Declutter During Winter

As the Winter season approaches, many people begin to think about decluttering their homes. Decluttering can be a great way to simplify your life, reduce stress, and create a more organized living space.

While it can be overwhelming to think about where to start, there are some key areas of the home that are especially important to focus on during the fall season.

One of the first areas to declutter during the winter is the kitchen. With the cold season approaching, it’s important to have a clean and organized kitchen for cooking and entertaining.

This might include going through your pantry and fridge to get rid of expired items, organizing your spices and condiments, and clearing out any clutter on your countertops. Another important area to focus on during the winter is your closet. As the weather changes, it’s a good time to go through your clothes and get rid of any items that no longer fit or that you haven’t worn in a while.

10 Things To Declutter During Winter

By decluttering your home during the winter season, you can create a more peaceful and organized living space. Whether you’re looking to simplify your life or just want to get rid of some excess stuff, there are many benefits to decluttering.

With a little bit of effort and focus, you can create a home that feels clean, organized, and stress-free.

1) Declutter unused Summer Decorations

As the fall comes to an end, it’s time to start thinking about decluttering your home. One of the first things to consider is unused summer and fall decorations. These can include items such as beach towels, pool toys, and outdoor furniture.

It’s important to take stock of what you have and decide what you want to keep for next year. If you haven’t used an item in several summers, it’s probably time to let it go. Consider donating items that are still in good condition or throwing away items that are no longer usable.

By decluttering your unused summer decorations, you can free up space in your home and make room for more seasonally appropriate items. Plus, you’ll feel more organized and less stressed with a clutter-free home.

2) Expired pantry items

Winter is the perfect time to declutter the pantry and get rid of any expired items. Spices are a common culprit of clutter in the pantry, and it’s important to check the expiration dates to ensure they are still fresh and flavorful. Spices do expire! Therefore, it’s best to toss any spices that have expired or have been sitting in the pantry for too long.

In addition to spices, it’s also a good idea to check for expired canned goods, baking supplies, and snacks. Expired items not only take up valuable space in the pantry but can also be a health hazard if consumed.

Taking the time to declutter the pantry and get rid of expired items will not only make room for new items but also ensure that the pantry is stocked with fresh and safe ingredients.

3) Unused Kitchen Gadgets

Winter is the perfect time to declutter the kitchen and get rid of unused gadgets. Many people accumulate kitchen gadgets that they rarely use, taking up valuable counter and storage space. To declutter, start by taking an inventory of all the gadgets and appliances in the kitchen. Identify the ones that haven’t been used in the past year and consider donating or selling them.

It’s important to be honest about what you really need in the kitchen. While some gadgets may seem useful, they may not be necessary for everyday cooking.

For example, a bread maker may be great for making homemade bread, but if it’s only used once a year, it may not be worth the counter space it takes up.

By decluttering unused kitchen gadgets, you’ll free up space in the kitchen and make it easier to find and use the tools you actually need. Plus, donating or selling unused items can benefit others who may be in need of kitchen gadgets.

4) Outdated electronics

Winter is the perfect time to declutter old and outdated electronics. When it comes to decluttering electronics, it’s important to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Consider donating or selling electronics that are still in good condition, and recycle those that are beyond repair.

Old cell phones, chargers, and cables can take up valuable space. Consider recycling them properly.

Many electronics stores, such as Best Buy, offer recycling programs for old electronics.

It’s important to dispose of electronics responsibly, as they can contain hazardous materials. By decluttering outdated electronics, you can free up space and help the environment at the same time.

5) Worn-out clothes

Winter is the perfect time to declutter your wardrobe, and one of the best places to start is with your worn-out clothes. It’s easy to hold onto items that are past their prime, but doing so only takes up valuable space in your closet.

When decluttering your clothes, be honest with yourself about what you wear and what you don’t. If you haven’t worn an item in over a year, it’s time to let it go. This includes clothes that are stained, ripped, or no longer fit properly.

Consider donating gently used items to a local charity or thrift store, or recycle old clothes that are beyond repair. By decluttering your wardrobe, you’ll be able to make room for new fall clothes and feel more organized overall.

6) Furniture

Winter is the perfect time to declutter broken furniture. Old, damaged furniture takes up valuable space and can be a safety hazard. If the piece is beyond repair, it’s time to let it go. Consider if it’s worth the time and money to fix it. If not, it’s best to donate or sell it.

When decluttering broken furniture, be sure to properly dispose of it. Many cities have special bulk trash pickup days or recycling centers that accept furniture. Don’t leave it on the curb, as it can be a safety hazard and may result in a fine.

Decluttering broken furniture not only frees up space, but it can also improve the overall look and feel of a room. It’s a simple task that can make a big impact.

7) Old Makeup

Winter is the perfect time to declutter old makeup items. Old makeup can harbor bacteria, which can lead to skin infections and breakouts. It is recommended to replace mascara every three months, liquid foundation every six months, and lipstick every year.

To declutter old makeup, start by checking the expiration dates on each item. If it has expired, throw it away. If it is still within its shelf life, but you haven’t used it in a while, consider donating it to a women’s shelter or throwing it away.

When decluttering makeup, it’s also a good time to clean your makeup brushes and sponges. These items can harbor bacteria and oil buildup, which can cause breakouts.

Clean them with a gentle soap and warm water, and let them air dry completely before using them again.

By decluttering old makeup, you can keep your skin healthy and your makeup collection organized.

8) Expired Medications

One of the essential things to declutter during winter is expired medications. Expired medications can be harmful and may not work as intended.

It’s essential to check the expiration dates of all medications, including over-the-counter medicines, prescription drugs, and vitamins.

9) Unused Workout Equipment

Winter is the perfect time to declutter unused workout equipment. Many people buy exercise equipment with the best intentions, but end up not using it. Unused workout equipment takes up valuable space and can be a source of guilt.

When decluttering workout equipment, consider donating or selling items that are still in good condition. Broken or outdated equipment should be disposed of properly.

Exercise equipment that is no longer being used can be repurposed or recycled.

By decluttering unused workout equipment, individuals can create more space and reduce clutter in their homes. It can also provide an opportunity for others to benefit from the equipment that is no longer being used.

10) Excess linens

Fall is the perfect time to declutter and organize the linen closet. Sheets, towels, and blankets can take up a lot of space, and it’s easy to accumulate more than you need. Start by pulling out all of the linens and sorting them into piles based on their condition. Donate or recycle any items that are stained, torn, or no longer in use.

Consider limiting yourself to two sets of sheets per bed and two towels per person. This will free up space in the linen closet and make laundry day a breeze. Store linens in a cool, dry place, but avoid storing them in plastic bags as this can trap moisture and lead to mildew.

By decluttering and organizing excess linens, you can create a more functional and streamlined linen closet that will make your life easier in the long run.

Benefits of Decluttering During Winter

Decluttering in the winter helps you create a calm, cozy home when you’re spending more time indoors. Clearing out extra stuff instantly makes your space feel lighter and more comfortable.

When your home feels open and organized, it’s easier to relax, enjoy quiet evenings by the fire, or curl up with a good book. You’ll spend less time cleaning and more time soaking up the season’s slower pace.

Winter decluttering also sets you up for a fresh start in the new year. When you let go of what you no longer need, you create room — both physically and mentally — for new goals and experiences.

You’ll head into the new year with clarity and focus instead of clutter and stress. Plus, donating warm clothes, extra blankets, or household items during the colder months can help others in need, making your efforts even more meaningful.

READ: 100 THINGS TO DECLUTTER IN THE NEW YEAR