8 Things I’m Ditching to Create Space for Holiday Joy

The holidays are coming, and for me, that means more than just twinkling lights and festive music—it also means clutter. Every year, I find myself tripping over boxes of decorations I haven’t touched in ages, digging through drawers of gift wrap I’ll never use, and staring at closets bursting with clothes I don’t wear. I realized that if I wanted to actually enjoy this season, I had to make room—both physically and mentally. That’s why this year, I decided to finally let go of the things holding me back.

In this article, I’ll walk you through eight things I’m throwing away to create space for joy, calm, and the holiday moments that really matter. By the end, you’ll have practical steps to clear out your own clutter—and maybe even some relief you didn’t know you were craving.

Thing #1: Seasonal Clothing You Haven’t Worn

I’ll admit it—I have a closet stuffed with winter coats, sweaters, and hats that I haven’t touched in years. Every season, I tell myself I’ll wear them again, but in reality, most of them just take up valuable space. Did you know that the average American wears only about 20% of their wardrobe regularly? That statistic hit me hard, and it made me realize it was time to finally make some tough decisions.

Here’s how I tackle it:

• Sort into categories: Keep the items you actually wear, donate the ones in good condition, and toss anything that’s stained, damaged, or worn out.
• Ask yourself questions: “Have I worn this in the last year?” and “Do I feel confident when I wear this?” If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go. I also make sure my seasonal clothes are safe from damage, and these 7 proven ways to keep moths out of your closet forever have saved me from ruined sweaters and coats over the years.
• Plan donations: Local shelters and charities are always happy for gently used winter clothing. For tips on choosing where to donate, I found this helpful guide on how to declutter your wardrobe effectively. In some cases, I even reorganize my closets entirely, and learning how to remove sliding closet doors made it so much easier to access and sort everything efficiently.

By clearing out my closet, I suddenly had more room for the pieces I actually love and space for new items I might pick up during holiday shopping. It feels like giving myself a little head start on a more organized season.

Thing #2: Holiday Decorations You Won’t Use

Next on my list were decorations. Over the years, I’ve collected so many ornaments, lights, and tabletop pieces that half of them never even see the light of day. Keeping unused decorations isn’t just wasting storage—it’s also adding stress when I’m trying to prep for the holidays.

Here’s my approach:

• Audit everything: Go through every box and ask yourself, “Will I use this this year?”
• Keep, donate, recycle: Keep the decorations that bring joy, donate gently used ones, and recycle broken or outdated items.

Doing this freed up a ton of space in my storage area, and it also made holiday decorating much faster and less stressful. It’s amazing how clearing physical clutter can calm your mind too.

Thing #3: Excess Wrapping Paper & Gift Supplies

Wrapping paper, gift bags, ribbons, and bows—these are the sneaky items that quietly pile up year after year. I realized I had stacks of paper I’d never even touch, along with tote bags that had holes or tags from gifts I’d already given.

Here’s my method:

• Sort by usability: Keep only what’s in good condition and that you will realistically use next holiday season.
• Consolidate: Roll up paper neatly, store bows in clear containers, and toss anything damaged.
• Set limits: I give myself one bin or bag per type of supply—anything beyond that goes to donation or recycling. For practical storage ideas, I found this holiday decluttering guide useful—it has tips on organizing wrapping paper and gift supplies efficiently.

By doing this, I now start my gift-wrapping process with exactly what I need—no digging, no wasted materials, and a lot less stress.

Thing #4: Old Tech Cables, Chargers & Electronics

I’ll admit, I have a drawer that looks like a rat’s nest of tangled cables, old phone chargers, and random adapters. Every time I need one, it’s a struggle to find it, and yet I kept holding onto everything “just in case.”

Here’s my strategy:

• Compatibility check: If it doesn’t work with any of your current devices, it’s time to toss it.
• Safety first: Old batteries or cords can be fire hazards—don’t just throw them in the trash.
• Recycle responsibly: Electronics can be recycled at dedicated drop-off centers. The EPA electronics recycling guide helped me figure out where to take old cables and gadgets safely.

