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Home editors at Good Housekeeping advise decluttering ten specific household categories before Halloween. Key items include expired pantry goods, worn winter footwear, and outgrown costumes. The goal is to create space for seasonal items and ensure safety.
Home editors at Good Housekeeping have identified ten specific household categories that should be discarded or donated before Halloween to prepare for the autumn and holiday seasons. The recommendations, which range from expired pantry items to worn winter footwear, aim to help households manage seasonal clutter and ensure safety. This guidance comes as families begin transitioning their homes from summer storage to fall and winter use.
The editors emphasize the importance of checking heated blankets and throw blankets for functionality and wear. Monique Valeris, Home Design Director, stated that she checks her collection annually to ensure items are in good condition. She specifically noted the need to verify that heated blankets are still working properly to avoid cold nights. Items in good condition can be donated to shelters, while damaged ones should be discarded.
Another critical category involves expired food and makeup. Editors recommend clearing out pantry items that have passed their expiration dates, particularly spices and hidden snacks, before hosting holiday gatherings. Similarly, makeup products should be checked for Period After Opening symbols. Damaged or expired cosmetics should be thrown out to maintain hygiene and make room for seasonal shades.
Footwear and clothing also require attention. Editors advise trying on all winter shoes and boots to check for deteriorated soles or cushioning. Anything showing significant wear should be discarded, while gently used pairs can be donated. The same logic applies to Halloween costumes and winter jackets, with editors urging parents to purge items that children have outgrown to free up closet space.
Safety and Space for Holiday Hosting
Decluttering these specific items matters because it directly impacts home safety and organization during the busy holiday season. Expired makeup can harbor bacteria, while worn shoes with compromised soles increase the risk of slips and falls. Furthermore, clearing out expired pantry items is essential for food safety, especially when preparing large meals for Thanksgiving and other gatherings. By removing these items, homeowners create physical space for new seasonal goods and reduce the mental load of managing clutter.
The advice also highlights the environmental and social benefits of donating usable items. Rather than sending gently used costumes, blankets, and jackets to landfills, editors encourage donating them to local charities, animal shelters, and coat drives. This approach extends the life of usable goods and supports community members in need, turning a routine cleaning task into a charitable act.
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Seasonal Transition Timing
This guidance aligns with the traditional seasonal transition period in late September and early October, when households typically swap summer decor for fall and winter items. Good Housekeeping editors have long advocated for proactive organization before major holidays to prevent last-minute stress. The timing is strategic: purging items before Halloween ensures that homes are ready for the influx of guests and decorations associated with the upcoming months.
The recommendations reflect a broader trend in home organization that prioritizes functionality and safety over sentimental attachment. Editors note that while it can be difficult to part with items like children’s costumes, the practical benefits of a decluttered home outweigh the emotional difficulty. This approach is consistent with previous advice from the publication’s Institute, which tests products for durability and safety.
“Every fall, I like to take stock of my collection to confirm that they’re all still in good condition. I also make sure my heated blanket is still functioning well, since I can’t stand to be cold during the night.”
— Monique Valeris, Home Design Director at Good Housekeeping
Local Donation Acceptance Varies
While the editors recommend donating items like fall decorations and winter jackets, they note that acceptance policies vary by location. It is not confirmed which local charities or community centers will accept specific types of seasonal decor or clothing. Editors advise contacting local organizations directly to confirm whether they are currently accepting donations. Additionally, the specific criteria for what constitutes “gently used” versus “worn out” can be subjective, leaving some homeowners uncertain about whether to keep or toss borderline items.
Prep for Thanksgiving Storage
Following the Halloween purge, editors suggest preparing for Thanksgiving storage needs. Laura Millar notes that clearing the freezer now helps keep it mostly clear for new items as the holiday approaches. Homeowners should anticipate needing space for bulk purchases and leftovers. The next step involves organizing holiday-specific items, such as table linens and serving dishes, ensuring that the space freed up by the initial purge is effectively utilized for upcoming celebrations.
Key Questions
How can I tell if my makeup is expired?
Look for the Period After Opening (PAO) symbol on the packaging, which indicates how many months the product is safe to use after opening. If the product smells odd, has changed color, or is past this timeframe, it should be discarded.
Where should I donate outgrown Halloween costumes?
Editors recommend donating to local charities or organizations that support families in need. Many thrift stores and community centers also accept costume donations, but it is best to verify acceptance policies beforehand.
Is it safe to keep old heated blankets?
Only if they are in good condition. Editors advise testing heated blankets before use to ensure they are functioning properly. If a blanket shows signs of wear, fraying wires, or overheating, it should be thrown out to prevent fire hazards.
What should I do with burned-down candles?
Burned-down candles can be discarded or repurposed as storage jars or fall decor. Editors suggest sorting through candle collections to remove those with little to no wax left.
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