13 Things Organizers Say You Should Toss in November

If your pantry has become a bit of a black hole, use the time before the holidays to clear it out. "This makes room for seasonal staples you don’t buy year-round, like canned goods, baking supplies, crackers, and entertaining extras," says Bergman. It'll also ensure you don't use any past-prime goods in your holiday spread.

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Your friends and family deserve a calm, inviting guest room—not one filled with random stuff. "The guest room tends to become a catch-all, so only keep what is used or needed," says Hoepner. "Many people tend to hang on to items 'just in case,' but if an item hasn't been used for a year, it can safely go." If something belongs in another room, take a minute to return it there now.

You'll especially want to tackle this category if your little ones are likely to get a bunch of new toys during the holidays. "The goal should be to let go of about 25% to 50% of their existing toys to make space for the items coming in December," says Matt Paxton, author of Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff and host of Discovery's Filthy Fortunes. "If you can get them to donate the old toys, even better." It teaches them both organizational and charitable skills.

If you're skipping your great-grandmother’s fine china yet again this holiday season, it might be time to let it go. "If you don't like it, ask people to take it home with them," says Paxton. "Let your family know if they would like a setting, they can take it with them, and if they don't want it, you will be donating it." We guarantee your deceased relatives won't mind one bit.

A lot of fall decorations lose their charm once Thanksgiving rolls around. "You can throw away decor that's starting to wilt, like faded wreaths, floral stems, small pumpkins, or half-used pumpkin spice candles that have lost their scent," says Olivia Parks, owner and lead organizer of Nola Organizers in New Orleans. "Tossing them will give you a clean reset for holiday hosting."

'Tis the season for festive attire—and for skipping that itchy sequin dress for the fifth year in a row. Professional organizers suggest clearing out your closet now. "That makes it much easier to see what you'll actually reach for this holiday season," says Parks. "Plus, you'll likely be getting new items to add to your closet after the holidays from gifts or holiday shopping." Now, you'll have lots of space for them.

Clear out your fridge just like your pantry. "The holidays are the time when your fridge and freezer need to do the most for you, so it helps to have as much usable space as possible," says Allison Flanders, founder of ORG NYC. "Clearing out old jars really does free up space for what matters: leftovers!" If something’s expired, has been open too long, or just looks plain old gross, it’s time to toss it.

You probably have your everyday makeup products, and then a stash of sparkly palettes and bold lipsticks that, let's be honest, never see the light of day. "Our sense is that clients rarely actually use these," says Flanders. "If you don’t plan to put on bright orange eyeshadow this Thanksgiving, it may be time to part with that."

After Thanksgiving passes, it's time to bring out your winter decor—and note what doesn't make the cut. "After you decorate, take a look at the decorations you chose not to use," says Allison Flinn, founder of Reclaim, a full-service professional organizing company in Raleigh, NC. "If you don't see yourself using them again, it's time to donate them."

The holidays often bring out our sentimental side, making them a great time to go through personal letters, photos, and mementos. Paxton recommends letting go of anything connected to people or chapters you’ve moved on from.

"You are in charge of what items in your home are allowed to stay," he says. “It’s okay if something once served you, and it’s okay if it doesn’t anymore.” When you flip through your photo books next year, they'll be even more meaningful.

Again, you'll want as much space in the kitchen as possible for holiday hosting. "Get rid of extra or worn-out kitchen towels and potholders, coffee mugs, travel bottles, small appliances, and gadgets you don't use," says Hoepner. After all, no one needs three potato peelers!