Here are some simple decluttering projects for you to try this November. Some of them are quick and easy, others might take a little more time. This list of 30 things to declutter in November will help you get your home clutter-free, more streamlined and much easier to manage! Get a free printable November decluttering checklist too!
WHY IT’S HELPFUL TO BE DECLUTTERING IN NOVEMBER
November is an ideal time to declutter! With winter holidays on the way, getting rid of stuff you don’t need now makes space for seasonal decorations, guests, and anything new that comes into your home. It’s all about creating room to breathe and enjoy the rest of the year.
For myself, I find this especially helpful so that I can enjoy the busy Christmas and holiday season. As a Highly Sensitive Person and introvert, although I love spending time with family and friends, I also crave peace, quiet and space too. Having a clutter-free and highly simplified home is just one way I try to find that balance.
I can make my home more organised and prepared for Christmas, so I feel more organised and prepared in my mind! Decluttering in November is one practical step I can take in that process!
Below you’ll find a list of 30 things to declutter in November so you can pick one item off the list each day throughout the month of November. Some of the ideas on this list are seasonal, others are just areas or items in your home that require a regular declutter (read more about why this is important at the end of the article). I hope you find these suggestions helpful!
30 THINGS TO DECLUTTER IN NOVEMBER
Here are 30 things to declutter in November to simplify your home and life.
1. Expired Food
Cupboards and fridges tend to collect all sorts of expired or forgotten items. Clearing these out frees up storage and makes it easier to find the food you actually want to use. I seem to spend much more time in the kitchen in winter and over the holidays so I like to prep my cupboards and get organised to make my cooking more enjoyable and life feel easier.
2. Old Spices and Herbs
Spices lose flavour over time, and if you’re cooking up holiday meals, you’ll want fresh, aromatic ones. Check dates, toss any old ones, and make a list of essentials to restock.
3. Fridge Clutter
Half-used jars and expired condiments seem to multiply in the fridge. We certainly have this problem when my kids and husband can’t find what they’re looking for so they just open a new jar (even though there’s one in use waiting in the fridge – why is it only me that can find things in the house!?). Clearing out the unused or used up excess makes space for seasonal foods and goodies and makes everything easier to find.
4. Medicine Cabinet
Expired or unused medicines should go, as they can be ineffective or unsafe. Pharmacies often take expired medications for safe disposal. I’ve just stocked up on cold and flu medication in readiness for the winter bugs!
5. Cleaning Supplies And Products
We tend to accumulate cleaning products we rarely use. Sometimes we accidentally buy an extra of something we didn’t realise we had, or we try some new product but don’t like it as much – or like it more than what we need to use up. Keep only what you actually need and use, so cleaning feels easier and less cluttered. Anything that makes household chores and managing my home quicker and easier when my life is busy (like at Christmas) feels like a big win to me!
6. Clutter in Your Schedule
Invites, engagements and activities in your schedule that you don’t enjoy and don’t want to do. Why not declutter your schedule, make an intentional decision to be less busy and create down time in your schedule as often as you need.
7. Unworn Clothes
With the weather turning colder, it’s a great time to go through your wardrobe. If you haven’t worn something in over a year, it might be time to donate it to someone who will.
8. Uncomfortable Shoes
Shoes that don’t fit well or feel uncomfortable just end up being neglected. Free up space by keeping only the pairs you actually wear.
9. Old Underwear
Most of us have old, saggy or uncomfortable underwear hanging around. Decluttering this drawer means you’ll only keep the pieces that feel good to wear and support you where you need supporting!
10. Books You Won’t Re-read
Shelves can quickly fill up, but not every book is one you’ll want to keep forever. Donate or sell any you’ve read but don’t plan to pick up again. Could you do a book swap with a friend, or gift a book of your own that’s still in good condition, to a friend for Christmas?
11. Outdated Electronics
Gadgets and cables you no longer use just add clutter. Recycle or donate items that you don’t need, and organise any cords you do want to keep.
12. Old Beauty Products
Makeup and skincare products expire and can harbour bacteria over time. Declutter anything old or that doesn’t work well for your skin.
13. Jewellery You Don’t Wear
Jewellery boxes often contain broken pieces or items we don’t wear anymore. Sell, donate, or recycle anything that you no longer enjoy wearing, or like very much. Just because it was your style once, doesn’t mean you have to stick with that style now. It’s ok to move on and want different.
14. Paperwork
Most paperwork isn’t needed after a while, especially if you can digitise it. Get into action this month by filing any paperwork you want to keep, shred any sensitive documents and recycle the rest for a more streamlined and stress-free setup.
15. Unused Kitchen Gadgets
If you haven’t used that pasta-maker in ages, it’s just taking up space. Let go of any “just-in-case” items.
16. The Spare Room
Is it used as a bedroom, box room or can it be repurposed into a home study, den for the kids, a quiet space for meditation or reading or a space for guests over Christmas and the holidays?
