10 Things To Toss Before Hosting Thanksgiving At Your Home

While it’s an absolute honor to host Thanksgiving, especially in a family of casserole-loving Southerners, it can also be stressful to prepare for Turkey Day and all of the festivities, cooking, and house guests (both day-of and those staying overnight) that come with it. As usual, the best path to ready yourself and your home is by being proactive—and nothing is more prep-minded that getting rid of things that only add clutter to your home. Before heading into Thanksgiving and the holiday season that follows, make sure to toss these 10 things you probably need to say goodbye to.

When To Get Started

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The earlier, the better. However, slowly decluttering throughout November is your best bet to a refreshed home when it comes time to host Thanksgiving. Wrap up the most extensive decluttering and deep-cleaning at least a week before the holiday to ensure you have plenty of time for cooking and other hosting responsibilities.

Things To Toss Before Thanksgiving

HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ STYLING BY: HOLLY SMITH

Junk Drawer Clutter

No one is immune to the eventual creation of a junk drawer—or drawers—that pile up with receipts, mail, stationery, and the most random assortment of “stuff.” Odds are, if you haven’t need to look at it in months, or longer, it’s time to get rid of it. That goes for bedside tables in guest rooms and any drawers in common spaces such as the living room. You wouldn’t want guests to come across the dreaded, overstuffed junk drawer while looking for a Thanksgiving serving spoon for their casserole!

Old Magazines and Newspapers

Set the mood for guests who are hanging around the living room by finally recycling, donating, or archiving your spring and summer magazines or any archaic newspapers. Instead, put your fall-themed magazines front and center, and featherlight a candle with all that extra side table space.

Deflated Bed Pillows 

If you’re hosting overnight guests over the holiday, it’s never a bad idea to revisit your guest room basics, such as bed pillows. If it’s been years since you’ve revamped the bed pillows, even if you wash them diligently, odds are they might not be the most comfortable for guests. No one likes a lumpy, flat pillow after eating all that turkey.

Expired Food and Kitchen Items

This is absolutely the time to get rid of anything that is expired in your fridge or pantry in order to make room for all of your holiday ingredients, as well as ready the fridge for leftovers. Pay special attention to condiments, canned goods, baking supplies, and anything you might need for Thanksgiving—as well as that rotting carrot that has been at the very back of the vegetable drawer for far too long.

Well-Loved Hand Towels 

When preparing to host Thanksgiving, it’s assumed that hand towels are going to be a necessity in both the kitchen, powder room, and guest bathrooms. Sometimes, when you’re just used to having the same ancient hand towels around, you might forget to revamp them every now and then. A holiday poses the perfect opportunity to invest is something modern that is not littered with stains and feels festive for the occasion.

Cardboard Boxes

Excess cardboard boxes seem to pile up in garages, closets, and any flex spaces with frustrating ease, and it can instantly make any home feel cluttered. Break down any cardboard that has been sitting unused or stacked, and ideally you can get rid of some lesser-filled cardboard housing unnecessary clutter as well.

Worn-Out Sheets

If you have guest sheets that have not been replaced in a long time—years, even—it might be time to don a modern set, especially if your guest room is used somewhat frequently by family and friends. Not only will it look brighter and crisper, it will feel more welcoming to anyone who might be staying overnight for Thanksgiving and the holiday season beyond.

Coat Closet Clutter

Without a doubt, your entry way closet—or any other ancillary closet in the house—becomes quite the trove for archaic coats you never touch and shoes that are worse for wear. Make sure to clear out and donate anything you no longer want or need, in order to make room for house guests you are hosting for the holiday.

Underused Gym Equipment

Who doesn’t have rarely-used workout equipment stowed in a guest bedroom, guest closet, or garage? Well, it is time to let these well-intentioned clutter makers go. If you actually apply these items, consider moving them to storage or your own closet while you have company for Thanksgiving.

Broken or Unused Appliances or Electronics

Counter space is a luxury when you’re hosting Thanksgiving, and folks might be wanting to apply your kitchen for warming up casseroles and other tasks, making it ideal to get rid of any bulky appliances taking up space, especially ones that are broken or specialty items you have never actually used. (Yep, it’s time to throw out that ancient toaster that burns the bread every time—and the spiralizer you’ve never used.) The same goes for electronics, such as faulty alarm clocks in guest rooms, and other items, such as broken or unnecessary remote controllers for the television.