Decluttering these tech items immediately cleared up drawer space and saved me from digging through chaos every time I needed a charger. It’s a small step, but it makes a huge difference in daily convenience.

Thing #5: Half-Used or Expired Consumables

Pantry purges are always a little shocking. I discovered condiments I hadn’t touched in years, candles that had lost their scent, and beauty products past their shelf life. Holding onto these things not only wastes space but adds unnecessary stress during the holidays when you actually want to cook, clean, or relax.

Here’s what I do:

• Candles and pantry items: Toss anything expired or stale.
• Beauty products: Check expiration dates—old makeup and lotions can be unsafe.
• Donate what’s still good: Unopened food items can often go to local food banks.

Clearing these items made my kitchen and bathroom feel lighter, and I no longer scramble to find things when I need them during holiday prep.

Thing #6: Paper, Pens & Office Clutter

Another clutter culprit is my desk. Dead pens, old notes, and junk mail were piling up, and honestly, it stressed me out every time I sat down to plan the holidays.

Here’s my method:

• Sort quickly: Trash dead pens and scrap paper, recycle junk mail.
• Digitize: Backup important emails, photos, and documents to reduce paper buildup.
• Organize remaining items: Keep only the essentials for writing lists or notes.

It’s a small change, but it makes holiday planning faster and more enjoyable. Having a clean workspace is a surprisingly big mood booster.

Thing #7: Blankets, Throws & Unused Home Textiles

I have more blankets and towels than I could ever use in a lifetime. They take up huge amounts of storage and never see the light of day.

Here’s how I handled it:

• Sort by use: Keep what you use regularly.
• Donate or recycle: Old but clean blankets and towels can go to shelters or animal rescues.
• Limit new purchases: Only buy new textiles if you’ve donated first.

Freeing up this space made my linen closet manageable and for more tips on organizing and avoiding common mistakes, you can check out 14 items you should stop storing in your linen closet and where they belong instead.

Thing #8: Mindset Reset — Letting Go Emotionally

Finally, decluttering isn’t just physical—it’s emotional. I realized that I was holding onto the idea of perfection: the perfect gift, the perfect decorations, the perfect holiday setup. That mindset was heavier than any drawer or closet.

Here’s what I focus on:

• Let go of perfectionism: Not everything has to be ideal to bring joy.
• Prioritize experiences over stuff: I ask myself, “Will this object add to my holiday memories?” If not, it’s time to let go.
• Expert insight: Simplifying possessions and focusing on experiences boosts well-being during the holidays, helping reduce stress and anxiety.

This shift in mindset made me feel lighter, calmer, and actually excited about the holidays—not overwhelmed by clutter or expectations.

Wrap-Up: Checklist & Next Steps

After going through all these steps, you might be wondering, “Where do I even start?” That’s exactly why I created a simple, printable checklist you can follow. It breaks down each category—from seasonal clothing to tech cables—so you can tackle one area at a time without feeling overwhelmed.

Here’s a quick approach:

• Start small: Pick one category today, like your closet or gift supplies.
• Sort, donate, toss: Use the keep/donate/toss method for every item.
• Schedule donation drop-offs: Don’t wait until the last minute—plan your donation trips a week or two before the holidays. Local charities and shelters appreciate early contributions.
• Track progress: Check items off the list as you go—it feels motivating to see space open up.

If you found these tips helpful, I’d love to hear from you! Share your decluttering wins or questions in the comments below. And if you want more practical guides, tips, and checklists for making your home and life feel lighter, check out Build Like New for even more inspiration.

Let’s make this holiday season truly joyful—by letting go of the stuff that’s holding us back. What’s the first thing you’re going to declutter?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and personal guidance purposes only. Always use your own judgment when decluttering, donating, or recycling items, and follow local rules and safety guidelines.