Fall Decluttering Checklist: What to Toss, Donate, or Store
Fall is here, and you know what that means: cooler weather, cozy nights, football Sundays, and... a house full of stuff you probably don't need anymore.
As you switch out summer items and get ready for the holiday season, it's a great time to give your home a quick reset. You don't have to declutter the entire house in one weekend, either. Start with the spaces that are known to collect the most clutter and work your way through this checklist.
1. Closet Clutter
The easiest way to declutter your closet for the new season is to take a good look at what you're actually wearing.
Toss:
- Clothes with stains, holes, or damage that can't be repaired
- Worn-out shoes
- Broken hangers or storage items
Donate:
- Clothes that no longer fit
- Coats, sweaters, and boots you don't wear
- Gently used accessories
Store:
- Summer clothing you plan to wear again
- Seasonal shoes and accessories
- Swimsuits and warm-weather gear
Tip: If you haven't worn something in the last year, it might be time to let it go.
2. Living Room
Your living room is one of the easiest places for clutter to sneak in.
Toss or recycle:
- Broken furniture such as chairs and couches
- Broken decorations
- Worn-out blankets and pillows
Donate:
- Lightly used blankets and decor pillows
- Books you've already read
- Decor that's taking up space
Store:
- Summer-themed decorations
- Seasonal throw pillows and lighter blankets
Then bring out the fall candles, cozy blankets, and other seasonal favorites.
3. Kitchen and Pantry
Fall usually means more baking, cooking, and hosting, so clearing out anything unused means more valuable space!
Toss:
- Expired food and spices
- Chipped dishes
- Broken utensils
- Small appliances that no longer work
Donate:
- Appliances in good condition
- Duplicate kitchen items
- Unopened, non-perishable food to a local food pantry
Organize:
- Junk drawers
- Pantry shelves
- Cabinets and countertops
- Seasonal cooking and baking supplies
4. Kids' Rooms and Play Areas
Kids seem to outgrow things overnight, so fall is a good excuse to do a quick toy and clothing sweep.
Toss:
- Broken toys
- Dried-out art supplies
- Clothing that's too damaged to donate
Donate:
- Outgrown clothes
- Toys and books they no longer use
- Games with all their pieces
Store:
- Toys you want to rotate back in later
- Keepsakes and special artwork
5. Garage, Basement, and Attic
These spaces can very quickly become the home of everything you said you’ll get to eventually.
Toss or recycle:
- Broken tools and equipment
- Damaged outdoor furniture
- Old or unusable decorations
- Items that have been sitting untouched for years
Donate:
- Extra tools
- Lawn and garden equipment
- Outdoor items you no longer use
Store:
- Summer sports equipment
- Patio accessories
- Seasonal decorations
- Winter gear where it's easy to reach
As you clean, make sure walkways and exits stay clear. Also, check your local guidelines for disposing of hazardous materials like paint, gasoline, pesticides, and more.
6. Outdoor Spaces
Before winter arrives, take a good look around your yard, patio, and shed.
Toss:
Store:
- Patio furniture you want to protect
- Summer lighting and decorations
- Gardening tools
- Pool and outdoor equipment
Don't forget to clear out dead plants, fallen branches, and other seasonal yard waste.
7. The "I'll Deal With It Later" Pile
You know the one.
That box in the basement. The broken chair in the garage. The random pile by the stairs.
If you've been meaning to deal with it for months, now's the time. Give every item a home: toss, donate, recycle, or store.
And once you've made those decisions, actually get the items out of your house. Schedule a donation drop-off, take recyclables where they belong, and book a junk removal pickup for the larger items you can't easily handle yourself.
Ready for a Fall Reset?
A little decluttering now can make your home feel so much better heading into the busy holiday season. Start with one room, put on some music, and just get moving.
Have a pile of bulky items ready to go? TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK® can help clear out unwanted furniture, appliances, yard items, and other household junk, so you can spend less time figuring out what to do with it and more time enjoying your refreshed space.
Ready to make some room? Contact us today!