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Good Housekeeping home editors have identified ten specific household items to declutter before Halloween. The list includes expired pantry goods, outgrown costumes, and worn winter gear. Editors recommend donating usable items to local charities.
Good Housekeeping home editors have released a specific list of ten household items to declutter before Halloween. The recommendations, published in a recent guide, target common seasonal accumulations such as outgrown costumes, expired pantry items, and worn winter gear. The advice aims to help homeowners prepare for holiday hosting and seasonal transitions by removing clutter that no longer serves a functional purpose.
The guide emphasizes the importance of seasonal inventory checks to maintain organization. Monique Valeris, Home Design Director, advises assessing throw blankets for condition and functionality, particularly heated varieties, before the cold weather sets in. Similarly, Laura Millar, assistant lifestyle editor, suggests clearing burned-down candles and summer clothing to create space for fall and winter wardrobes. These steps are framed as preparatory measures for the upcoming holiday season.
Specific attention is given to Halloween-specific items and personal care products. Editors recommend donating outgrown Halloween costumes to organizations assisting families in need. They also urge the disposal of expired makeup and freezer food, citing safety and space concerns. Valeris notes the need to check Period After Opening symbols on cosmetics, while Millar highlights the necessity of clearing freezer space ahead of Thanksgiving.
Footwear and outerwear also require review. The editors suggest trying on winter shoes and boots to check for deteriorated cushioning or soles. Winter jackets should be evaluated for fit and style preference. Items deemed unusable should be discarded, while gently used goods are recommended for donation to local coat drives or charities.
Preparing Homes for Holiday Hosting
This guidance matters because seasonal transitions often lead to accumulated clutter that impacts home functionality. By addressing these items before Halloween, homeowners can ensure their spaces are ready for holiday hosting and guest visits. The recommendations help prevent the common issue of overcrowded storage and expired consumables going unnoticed until they become a problem.
Furthermore, the guide promotes sustainable practices by encouraging the donation of usable items rather than disposal. This approach supports local communities and reduces waste. For families, the advice on costumes and clothing helps manage the rapid growth of children, ensuring that storage is used for items that are currently needed.
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Editorial Expertise Behind the List
The recommendations come from Good Housekeeping, a publication known for its Home & Garden Institute testing and lifestyle advice. The article was authored by Alyssa Gautieri, who leads the publication’s gift guide strategy. The insights are drawn from the personal routines of senior editors, including Monique Valeris and Laura Millar, who manage large-scale home organization and seasonal planning.
This type of content is standard for the publication’s organizing section, which frequently provides actionable advice tied to calendar events. The timing aligns with the autumn season, a period when homeowners typically shift from summer to fall and winter preparations. The advice reflects common pain points identified in reader correspondence and editorial experience.
“Every fall, I like to take stock of my collection to confirm that they’re all still in good condition.”
— Monique Valeris, Home Design Director
Specific Donation Logistics Vary
While the guide recommends donating items, it does not provide a centralized list of approved charities for every location. Readers must verify which local shelters or thrift stores are currently accepting specific items like heated blankets or expired food (which should not be donated). The article notes that Goodwill is an option for decor, but acceptance policies vary by region.
Additionally, the specific criteria for makeup expiration rely on individual product labels. The guide advises checking Period After Opening symbols, but does not provide a universal timeline for all product types. Users must consult individual packaging for accurate safety information.
Implementing the Seasonal Purge
Homeowners are encouraged to schedule a decluttering session immediately to beat the Halloween rush. After removing the ten identified items, the next step is to sort donations and prepare them for drop-off. The guide suggests acting sooner rather than later to ensure fall decor and clothing reach recipients while still in season.
Following the purge, residents can focus on organizing remaining items for the holiday season. This includes restocking pantry essentials and preparing guest spaces. The editors recommend maintaining a regular review cycle to prevent future accumulation.
Key Questions
Can I donate expired food items?
No. Expired pantry items and freezer food should be discarded. Charities and food banks cannot accept expired goods due to safety regulations.
What should I do with old Halloween costumes?
Editors recommend donating outgrown costumes to local charities or organizations that assist families in need. Check with local shelters first to confirm acceptance.
How do I know if my makeup is expired?
Look for the Period After Opening symbol on the packaging, which indicates how many months the product is safe to use after opening. Toss anything damaged or past this date.
Should I throw away old throw blankets?
Only if they are damaged or non-functional. Gently used blankets can be donated to animal shelters or local charities. Check heated blankets for functionality before deciding.
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