The holiday season often leaves your home filled with extra stuff—wrapping paper, receipts, and things you might not really need anymore. After all the festivities, it’s a good time to clear out the excess and make space for a fresh, organized start.
Knowing what to toss right after Christmas can help you reset your space and mindset for the new year. This simple step can make January feel less overwhelming and help you keep your home calm and clutter-free.
Expired holiday food and snacks
After the holiday rush, take a look at all those snacks and treats you’ve stashed away. Many of them have expiration dates that may have already passed or are coming up soon.
Expired holiday food can lose flavor and texture, and eating expired snacks isn’t worth the risk. If you’re unsure about something, it’s usually safer to toss it.
Clearing out expired items frees up space for fresh groceries and helps you start the new year with a cleaner, more organized kitchen.
Old Christmas cards
After the holidays, it’s easy to stash those Christmas cards in a drawer. But if you want to start fresh, it’s a good idea to sort through them.
You can toss the ones that don’t hold much meaning to you. For cards you want to keep, consider using them creatively next year—like making gift tags or homemade ornaments.
If you’re not crafty, recycling them is a straightforward option. Either way, clearing out old cards helps you begin January with less clutter around.
Used gift wrap and bows
You might have leftover wrapping paper scraps and bows scattered around after unwrapping gifts. Paper wrapping without plastic or foil can usually be recycled, so keep an eye out for those materials.
However, shiny, glittery, or plastic-coated paper should be tossed since it can’t be recycled. The same goes for bows, ribbons, and gift bags—they often have plastic components and aren’t recyclable. Clearing these out helps you start fresh without clutter piling up.
Broken or unwanted ornaments
If your ornaments are cracked, chipped, or just not your style anymore, it’s okay to let them go. Holding onto broken decorations can clutter your space and make unpacking a hassle each year.
You could try repurposing some if you’re feeling crafty, but sometimes it’s easier to toss the truly damaged ones. Starting fresh with new ornaments can make your collection feel exciting again.
Empty gift boxes
You probably have a pile of empty gift boxes lying around after Christmas. They can take up a lot of space if you don’t deal with them quickly.
Unless you have a clear plan to reuse them, it’s okay to toss ones that are damaged or too bulky. Keeping just a few that are sturdy and useful for organizing can make sense.
If you want, you can also repurpose some for small storage, but be honest with yourself about what you’ll actually use. Don’t let them clutter your space.
Excess takeout menus
After the holiday rush, takeout menus tend to pile up on your counters. Most of these menus get outdated quickly, so keeping them isn’t necessary.
You can recycle or toss them without guilt. Plus, with apps and websites, it’s easier to find what you want online anyway. Clearing these menus will free up space and cut down on clutter.
Old medical paperwork
You can toss old medical bills once the statute of limitations in your state has passed. Usually, keeping them for about 3 to 7 years after the last payment is safe.
Hold on to important records like surgeries, vaccinations, or chronic illness documents for longer. These might come in handy for future care or insurance claims.
Shred expired prescription receipts and outdated medical test results if your doctor has no further use for them. This cuts clutter without losing anything essential.
Old tax bills
You can usually toss old tax bills once you’ve paid them and no longer need proof. Keep any related documents for at least three years, just in case the IRS comes knocking.
If you’re unsure, hang on to them a bit longer, but don’t let them pile up and clutter your space. Clearing out outdated tax bills can make your files way easier to manage in the new year.
Worn-out holiday sweaters
If your holiday sweaters are looking tired or have seen better days, it’s time to say goodbye. Holding on to itchy, stretched-out knits only takes up space you could better use.
Before you toss them, consider upcycling. Old sweaters can be turned into cozy mittens or pillow covers, giving them a second life.
If you’re not into DIY, donating gently worn ones helps someone else enjoy the season next year. Either way, clearing out those worn-out sweaters will freshen up your closet for January.
Partially burned candles
If you have candles with some wax left, don’t just toss them in the trash. You can melt the remaining wax to make new candles or wax melts for later use.
Candle jars can also be cleaned and reused for storage or small planters.
If you decide to get rid of them, separate the wax from the jar. Recycle the jars when possible and dispose of the wax carefully to avoid mess. This helps reduce waste and keeps your space fresh after the holidays.
Old magazines and catalogs
If your coffee table is buried under stacks of magazines and catalogs, it’s time to clear them out. You can recycle them, but consider repurposing first.
Use the pages for crafts like wrapping paper or holiday decorations to add a personal, eco-friendly touch.
If you’re not crafty, donating them to schools or community centers is a great way to give them a second life. Either way, trimming this clutter helps you start January feeling lighter.
Unreturned library books
If you’ve got library books hanging around after the holidays, now’s the perfect time to return them. Clearing these out helps you avoid late fees and frees up space at home.
Make it a quick mission to gather all those overdue books. You’ll feel lighter without that nagging reminder sitting somewhere in your house. Plus, it’s a good way to start fresh in January.
Unused holiday decorations
If you have holiday decorations that didn’t get used this year, now’s the time to let them go. Maybe they’re broken, outdated, or just don’t fit your style anymore. Keeping them only adds to clutter and makes storage harder.
You don’t have to keep every single ornament or piece of decor. Tossing what you don’t love means more space for the decorations you actually enjoy. It also makes packing up easier next year.
Expired beauty products
You probably have some beauty products lurking in your drawers past their prime. Mascara, foundation, and skincare items usually only last a few months once opened. Using expired makeup can lead to skin irritation or breakouts.
Check for changes in smell, texture, or color to spot when a product has gone bad. Toss anything that’s separated, smells off, or feels gritty. Starting the new year with fresh products helps keep your skin healthy and your routine simple.