17. Worn-out Towels
Towels that are frayed or don’t dry well can go. They take up valuable linen cupboard space and can be replaced with fresher options. Consider sustainable ways to clear your clutter so they could benefit others instead of just ending up as waste.
18. Bedding You Don’t Use
If you have old or scratchy sheets and blankets that you avoid using, donate them or recycle as rags. Keep only what you love and actually use.
19. Craft Supplies You Don’t Use
Craft items can be hard to part with, but if you haven’t used something in a year, it’s likely just taking up space. Could you pass it on to someone who will use it more?
20. Old Magazines
If you haven’t read them by now, you likely never will. Skim through for anything of interest, then recycle or donate.
21. Junk Drawer Items
Everyone has a drawer full of random bits – old keys, broken pens, and who-knows-what! Sort through it and keep only what’s genuinely useful. Perhaps you’ll come across some batteries and other things that are useful at Christmas!
22. Receipts
Unless they’re for something under warranty or for your records, most receipts don’t need to be kept. Shred or recycle anything you don’t need. You could even take a look at those receipts to help you assess your spending habits and where your money goes – especially as we approach the expensive Christmas time and lure of the sales.
23. Games and Puzzles with Missing Pieces
These can take up a lot of cupboard space and it might be handy to free up some of that space if you think you might get a new game or puzzle over Christmas. If a game is incomplete or you don’t play it anymore, consider letting it go.
24. Seasonal Decorations You Don’t Like
Decorations that no longer match your style can go to someone else who’ll enjoy them. Only keep what you’ll actually use. An example could be Halloween decor and costumes that you don’t want to keep.
25. Extra Mugs
Cupboards tend to overflow with mugs we rarely use. Keep your favourites and donate the extras to free up space. Make sure you have enough for guests over the holidays and yourself and if you get stuck knowing how many to keep, why not try the Container Concept to help you decide. I love mugs and tea so this method is how I decide if I’ve got too many mugs!
26. Pet Supplies
Broken toys, outgrown collars, or old pet beds just add clutter. Keep only what’s in good condition and used regularly. I recently found some old medication for my dog that expired last year. Oops!
27. Freebie or Branded Advertising Items
Freebies from events, like pens and notepads, or toys that come from fast food restaurants, add clutter if you’re not actually using them. Recycle or donate anything that doesn’t have a purpose or is used regularly.
28. Unused Candles
Candles that you don’t like the scent of, or that are half-burnt, tend to sit in drawers forever. Only keep the ones you actually want to use and make a plan to use them this season and/or over Christmas and the holidays. Don’t hide them away waiting for a special day – even a normal every day can be special too!
29. Digital Clutter
Take a few minutes to delete unnecessary files, apps, or emails. Digital spaces can get just as cluttered as physical ones, so a quick tidy-up will help you stay organised. Try to delete a few photos from your phone each day, or try a digital detox if you find you’re spending too much time attached to the screen.
30. Stressful Christmas Plans
Including traditions that feel more a duty than a treasured memory, plans to buy too much and risk you going over your spending budget. Think about ways you could simplify Christmas and relieve the mental load a little.
MAKING DECLUTTERING A HABIT
Although you might find this a handy little list to guide you as you declutter a few things around your home and from your life this month, there’s more to this list than meets the eye.
Whilst you may or may not have some or all of these items in your home, the REAL point of this list is to encourage you to build decluttering into part of your regular routine.
Once you feel at ease with how decluttered your home and life might be, it’s tempting to sit back and think you’re done. I know I did and that’s probably why decluttering can be tough. We spend ages clearing clutter, making lots of decisions about what to keep and what to get rid of and finally summon up the courage to get rid of our unwanted stuff.
But that stuff just keeps on coming back doesn’t it!
Busy life brings with it lots of different types of clutter. Some of this clutter is easy to get rid of, some of it requires us to let go of emotions as well as our physical stuff. Either way, it’s important that we don’t just declutter once, but that we make decluttering a regular habit.
Why not create some simple but effective strategies to stay clutter-free? These could include resetting your home at the end of the day, keeping your flat surfaces free of stuff and, of course, doing a little bit of decluttering every day – even if it’s just putting the rubbish and recycling out.
DECLUTTERING RESOURCES FOR NOVEMBER
Here are some useful links and resources to help you declutter your home this November.
- Minimalist Autumn Wardrobe: How to Get Your Wardrobe Ready for Autumn
- Minimalism and Hygge: How to Make Your Home Cosy Without Adding Clutter
- Things to Declutter in October to Simplify Your Home and Life
- Why Autumn is a Good Time To Declutter
Antonia Colins is the creator of Balance Through Simplicity, a website helping busy people declutter their home and life 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, reading or planning her next travel adventure! She lives in the UK with her husband and teenage kids. Get your free Declutter Starter Kit.