What to Declutter in November Before the Holiday Rush
By Carol Appelbaum, founder of Luxury Pro Organizer in Houston
Three things worth decluttering in November are gift wrap and unfinished holiday craft supplies, entertaining pieces you always pass over, and garage items you no longer use.
These are things you are likely to reach for as you prepare for Thanksgiving and the holidays. Taking a closer look now can keep you from buying duplicates and make room for the things you actually use.
You do not need to take on the whole house. Start with these.
Gift wrap and holiday craft supplies
Before buying holiday wrapping supplies, pull out the gift bags, ribbon, and paper you already own. Clear out crushed bows, torn bags, and scraps too small to use. Check the tape and gift tags, too, so you know what you need before you shop.
Gather similar supplies together. Ribbon scattered across three drawers can look like very little until you see it all in one place. Keep the gift bags you would be happy to give someone, and let go of the ones you keep passing over because they look worn.
Then consider supplies for holiday projects that sit unfinished year after year. You may have bought ribbon for a wreath, ornaments to personalize, or craft kits for children who are no longer interested.
Do you still want to make the project? And will you realistically make time for it this season? If the answer is yes, keep the supplies together and choose a time to work on it. If you have lost interest, check whether someone else would enjoy using them.
Once you have made those decisions, arrange what is left so you can find it easily. Protect wrapping paper from crushing, and keep scissors, tape, ribbon, and tags close to where you wrap gifts. Wait to buy storage until you know what you are keeping.
Serving pieces arranged in a kitchen cabinet by Luxury Pro Organizer.
Entertaining pieces you always pass over
When you pull out serving pieces for Thanksgiving, notice what you leave behind. A platter can be beautiful and still be too heavy to pass around, too large for your table, or awkward to wash. If you avoid using it even for your biggest gathering, does it deserve the cabinet space?
Look at the pieces you move out of the way to reach your favorites. There may be serving bowls you never choose, a beverage dispenser that drips, or glasses that feel too fragile for the way your family entertains.
Think about the gatherings you host now. If you used to serve dinner for thirty and now prefer six around the table, you may no longer need all the same supplies. Keep what supports the occasions you still enjoy, including any larger celebrations you plan to host.
A family piece may deserve a different place in your home. If you love your grandmother’s platter but never serve food on it, you might display it. If another family member would use and appreciate it, consider offering it to them.
Put the serving pieces you use most where they are easiest to reach. You should be able to get a favorite bowl out without unstacking half the cabinet.
For help making kitchen cabinets and storage easier to use, explore our home organizing services.
Garage Items to Reconsider Before the Holidays
Garage items you no longer use
Cooler weather makes November a comfortable time to review items in your garage saved for a former hobby, a previous home, or larger gatherings. The one-and-done turkey fryer, unused sports equipment, and holiday decorations that never leave their bins are all worth a second look.
Choose one category to start. Outdoor entertaining supplies or holiday decorations are manageable places to begin without emptying the whole garage.
Look for things that no longer have a purpose in your home. Do you still own the furniture those cushions belong to? Does anyone use the sports equipment? Are you keeping a large cooler even though you always take the smaller one?
When you open holiday bins, notice the decorations you leave inside. If your taste has changed and you have stopped displaying them, consider offering usable pieces to someone who would enjoy them this season.
Check that equipment is complete and in usable condition before donating it, and confirm what the recipient accepts. Separate anything that needs repair, recycling, or appropriate disposal.
Finish by making a plan for what is leaving. A donation pile sitting beside the garage door can stay there for months. Schedule the pickup or choose a day to drop it off.
Need help deciding what to keep?
It can be difficult to let go of something you paid a lot for, received as a gift, or hoped to use someday.
For help thinking through those decisions, visit our Resources page to download “17 Questions I Encourage Clients to Ask Before Getting Rid of Things” for free.
At Luxury Pro Organizer, we help homeowners throughout Greater Houston sort through belongings, arrange practical storage, and style spaces so they are beautiful and comfortable to use. You can learn more about Carol and our approach or explore our Press page for organizing advice featured in home and lifestyle publications.
Already a client? Our home organizing memberships offer ongoing support for maintaining the areas we have organized.
If you would like help preparing your home for the holidays, contact Luxury Pro Organizer to request a consultation.
Carol Appelbaum, founder of Luxury Pro Organizer, free download for 17 questions Luxury Pro Organizer encourages clients to ask themselves when decluttering any space.
