11 Things to Throw out in March, According to Professional Organizers
Get a headstart on spring cleaning!
Spring is right around the corner, which means you're likely preparing to tackle your cleaning checklist for the season. From piles of clothes to unnecessary home items and leftover clutter from the holidays, there's a ton to sort through.
But before you get started, professional organizers say there are certain items that should be thrown out in March. "March has this sneaky way of arriving before you're ready—the weather can't make up its mind, the kids are suddenly knee-deep in practice schedules, and your home is still carrying all that winter weight," says Shira Gill. "This is the month to lighten the load. Intentionally, one category at a time. And as always: before anything hits the trash, do your best to rehome it."
Ready to get started? Here, Gill and Jennifer Du Bois of Home With Jen D share recommendations to make the decluttering process more manageable this month, so you can enjoy more space in your home.
Unwanted Winter Coats
It's time to check your closet for any coats you never wore during the winter. "If you reached past it every single time, it can go," Gill says. "Coat drives run through March, and shelters accept them year-round. One coat you actually love beats a pile cluttering up your entry."
RELATED: Here's Where to Donate Clothes to Give Them a Second Life
Old Sports Gear
Don't hang onto last year's sports gear if your kids have no use for them. "Cleats, shin guards, helmets—kids grow fast and spring sports have a way of making that obvious. Check sizing now, before you're scrambling the night before tryouts," Gill says.
She recommends donating gently used gear to local recreation leagues or Buy Nothing groups so another kid can use it for the season.
Vases
Chances are, you have way more vases than you actually need. Check those you received for special holidays and birthdays. "Take a good honest look at them and ask yourself, 'Which of these do I actually reach for?'" Du Bois says. "Select the ones you like enough to actually purchase from the store and get rid of the rest. The flowers were the gift—the vase was just the vessel they came in."
Expired Sunscreen
Do you still have a stash of sunscreen from last summer? If so, it's time to toss them. "Sunscreen expires, and replacing it is a simple way to make sure your family is actually protected this season," Gill explains.
Unused Garden Supplies
If you intend on gardening this year, review all of your supplies before the season starts. "The seed packets from two springs ago. The tools still in packaging. If it didn't happen last year, pass it along to a community garden or a neighbor with a green thumb and let someone else put it to use," Gill says.
Holiday Receipts
The holiday season is over, but you just might have some receipts buried in your wallet, the bottom of your handbag, or even a junk drawer. "The return window for most holiday purchases closed in January," Du Bois says. "If you are still holding on to receipts from gifts you purchased or received thinking you might need to return or exchange them, March is a good time to let them go."
RELATED: 8 Things to Throw out in Your Junk Drawer, According to Organizers
Kids' Artwork From Last Season
Let's admit it: It's hard to let go of kids' artwork. However, you can't keep it all. Review their work from the fall season and part ways with anything you don't need. "A fresh stack is coming—guaranteed. Photograph what matters, keep the truly special pieces, and recycle the rest. Honoring the memory doesn't require keeping every worksheet," Gill says.
RELATED: Pro Organizers Say Most of Your Kids' Artwork Should Be Thrown Out
Mismatched or Worn Bedding
Don't let dingy or mismatched bedding continue to take over your closet. Decide what you want to keep and get rid of the rest. "Animal shelters gratefully accept old blankets and towels," Gill says. "What feels like clutter to you is warmth for an animal waiting for a home."
RELATED: 13 Clever Ways to Reuse Old Bedding, According to Designers
Seasonal Food Gifts
"March is a good time to go through the seasonal food gifts you received over the holidays," says Du Bois. "Items like flavored popcorn, specialty jams, infused olive oils, or gift box chocolates are easy to forget about and can end up cluttering your counter or the back of your pantry."
If you haven't eaten it since December, you probably never will. "Check expiration dates, and be honest about what you're actually going to use," she says.
Candles You've Never Burned
You can only burn so many candles. Check your cabinets and shelves to see what's worth giving away. "If it's been sitting on your shelf since last Christmas, it's not going to happen," Gill says. "Gift it to someone who will actually light it, or simply let it go. Your home doesn't need to store things it's waiting to love."
Expired Medications
March is an ideal time to declutter your medicine cabinet. Look out for things like expired medications and duplicate cold remedies, Gill says. "Most pharmacies and police stations have drug take-back programs, so you can dispose of them safely and responsibly."
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
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