As the year winds down, many homeowners take the opportunity to declutter and prepare their homes for the holiday season. November, in particular, is a popular month for letting go of items that have been sitting around for months—or even years—taking up space and creating stress.

Here’s a look at the top five items homeowners commonly decide to get rid of in November and why clearing them out can make your home feel fresher, safer, and more organized.

1. Holiday Decor From Past Seasons

It may seem counterintuitive, but November is when many homeowners evaluate last year’s decorations. Outdated or damaged holiday items often sit in storage year-round.

Why it goes:

• Broken lights, ornaments, or inflatables

• Excess or duplicate decorations

• Items that no longer fit your style or space

Tip: Keep only the decorations that bring joy and donate or recycle the rest.

2. Old Furniture and Appliances

Before the holidays, homes often host guests or larger gatherings. Outdated or bulky furniture and unused appliances can clutter living spaces and make entertaining difficult.

Why it goes:

• Worn-out couches, chairs, or tables

• Extra refrigerators, microwaves, or kitchen gadgets

• Broken or nonfunctional appliances

Tip: Sell, donate, or schedule a junk hauling service to remove large items safely and efficiently.

3. Seasonal Clothing

November signals the transition into colder months. Homeowners often go through closets and decide which clothes no longer fit, are worn out, or have been unused all year.

Why it goes:

• Faded or damaged garments

• Clothes that no longer fit or suit your style

• Duplicate or rarely worn items

Tip: Donate wearable items to charities and recycle fabrics that are no longer usable.

4. Excess Paper and Old Documents

From bills to magazines, mail and paperwork can accumulate quickly throughout the year. November is a prime time for decluttering before the holiday rush.

Why it goes:

• Expired warranties or manuals

• Old bills, statements, and tax documents past the retention period

• Magazines, catalogs, or newspapers

Tip: Shred sensitive documents and recycle the rest to reduce clutter and protect personal information.

5. Miscellaneous Junk and Forgotten Items

Often, the “junk drawer” or storage closet contains items that have been ignored for months or years. November’s cleaning pushes homeowners to finally face them.

Why it goes:

• Broken tools, toys, or electronics

• Miscellaneous cables, chargers, or hardware

• Items with no practical use or sentimental value

Tip: Group items into “donate,” “recycle,” and “trash” piles for easier removal.

Final Thoughts

November is the perfect time to declutter before the holiday season. Letting go of old decorations, furniture, clothes, paperwork, and miscellaneous junk frees up space, reduces stress, and prepares your home for gatherings and a fresh start in the new year.

For large items or excess junk, consider hiring a junk hauling service to make the process faster, safer, and more efficient. A clean, organized home sets the stage for a smooth and enjoyable holiday season.