Minimalists Agree: These Are the 5 Things You Should Always Throw Out Before Thanksgiving

There’s no question that hosting during the holidays can be stressful. Between menu planning, logistics, additional laundry, and managing your guests, it’s enough to make anyone feel a little on edge.

According to experts, one way to alleviate some of the hosting jitters is to adopt a minimalist approach and declutter your home as part of your hosting preparations. 

“By decluttering before the holiday and hosting chaos, you can preemptively keep your sanity and clear some space, metaphorically and physically, for all that’s to come,” says Elise Braun, founder of Neat by Elise.

Unsure where to start? Here are the top items experts toss out before Thanksgiving and holiday hosting.

Unused Holiday Decor 

Do you have storage totes bursting with holiday decor? For a minimalist approach this season, try cutting it down to just a few key essential decorations. 

Mackenzie Mitchel, founder of At Home With Mackenzie, says evaluating your holiday decor is a good idea at the start and end of every season since lifestyles, preferences, and trends change.

“Your taste usually changes year after year, so keep some of your staple items and get rid of what you don’t use or don’t like anymore,” Mitchel says. 

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Holiday Specific Serveware

One of the biggest hosting items minimalist and decluttering experts say to toss or skip? Holiday-themed mugs, dishes, and serveware.

“I know they’re cute, but it makes more sense to get plain colored or white serving dishes that you can use all year long instead of having season-specific serving dishes that you only use once a year,” Mitchel says. 

These items take up a lot of space in your cabinets and storage space for minimal hosting use. Opt to use your usual plates, platters, and glasses to keep things simple and let the food take center stage.

If your daily dishes just won’t hold up for Thanksgiving dinner, experts recommend choosing a set that is nice but neutral so it can be used for hosting all year long. 

Old Pantry Items 

Before your guests arrive at your doorstep with cookies and dishes to share, Braun says it’s a good time to go through your pantry and clear out all the items that are expired, nearly empty, or won’t be used anytime soon.

“You’d be surprised what is hiding in there … especially if you’re planning on hosting a holiday gathering where guests will inevitably bring more treats than your family could possibly consume,” Braun says. 

Bathroom Clutter

Having people over means more guests using your bathroom. To create a peaceful and seamless guest experience, experts recommend tossing out the clutter that accumulates around your bathroom, such as unused makeup products, expired medications, or nearly empty lotion bottles. 

“Take a moment to clear off surfaces, overflowing medicine cabinets, remove personal items, and empty the trash,” Amanda Scott, founder of Amanda Scott Home, says. “Create a basket of travel-sized toiletries for overnight guests. This is a great way to declutter and get rid of [extra] hotel toiletries!”

Miscellaneous Decor and Paper Clutter

Hosting guests means less space, especially in gathering areas, like the kitchen or living room. That’s why Braun suggests decluttering the areas of your home from miscellaneous decor and items that take up valuable lounging or tabletop space. “

Things like magazines, books, blankets, candles … have a way of accumulating in these spaces,” Braun says. 

Additionally, miscellaneous papers tend to pile up and be forgotten, taking up a lot of space in your entryway or kitchen. Throw out items that don’t have a home, such as old mail or homework, or find a designated place to keep important papers.