Things to Declutter in December
This list of things to declutter in December will show you just what you can get rid of with the least amount of stress and overwhelm.
How to declutter every room in your home one month and one item at a time. Be sure to grab your free December Decluttering Checklist below!
Let’s face it, December is a hectic month, and you may be tempted to skip decluttering altogether, because, honestly…who has the time?
The good news, YOU do! And with our December checklist, decluttering has never been easier. Now is the best time to remove some excess stuff and free up space for the holidays.
Things to Declutter in December
With the holidays fast approaching, paring down on some of the things you have lying out can be a great way to free up some much-needed space. If I could give you any advice, it’s this…be ruthless. If it’s broken, cracked, chipped, torn, or stained – get it out of your house. Life is too short using broken things or wearing stained and torn clothes and you deserve better. Okay, enough tough love, let’s get started!
Seasonal Items to Declutter
Decorations are at the top of our list this month, and as you are putting up your tree, this is a great time to find some items you can pass on to someone who may need them, like your kids! Start a tote or box for each of your children, and every year, add a few items to each. This trick will keep your collection to a more reasonable one and start a decoration box for your kids to use when they move out on their own.
- Anything that is broken or damaged beyond repair. Don’t think, just toss.
- Outside winter clothes that are torn, stained, or no longer fit.
- Extra shovels or snow brushes for your car can be passed on to any family that may need them.
The Kitchen
In December, kitchens turn into holiday bakeries, and while the cookies are in the oven you can use that time to find a few donations.
- Potholders – Toss any that are overly stained, donate any extras you do not have room for.
- Aprons – Keep a few favorites and donate the rest.
- Cookbooks – Go through your collection and keep only the ones you are routinely using.
- Fridge – Take some time to declutter the front of your fridge.
- Shopping bags – Keep a few and use the rest for packing any gifts you need to ship out.
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The Family Room
I love our family room in December mainly because of our tree but also because the cold weather has us all snuggling up at night to enjoy a movie or some end-of-day conversation.
- Magazines – If you have a stack that hasn’t been touched in months. Keep the current month and donate the rest to a local doctors office or nursing home.
- Pictures – Swap out old photos with new ones. This will make your pictures a new focal point in your room.
- Streaming – Break out your DVD collection and see if you can cancel a few streaming services to save money this month.
The Office
The end of the year is almost here and getting a jump on tax prep may not be a fun thing to do, but you will be thankful come February that you did it!
- Tax File – Start a file for any tax papers as they come in next month. This will give you a place to put them so you know where they are at prep time.
- Budget – Go through your bills and cancel any subscriptions or apps that you are no longer using.
- Inbox – Make a goal to unsubscribe from 5-10 emails each week.
- Receipts – Set up a basket to toss receipts into.
The Master Bedroom
The days are much shorter right now, and that may have you going to bed a little earlier. Let’s set up a space you love to sleep in that is cozy, inviting, and refreshing.
- Clothes – If you routinely have clothes lying out set up basket and hooks to hold them until you have time to fully put them away.
- Books – Love to read at night? Keep 1-2 favorites next to your bed and store away the extras. You can put a shelf in your closet to hold your collection, keeping it near whenever you want to find a new read.
- Change out any light bulbs that are burnt out.
The Master Closet
You should have swapped out all your summer clothes by now keeping only your warmer items in your space. Don’t laugh, I just did this yesterday!
- PJ’s – Keep the best and donate the rest.
- Cozy socks – Donate any that you are not wearing either because they don’t feel comfortable or you have more than you need.
- Hangers – Donate wire hangers and invest in good velvet ones that will keep your clothes looking great longer.
- Underwear – Toss any that are torn or old and invest in some new pairs.
- Sweaters – Toss any that are snagged or stretched out. Donate what no longer fits.
The Bathroom
A bathroom should never be over cluttered, if yours is, this is a great project to work on this month.
- Supplies – It is good to have extras but too much can be just as bad as not enough. If you have more than you need make a few shoe boxes of toiletries for the homeless. This is a great way to declutter and help those in need.
- Old brushes and combs – Put new items on your holiday wish list and update your hair tools.
- Shower curtain/liner – If you are able, wash your shower curtain and replace your liner if needed.
The Remaining Bedrooms
When my boys were younger we would go into their toys each year in December and look for things they could donate to kids in need. This was a great way to introduce decluttering to our children and free up space at the same time.
- Toys – Toss any that are broken or unrepairable.
- Clothes – Donate any that no longer fit.
- Games – Donate any that your kids no longer play with.
- Stuffed animals – Gather up a few your kids have outgrown and take them to the local Alzheimer’s center. Patients love to hold onto small stuffed toys as they find it comforting.
- Overflowing trash cans.
- Misc items that are lying out on dressers and nightstands.
The Extras
December is a great time to help others. Go through other areas in your home looking for things you can donate to the less fortunate.
- Canned goods – Gather up a few cans or jars of food and take to the food bank.
- Blankets – If you have any old or stained blankets, take them to the pet shelter for pets to have while waiting to be adopted.
- Suits – Old suits can be donated to the Soldiers and Sailors home.
- Magazines and books – Can be donated to your local school.
- Toys – Can be donated to a day care center.
- Time – If you have a neighbor that is alone or unable to leave home, consider visiting for coffee.
- Rides – If you have a family member who is unable to drive, offer to take them shopping for gifts.
Decluttering is more than getting rid of the excess stuff. It’s also about giving to others who are in need, are lonely, or just in want of a little conversation. Give to others and share your blessing to help everyone have a joyful holiday this year.
I hope you found this list of things to declutter in December another helpful tool for creating a home you love and deserve.
