gautieri, who leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy, reminds us that making space for the things we love not only improves our living environment but also helps others in our community.