12 Things You Should Purge Before the Holidays

The holiday season usually means more guests, cooking, and busy days at home. To make things easier, it helps to clear out clutter and get rid of items you don’t need. Purging certain things before the holidays makes your space feel more organized and welcoming for both you and your guests.

When you take the time to declutter, you create a calmer environment that’s ready for all the holiday activities. Getting rid of unnecessary stuff now means less stress and more room for the important things that come with the season.

Expired pantry items

You might have a bunch of spices, canned goods, or baking ingredients lurking past their prime. Toss anything that’s expired to avoid off flavors or potential health risks.

Old spices lose their punch, so your dishes won’t taste as good as they should. Canned goods with dents or bulges are a definite no-go.

Clearing these out not only frees space but makes cooking less stressful. Plus, it helps you start fresh with ingredients that actually work for your recipes.

Old spices

Your old spices might not pack the flavor they once did, but that doesn’t mean you have to toss them right away. They lose potency over time, making your dishes less vibrant.

Think about clearing out those jars that have been sitting around for years. If you don’t want to waste them, you can repurpose old spices for things like homemade potpourri or natural scrubs.

Getting rid of expired spices frees up space and makes room for fresh ones you’ll actually use this holiday season.

Unused kitchen gadgets

Take a good look at your kitchen drawers and cabinets. Chances are, you’ve got gadgets you rarely or never use.

Keeping those extra tools can make cooking more frustrating than it needs to be. It’s harder to find what you really need when clutter gets in the way.

Clearing out these unused gadgets frees up space and makes your kitchen easier to work in. You’ll spend less time digging and more time enjoying the holiday cooking.

Broken or single socks

Odds are, you have a pile of lonely socks without their match hiding somewhere. Before the holidays, go through your sock drawer and toss any single socks or those with holes.

Keeping only pairs that are in good condition helps you avoid hunting for mismatched socks when you’re rushing out the door. It’s a small task, but it clears up space and cuts down on everyday frustration. Plus, you’ll feel oddly accomplished.

Worn-out holiday decor

Take a close look at your holiday decorations before bringing them out. If lights are broken or ornaments are chipped, it might be time to let them go.

You don’t want cracked or outdated pieces taking up space when you could be making room for new favorites.

Getting rid of worn-out decor also helps keep your home safe and looking fresh for guests. It’s a simple step that makes your holidays feel a little more special.

Old magazines and catalogs

If you have piles of old magazines and catalogs lying around, now’s the time to sort through them. Most of these can be recycled or tossed if they no longer serve a purpose.

Keep only the ones with articles or ideas you want to refer back to. Otherwise, clearing them out frees up space and cuts down on clutter.

You can also get creative by repurposing some for crafts or gift wrapping if you want to hold onto a few without the bulk.

Expired makeup and skincare

You might not realize it, but expired makeup and skincare can cause irritation or even infections. Mascara, foundation, and creams don’t last forever, usually lasting between 3 to 12 months once opened.

If your products smell off, change color, or separate, it’s time to toss them. Using old stuff won’t just affect how you look, it can harm your skin’s health. So, before the holidays, check your stash and clear out anything past its prime.

Unused candles

If you have candles collecting dust, now’s a great time to let them go. Unused candles can take up space and might just add to the clutter.

You can toss those old, dried-out ones or pass along unopened candles you know you won’t use.

Replacing them with a few fresh scents can make your home feel more inviting during the holidays without overcrowding your space.

Stained guest linens

If you’ve got linens with stubborn stains, now’s the time to deal with them. Stains from last year’s holiday meals or spills can make your guest room feel less inviting.

Don’t just ignore those spots—try spot-cleaning or toss anything beyond saving. Fresh, clean linens will help your guests feel more comfortable and show you’re ready to host. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference when company arrives.

Outdated toys

Before the holidays, take a moment to sort through your kids’ toys. If a toy is old, broken, or missing parts, it’s time to let it go.

Keeping outdated toys can create clutter and make it harder to enjoy new gifts. Plus, clearing them out helps you make space for the fresh, fun toys coming soon.

Try involving your kids in the process. It’s a good way to teach them about giving and keeping things organized.

Excess plastic containers

You probably have more plastic containers than you realize, many missing lids or warped from the microwave. These take up way more space than they should and make your kitchen feel cluttered.

Sort through them and toss any that don’t have a matching lid or are cracked. Keeping just a few uniform containers makes it easier to store leftovers and keeps your cabinets neater.

Replacing worn-out containers with a reliable set will simplify your kitchen routine, especially during the busy holiday season.

Unworn holiday sweaters

If you have holiday sweaters that haven’t seen the light of day in years, it might be time to let them go. Holding onto those itchy, outdated sweaters just takes up space you could use better.

Donate the ones still in good shape, and recycle anything beyond saving. Clearing out these pieces can make room for new traditions—and more comfortable holiday wear.