6 Things To Declutter Before Winter, Per a Professional Organizer

Seasonal shifts are the perfect time for decluttering. As winter settles in and the temperatures dip, our needs at home shift as well. Heavy coats, snow boots, winter skincare, and holiday decor are just a few items that make their way out of hiding—which can be cause for a good reshuffle. You might as well take stock of items you know and love, as well as the items you may be ready to part with. Ahead, I chatted with a few professional organizers to get their recommendations on things to declutter before winter. Read on for the only organizing checklist you’ll need this season!

Refresh Your Linen Closet 

Easy breezy summer bedding can be tucked away for the next few months as you pull out your flannel sheets and extra blankets. Carol Appelbaum, founder of Luxury Pro Organizer in Houston Texas, recommends sorting through your linens as you transition to cold weather items. “Winter is a great time to declutter and donate gently used towels, sheets, and blankets that no longer suit your needs,” she shares. “Rearrange the closet so that your favorite winter linens are easily accessible, making it a breeze to create a snug and inviting bed on chilly nights.” 

Want to make your bed extra cozy amidst your decluttering sesh? “While rotating your linens, take the opportunity to wash or fluff the blankets in the dryer!” Appelbaum suggests. 

Check In With Your Medicine Cabinet 

Winter not only brings a chill to the air, it’s also the beginning of cold and flu season. Appelbaum suggests decluttering your medicine cabinet. This can bring you peace of mind, just in case you or your family members become sick. “Safely dispose of expired medications, cough syrups, and supplements. Then, inventory essential cold care items like pain relievers, decongestants, and throat lozenges and restock as needed,” she shares.  

A well-stocked medicine cabinet will save you from last-minute trips to Target during potential inclement weather. Plus, I never want to go anywhere when I’m feeling lousy. Prepare yourself now so you’ll be ready if illness strikes!

Declutter Holiday Items

You should absolutely consider holiday decor as things to declutter before winter. Now is the time to sort through your decorations, and set aside any decor you’re ready to part with. If you’re decluttering your items in December, Sarah Dunn of Ready Set Organize suggests donating your items as soon as you can. “Most nonprofits and churches would love to receive these donations as soon as possible, so they can go to a home that would use them this season,” she shares. Since there can be an influx of holiday donations in January (along with the potential of turning donations away), set aside your decluttered holiday items and wait until next year to donate them in November. Just be sure to discard anything broken like ornaments or string lights. 

Letting go of holiday items you’ve outgrown will create more space for the decor you love, which in turn will make decorating for the season more enjoyable. Not to mention, storing it all will be easier as well!

Overhaul Your Coat Closet

Coming and going can look a bit different once it’s cold outside. Your entryway is potentially full of things to declutter before winter, and your coat closet will finally be of good use again. Take the time to sort through all of your winter outerwear. “Consider donating coats, scarves, or sweaters that no longer fit or are not getting much use,” Aaron Traub, owner and lead organizer at My Professional Organizer says. “Decluttering makes it easier to grab your favorite pieces on chilly mornings without sorting through unnecessary extras.” 

Dunn recommends going through your snow gear as well, especially if you have children. “Most kids outgrow their winter gear every one to two years, so make sure to donate or sell what no longer fits to make room for the new gear you’ll purchase,” she shares. 

Organize Your Pantry

Cozying up with a bowl of soup and a crusty piece of bread is one of my favorite parts of the season. A streamlined pantry will make winter meal prep and holiday hosting a breeze. “Checking for expired items or unused food makes room for holiday baking essentials and meal staples,” Traub says. “A quick refresh can save you time and frustration during the busier months ahead.”

As you sort through your pantry, discard anything expired and set aside food that can be donated. “The holiday season is an excellent time to donate unused, unexpired, non-perishables to local food banks,” Appelbaum notes. As you place items back into your pantry, be sure you’ve categorized your items so it makes things easy to find. There’s nothing more satisfying than an organized pantry!

Sort Through Toys and Games

“With the holidays approaching, it can be a good idea to declutter toys and games,” Traub says. Since this time of year is primed for gifts, preparing your home for an influx of new items will be helpful for staying organized. “Remove anything broken, missing pieces, or items your kids have simply outgrown,” Traub continues. “This will make room for new gifts and keeps things from feeling overwhelming after the holidays.” 

Just like adults, children can become overwhelmed with clutter or having too many options in front of them at once. Stick with the toys you and your children love. As you sort through items and find you’re on the fence about a toy or game, put it in a bin, then tuck it away for a month. If the toy gets asked about, you can have it ready, but if not—it’s probably safe to donate.