The Great Year-End Declutter: 10 Things You Can Toss Before 2026
If you’re a busy parent or professional, the idea of decluttering can feel overwhelming. But December is actually the best month to reset your space. Why? Two reasons:
New stuff is about to enter your home.
Your January self is already begging you to do this now.
Here are 10 things you can confidently release before the new year:
1. Expired pantry items
Yes, even spices will eventually lose their potency.
2. Old gift bags + wrinkled tissue paper
Keep the nice ones. Thank the rest for their service.
3. Duplicate chargers
You do not need eight micro-USB cords from 2014.
4. Kids’ broken toys or games missing pieces
If it can’t be used, it shouldn’t take up space.
5. Office supplies you haven’t touched
Dry pens, random sticky notes, that one binder clip you’re inexplicably attached to… let it go.
6. Beauty products past their prime
Mascara only gets a few months before it becomes a science experiment.
7. Mismatched food storage
If it doesn’t have a lid, it’s not invited into 2026.
8. Socks with holes
You are allowed to say goodbye. Truly.
9. “Aspirational clutter”
The treadmill you hang laundry on. The hobby supplies you bought during the pandemic. Anything that starts with, “One day I will…”
10. Anything that makes you feel stressed just by looking at it
Your home should support your life, not drain it.
Need help actually doing this?
Orderly Arrangements offers in-person organizing in Chicago (North Side) and virtual sessions anywhere. Let’s get your home feeling lighter before the new year.
