10 Things to Throw Out ASAP in December

December isn’t just the end of the year—it’s a natural reset point. As the holidays approach and a new year looms, clutter has a way of becoming more visible and more stressful. Old items take up space, expired products hide in drawers, and things you meant to “deal with later” suddenly feel heavier than ever.

Decluttering in December isn’t about perfection or minimalism for its own sake. It’s about starting the new year lighter, clearer, and more organized—physically and mentally. If something hasn’t served you all year, chances are it won’t magically become useful in January.

Here are 10 things you should throw out ASAP in December, and why holding on to them may be quietly holding you back.

1. Expired Food in Your Pantry and Fridge

December is the perfect time to face the truth about what’s actually edible in your kitchen.

Check expiration dates on:

Canned foods

Sauces and condiments

Baking ingredients

Snacks you forgot existed

Expired food doesn’t just take up space—it increases the risk of foodborne illness and makes your kitchen feel chaotic.

Why it matters:

Starting the year with a clean pantry makes cooking easier, safer, and less overwhelming.

2. Old Makeup and Skincare Products

If you can’t remember when you opened it, it probably needs to go.

Most makeup and skincare products have a shelf life of 6–24 months once opened. Old products can harbor bacteria, lose effectiveness, and irritate your skin.

Pay special attention to:

Mascara and liquid eyeliner

Creams and serums

Sunscreen from last summer

Why it matters:

Using expired beauty products can lead to breakouts, eye infections, and skin reactions—especially in winter when skin is more sensitive.

3. Worn-Out Winter Clothes You Never Actually Wear

December exposes the truth about your wardrobe.

If a coat, sweater, or pair of boots:

No longer fits

Is uncomfortable

Looks worn beyond repair

Stayed untouched last winter

…it’s probably not coming back into rotation.

Why it matters:

Keeping clothes “just in case” creates closet clutter and makes it harder to find what you actually like and wear.

4. Old Paperwork and Random Documents

Receipts from years ago, outdated manuals, expired warranties—December is the time to let them go.

Shred or recycle:

Old bills and bank statements (unless legally required)

Instruction manuals for items you no longer own

Expired contracts or policies

Why it matters:

Paper clutter adds mental noise and makes important documents harder to find when you actually need them.

5. Broken or Useless Electronics

That old charger that only works “if you bend it just right”? The cracked headphones? The phone you’ve been meaning to fix since 2021?

If it hasn’t been repaired by December, it probably never will be.

Why it matters:

Broken electronics take up space and create visual stress. Recycling them responsibly clears both physical and mental clutter.

6. Expired Medications and Supplements

Medicine cabinets are often full of outdated products that can be dangerous if taken accidentally.

Check:

Prescription medications

Painkillers

Vitamins and supplements

Cough syrups and cold medicine

Dispose of them properly according to local guidelines.

Why it matters:

Expired medications can lose potency or become unsafe, and cluttered cabinets increase the risk of mistakes.

7. Old Towels, Sheets, and Linens in Bad Shape

If towels are rough, frayed, or permanently stained, they’ve likely reached the end of their useful life.

You don’t need to throw out everything—but anything that:

Smells musty

Has lost absorbency

Looks worn beyond comfort

should go.

Why it matters:

Fresh, clean linens make daily routines more comfortable and hygienic—especially during cold months.

8. Unused Holiday Decorations You Don’t Like Anymore

December is when decorations come out—and when you realize which ones you dread unpacking.

If a decoration:

Feels outdated

Doesn’t match your current taste

Has been skipped year after year

…it’s time to let it go.

Why it matters:

Keeping only decorations you truly enjoy makes holidays feel lighter and more intentional.

9. Gifts You Never Wanted and Never Used

Unwanted gifts often sit untouched out of guilt.

Ask yourself:

Have I used this in the past year?

Would I buy this myself today?

If the answer is no, donate it or pass it on.

Why it matters:

Holding onto unwanted items ties you emotionally to the past instead of making room for what you actually value.

10. “I’ll Deal With It Later” Items

Every home has a drawer, shelf, or corner filled with things that exist solely because you postponed a decision.

These items usually fall into three categories:

Trash

Donate

Put away properly

December is the time to decide.

Why it matters:

Unresolved clutter drains energy and creates a sense of unfinished business that follows you into the new year.