Professional Organizers Recommend These 8 Items to Clear Out Before the New Year

As the new year approaches, it's an opportune moment to embrace the cleanliness and order that come with a fresh start. Taming the messiness of your living space can seem like a daunting task, but by directing your efforts to specific areas, you can simplify this potentially overwhelming chore.

In looking for the best advice, Business Insider consulted with two expert organizers to uncover the home items that should be dispensed with as the year ends.

Clear Out Unused Children's Toys

Lucy Wahl, who leads the home organization service LMW Edits, highlights the end of the year as a prime time to sort through and pare down children's playthings, particularly as new toys are introduced during the holiday season.

While she advises a gentle approach to minimizing toys, the truth, according to her, is that this period is perfect because youngsters are often thrilled with their recent additions. "Don't make their things disappear overnight," warns Wahl. "Instead, older items will lose their appeal as they become engrossed in new toys."

Eliminate Unworn Clothes from Your Wardrobe

The year's end is also an ideal interval for purging seldom-worn garments that are just occupying precious closet space. This is pertinent especially if you have children growing out of their clothes swiftly.

Wahl advises that families should evaluate attire such as summer apparel or school outfits that no longer fit. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a systematic storage if you intend to save these for a younger sibling.

Evaluate Holiday Decorations for Decluttering

For those who relish holiday decorating as a festive transition, keeping these items in check is crucial to prevent accumulation.

Wahl recommends assessing your holiday décor while retrieving it or putting it away. "Before boxing up all your decorations, reflect on whether you truly want to keep each piece." She suggests sorting through them while the thoughts are current.

Review and Dispose of Old Mail

Olivia Parks, founder of Nola Organizers, pinpoints sorting through mail as a significant task before stepping into the new year.

"Mail tends to arrive almost daily, which means it can pile up fast," Parks notes. Ensuring you part with any mail or documents that are not required can save you from future organizational burdens.

Cull Unused Kitchen Items

During the busy period of holiday hosting, reviewing your kitchen inventory is crucial. Get rid of those unnecessary pans and platters that remain stashed as placeholders for rare occasions.

Bid Farewell to Obsolete Electronics and Accessories

Holidays frequently bring new gadgets, making it necessary to revisit what tech equipment is still useful. According to Parks, it's wise to discard electronic devices and their numerous accessories that no longer serve a purpose.

Such items can easily end up cluttering storage spaces like drawers and closets.

Remove Old Sports Gear

Often, sports equipment accumulates in storage with the hope of returning to an abandoned past-time, but Wahl advises letting go of those items miring your space.

Sort Through Pet Supplies

Also easy to accumulate are pet-related products no longer needed. Parks suggests evaluating your pet’s toys, treats, and accessories.

"Pets get medications and treats with expiration dates, and they outgrow older paraphernalia much like humans do," Parks explains. "Maintain purity by clearing out these items too."