While hosting Thanksgiving is an absolute honor, especially in a family. stew lover Southerners, preparing for Türkiye Day and all the festivities, cooking, and house guests (both daily and daily) can also be stressful. those who stayed overnight) comes with it. As always, the best way to prepare yourself and your home is to be proactive, and nothing prepares you better than getting rid of things that only add clutter to your home. Before we head into Thanksgiving and the holiday season that follows, be sure to toss out these 10 things you probably need to say goodbye to.

When to Start?

The sooner the better. But slowly decluttering throughout November is your best bet for a refreshed home when it’s time to host Thanksgiving. To ensure you have plenty of time for cooking and other hosting responsibilities, complete the most thorough decluttering and deep cleaning at least a week before the holiday.

Things to Throw Before Thanksgiving

Junk Drawer Clutter

No one is immune from creating a junk drawer (or drawers) that eventually ends up piling up with receipts, mail, stationery, and the most random assortment of “stuff.” Chances are, if you haven’t needed to take care of it for months or longer, it’s time to get rid of it. This also goes for bedside tables in guest rooms and drawers in common areas like the living room. You don’t want your guests to come across the dreaded, overstuffed junk drawer when searching for a Thanksgiving serving spoon for their casserole!

Old Magazines and Newspapers

Create the mood for guests wandering around the living room by finally recycling, donating or archiving your spring and summer magazines or outdated newspapers. Instead, put your fall-themed magazines front and center and light a candle with the extra side table space.

Deflated Bed Pillows

If you’ll be hosting overnight guests during the holidays, it’s never a bad idea to reconsider your guest room essentials, like bed pillows. If it’s been years since you renewed your bed pillows, Even if you wash it carefullythey probably may not be the most comfortable for guests. Nobody likes a lumpy, flat pillow after eating all that turkey.

Expired Food and Kitchen Products

This is the time to get rid of absolutely everything. There’s no expiration date in your refrigerator or pantry. to make room for all your holiday supplies and prep the fridge for leftovers. Pay special attention to condiments, canned goods, baking supplies and anything else you might need for Thanksgiving, and the rotting carrots that have been sitting at the back of the vegetable drawer for far too long.

Popular Hand Towels

It’s assumed that hand towels will be a necessity in both the kitchen, powder room, and guest bathrooms as we prepare to host Thanksgiving. Sometimes, when you get used to carrying the same old hand towels around, you may forget to refresh them from time to time. The holidays present the perfect opportunity to invest in something new that isn’t riddled with stains and feels festive for the occasion.

Cardboard Boxes

Excess cardboard boxes seem to pile up in garages, closets, and any flex space with frustrating ease and can instantly make any home a mess. Break up any unused or stacked cardboard, and ideally you can also get rid of the unnecessary clutter of a less-stuffed cardboard enclosure.

Worn Sheets

If you have guest linens that haven’t been changed in a long time, or even years, it may be time to get a new set, especially if your guest room is used frequently by family and friends. Not only will it look brighter and more vibrant, it will also be more welcoming to anyone who will be spending the night there for Thanksgiving and the holiday season beyond.

Cloakroom Mess

There’s no doubt that your entryway closet, or any utility closet in the house, becomes quite a treasure trove of old coats you never touch and shoes that are worse for wear. Be sure to clean out and donate anything you no longer want or need to make room for holiday house guests you’re hosting.

Gently Used Gym Equipment

Who doesn’t have rarely used exercise equipment in their guest room, guest closet, or garage? It’s time to let go of these well-intentioned troublemakers. If you really use these items, consider moving them into storage or your own closet when you have company over for Thanksgiving.

Defective or Unused Appliances or Electronic Devices

Counter space is a luxury when hosting Thanksgiving, and people may want to use your kitchen for heating casseroles and other tasks, making it ideal to get rid of bulky appliances that take up space, especially broken or custom ones. items you never actually use. (Yes, it’s time to throw out that old toaster that burns the bread every time and that spiralizer you never use.) The same goes for other items, like electronics and broken items in guest rooms, like faulty alarm clocks. or unnecessary remote controls for television.