10 Things to Declutter Before Halloween, According to Home Editors
Here’s what to clear out before holiday hosting season.
I often refer to October as the unofficial start of the holiday season. Sure, Thanksgiving and Christmas may still be several weeks away, but it’s not too early to start preparing for holiday guests and making space in the home. Recently, I got together with my fellow home editors to chat about what items we're throwing out in October to prep for the upcoming holidays. Together, we came up with this list of what to declutter before Halloween.
October is an ideal time to sort through seasonal items, both as you wrap up the summer and prep for the winter. If you have summer clothing or gear that didn’t make it out of the closet this year, it may be time to toss or donate it. Similarly, editors recommend going through things like winter coats and shoes in October. Clear out any worn-out items from last year that no longer fit to make room for what you’ll wear this winter.
In addition to seasonal gear, October can also be a time to go through your cozy decor items. Think autumnal decorations, candles, and throw blankets. These things have a way of accumulating, so it’s a good idea to periodically sort through your collection and see what you actually use.
Ahead, learn more about what Good Housekeeping editors are decluttering before Halloween.
Throw blankets
Buying cozy throw blankets can be tempting, but you only need so many. "Every fall, I like to take stock of my collection to confirm that they're all still in good condition," says Home Design Director Monique Valeris. "I also make sure my heated blanket is still functioning well, since I can't stand to be cold during the night."
New or gently used throw blankets can be donated to local charities or animal shelters.
Burned candles
"Going through my storage closet, I realized I saved a few fall and winter-scented candles from last year that barely have any wax left," says Laura Millar, assistant lifestyle editor. "Now is the perfect time to sort through those candles and get rid of any that are burned-down." Added bonus: you can repurpose them as storage jars or fall decor.
Fall decorations
Now that I've decorated for Halloween, I'm donating anything that I didn't put on display. You can bring fall decor to thrift stores, like Goodwill, or inquire if local community centers or schools are accepting donations. I suggest doing it sooner over later, so someone else can use the decor before the season ends.
Outgrown Halloween costumes
Parents, it's time to re-evaluate that collection of Halloween costumes. "I can't hang on to every single one of my kids’ old Halloween costumes (of course, it breaks my heart a little)," says Monique. Many organizations would be happy to accept clothing donations for families in need.
Winter shoes and boots
Before buying anything new this season, I recommend sorting through your collection of fall and winter shoes. Try on every pair to ensure they fit, and evaluate them individually for wear and tear. Anything with deteriorated cushioning or soles should be thrown out, and gently wore pairs can be donated.
Summer clothes
Before you pack summer clothes into storage or push them to the back of your closet, take stock of what you own. "I find that once summer is over, it's much easier to figure out which clothes I actually wear regularly versus what's just taking up space," says Laura. "Donating summer gear means more space for my fall and winter clothing."
Expired and forgotten pantry items
If you're planning to host this holiday season, it's the perfect time to declutter the pantry. I recently went through my spice cabinet, and found a bunch had expired—same with random snacks in my pantry that we're hiding in the back.
Makeup
Makeup is something that needs to be periodically decluttered. Toss anything that's damaged, broken, or expired (look out for Period After Opening symbols). "I always replenish my go-to products and make room (within reason) for some new staples—think blush and lipstick in deeper tones for the cooler months," says Monique.
Freezer food
From meats to breads to desserts and beyond, the freezer can quickly become overcrowded. "I find going through my freezer a couple times throughout each season helps keep it mostly clear for new items, especially with Thanksgiving on the horizon," says Laura.
Winter jackets
This week, I'm planning to hang my winter jackets in my entryway—but not without purging any I no longer like. I recommend trying on every fall and winter jacket, and only keeping the ones that still fit and you still plan to wear.
Search your area for a local coat drive or bring used jackets to a local charity.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely 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.
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