Try this list of 30 things to declutter in December for an easier holiday season. Nothing complicated, just small decluttering projects to help clear your space and calm your mind before the festive chaos sets in!
DECLUTTERING IN DECEMBER TO MAKE SPACE FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON
As December rolls in, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the seasonal festivities, shopping, and gatherings. With the extra “stuff” that tends to pile up, December is actually the perfect time to do a bit of decluttering!
Clearing out things you no longer need helps you feel more organised and can even make space for the thoughtful gifts and treats you’re sure to bring in over the holidays. So, here’s a list of 30 things to declutter in December – one for each day of the month, if you fancy tackling it that way!
30 THINGS TO DECLUTTER IN DECEMBER
Decluttering doesn’t need to a big job. You don’t need loads of time or buckets of motivation. What might help is a little list of projects that you can do as and when you feel like it.
Take a look through this list of 30 things to declutter in December and try some of the projects out. One a day for a month, or just pick a few to try to get started…
1. Expired Pantry Items
Clear out your pantry of any expired spices, canned goods, or old snacks to make space for holiday ingredients and treats.
2. Mismatched Tupperware
Check your Tupperware stash for any missing lids, damaged containers, or extras that you really don’t use. Let go of these and make room for a fresh set.
3. Unworn Winter Clothes
Take a quick look at your winter wardrobe. Donate any jumpers, scarves, or coats that you haven’t worn in years. It’s a wonderful time to donate warm clothing.
4. Old or Broken Decorations
Before putting up the Christmas decorations, sort through what you have. Broken baubles, lights that don’t work, or decorations that aren’t your style can go.
5. Outdated Gift Wrap
Check your wrapping paper supplies and toss anything crumpled or too small to use. This way, you’ll know exactly what you need before wrapping gifts.
6. Unused Kitchen Gadgets
Holiday cooking can be overwhelming with too many gadgets. Donate or recycle any unused appliances or tools to make space for the ones you love and use.
7. Excess Candles
We all love candles, especially during the colder months, but they do pile up! Keep only your favourites and gift or donate extras.
8. Books You Won’t Read Again
Take a look at your bookshelves and pull out any titles you’re unlikely to read again. Passing them on to friends as a Christmas gift or donating can give them a new life.
9. Magazines and Newspapers
Get rid of old magazines or newspapers you’ve been meaning to read but never got around to. They add to clutter and take up valuable space.
10. Old Calendars and Notebooks
Before the new year arrives, recycle last year’s calendar and any old, filled-up notebooks or planners.
11. Broken Jewellery
Go through your jewellery box and let go of any damaged pieces, single earrings, or items you no longer wear.
12. Children’s Toys
With new toys likely coming in, now’s a great time to go through your children’s toys and donate anything they’ve outgrown or lost interest in.
13. Unused Makeup and Skincare
Sort through your makeup bag and bathroom cabinet, tossing anything expired or items you never use.
14. Outdated Electronics
Gather any old phones, chargers, or cables that are no longer compatible or useful. Recycle them responsibly if possible.
15. Receipts and Paper Clutter
December is a great time to go through your files or desk drawers, tossing old receipts and paperwork you no longer need.
16. Old Linens and Towels
Sort through your linen cupboard and remove any towels or bed linens that are worn out, stained, or no longer needed.
17. Unused Mugs and Glasses
Kitchen cupboards can become cluttered with extra mugs and glassware. Donate or pass along any you don’t regularly use.
18. DVDs and CDs
With streaming services everywhere, physical DVDs and CDs may be taking up unnecessary space. Keep only the ones with special meaning and donate the rest.
19. Junk Drawer Items
Everyone has a junk drawer filled with random items. Go through it, toss the real junk, and only keep what’s truly useful.
20. Damaged Christmas Lights
Untangle and test your Christmas lights, keeping only those that work. Recycle or responsibly discard any damaged sets.
21. Old Christmas Cards
If you’re holding onto old holiday cards, consider letting go of some. You could keep just a few meaningful ones or recycle the rest.
22. Unused Craft Supplies
If you have crafting materials or DIY supplies that you’re unlikely to use, donate them to a local school or community centre.
23. Outdated Food Storage Containers
Take a look at your food containers and lids. Discard any that are cracked or missing their lids and refresh your collection if needed.
24. Unworn Shoes
Go through your shoe rack and donate any pairs that no longer fit or aren’t comfortable to wear.
25. Old Pet Supplies
If you have pets, take a look at their toys, beds, and other supplies. Toss anything damaged and replace essentials if needed.
26. Office Supplies
Sort through your pens, notebooks, and other supplies. Discard dried-out pens or notebooks with only a few pages left.
27. Unneeded Kitchen Utensils
Check your kitchen drawers for duplicates or utensils you never use. Donate or give away extras to free up valuable drawer space.
28. Board Games and Puzzles
If you have games or puzzles that haven’t been played in ages, consider donating them. It’ll free up space and spread holiday joy to another family.
29. Unworn Jewellery
Give your jewellery box a look-through, and remove any pieces you haven’t worn in a year or more. You can gift, donate, or even sell items you no longer love.
30. Gift Bags and Boxes
Gift wrap tends to pile up. Keep only a few good-quality gift bags and boxes for reuse, and recycle the rest.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
If you need some more help or support then these posts will help you tackle problem areas!
- 10 reasons to declutter your home
- How to declutter the toys
- How to simplify Christmas and the holidays for less stress and more joy
- 14 Practical Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Winter
- Things to do in January to simplify your home and life
- 10 things to do in February to simplify your life (+ free checklist)
YOUR NEXT STEP…
Taking on just one of these small decluttering tasks each day can help you create a simpler, tidier home just in time for Christmas. Plus, by the time the new year rolls in, you’ll have a beautifully refreshed space ready for fresh starts! Happy decluttering, and here’s to a cosy, clutter-free holiday season!
But one more thing, which I hope might help…
I hope you enjoyed this list of things to declutter in December but perhaps you need a little more incentive?! To help you stay motivated and on track, why not get your free Monthly Declutter Printable? You can choose your own decluttering projects each month (or follow along with the ones I’ve suggested), write them into the boxes and create your own checklist to tick off as you go.
For the months with 31 days, I’ve given you a day off so you can take a breather or catch up if you missed a day!
Pop your details in the box below so I know where to send it…
Antonia Colins is the creator of Balance Through Simplicity, helping busy people declutter, simplify and live more intentionally. She has over 20 years of personal and professional experience in juggling work and family life and supporting individuals to remain independent and enjoy their home more. In her spare time, you can find Antonia walking, gardening or planning her next travel adventure! She lives in the UK with her husband and teenage kids. Read more about Antonia.