My diary is my lifeline, so it's surprising I didn't think to create a decluttering calendar sooner. Luckily, as the Head of Solved, I write and edit expert-led features on decluttering every day. I've compiled my ideal decluttering calendar to guide you through the chaos in your home throughout the year, breaking it into manageable tasks.

This calendar is straightforward and fits seamlessly into your digital planner. Just set a monthly reminder on the first day and add my corresponding tips below into your calendar. For those who prefer a paper planner, feel free to jot down the bullet points provided!

Your Monthly Decluttering Calendar for Ongoing Organization

August

Prepare for Fall by organizing key areas in your home. This is an excellent way to get ready for the cooler months while making room for a shift to more indoor activities.

  • Expired Products: Now is the ideal moment for an expiration sweep. Dispose of outdated sunscreens and summer lotions that won't last until next year, as well as half-open snack bags cluttering your pantry. Utilize a label maker or permanent marker to note opened dates on items, or store them in airtight containers to help pest-proof your pantry as colder weather approaches.
  • Summer Toys: After a fun-filled summer, you may find toys, puzzles, and books scattered everywhere. Conduct a thorough sweep of common areas to clear floor space and reduce visual clutter. Donating gently used toys before the holiday season allows families in need to find affordable gifts.
  • Shed Organization: Tackle your shed now to avoid searching through cobwebs in the rainy months ahead. A clean shed will allow you to prepare your outdoor space for winter more easily.
  • Clothing: I follow the 'didn't know' decluttering rule. If I forgot I owned an item, it's time to let it go. This applies to any clothing I haven't worn during summer. If it didn't attract my interest this year, it probably won't next year either—an organizing principle endorsed by professionals.
  • Seasonal Decor: Avoid last-minute Halloween and Christmas panic by clearing out decorations early. Make space for new or thrifted items by organizing your basement or attic where decorations are typically stored.

September

As fall approaches and we start spending more time indoors, it's time to think about decluttering for the season. If you're like me, you might resist turning on the heat until late October.

Streamlining these elements in September ensures a cozy few months ahead.

  • Blankets and Throws: Discard any that are old, musty, or uncomfortable. Instead of throwing them away, wash and donate them to local animal shelters that often need such items.
  • Family Games: Take a break from screens this fall by dusting off family games. Donate any that you no longer enjoy or swap with friends. Thrift stores often have great selections to refresh your game collection. I store games in lidded boxes under my sofas for easy access without cluttering my living room.
  • Surfaces: Living rooms, dining areas, and kitchens can easily become cluttered with miscellaneous items. Assign permanent homes to everything to simplify tidying up. If it doesn't serve a purpose, consider donating, selling, or recycling it. Using trays to group items can help keep surfaces clear; professional organizers recommend keeping no more than four items on a tray to avoid clutter. A wooden tray set from Walmart can create cohesion in your space.

October

With the hosting season around the corner, it's crucial to clear space for guests and gatherings.

Our ultimate holiday declutter checklist will guide you, but these are the essentials to include in your decluttering calendar, focusing on items for entertaining guests.

  • Dinnerware: If you have mismatched or broken items, they may clutter your kitchen. Clear out pieces you don't like to use and make room for those you enjoy.
  • Bedding and Towels: To streamline your collection, know how many towels you need. Each person typically requires two to three bath towels, plus additional sets for guests to reduce laundry during their stay. For bedding, having one set on the bed and one spare is ideal. Bedding should be washed weekly, or more often in warmer months. Use bedding organizers from Walmart to help keep your linens tidy and easily identifiable.

November

In November, decluttering takes on a festive focus to keep you organized during busy holiday planning.

  • Kitchen Decluttering: Hosting often leads to kitchen chaos. Clear out cabinets of items you bought but never use to create space for new groceries. A tidy kitchen will reduce stress when preparing meals for guests.
  • Outdoor Toys: Clear out scooters, skateboards, and other recreational items you didn't manage to declutter over the summer.
  • Unused School Supplies: Sometimes we overprepare for school. Donate or store any unused supplies in a covered bin in the attic.

December

December is hectic, so I'll keep this brief with actionable tips for decluttering this month.

  • Entryway Cleanup: With wet weather, coats and winter accessories can pile up in your hallway. Reduce clutter by storing extras in vacuum bags from Amazon. Keep just a few pairs of shoes per person to make space for guests. A freestanding coat rack from Wayfair is a useful addition, or consider temporary over-the-door hooks for extra space.
  • Bedroom Decluttering: To create a peaceful retreat from the holiday hustle, clear visual clutter from your bedroom to enhance relaxation.

January

The new year brings fresh resolutions for improved well-being and happiness, making January a great time to declutter.

  • Let Go of Fantasy Items: These are items associated with a version of yourself that no longer exists. Be honest about who you are now and declutter items like unused exercise equipment or hobbies you no longer pursue. Letting go of these items frees up space for new goals. Consider donating or selling them to someone who will put them to better use.
  • Holiday Decor: If you didn't use a set of decorations, it's time to declutter them instead of storing them for another year.
  • Dispose of Unwanted Gifts: While gifts are given with love, they may not suit you. Move them along discreetly, and digitize any special correspondence to keep only what you truly cherish.

February

Mark your decluttering calendar with essential tasks to declutter in February. The holiday chaos is behind us, and life returns to its usual rhythm.

  • Workspace Decluttering: Whether it's a hobby corner or a home office, clear out excess items to improve functionality. Opt for desk organizers from Target and securely dispose of outdated paperwork. For guidance on how long to keep documents, check out our expert tips.
  • Unused Items: Have you held onto an appliance or hobby item without using it for over a year? It's time to let it go.
  • Closet Decluttering: With spring approaching, take time in February to streamline your winter wardrobe before putting items away for the long term. Clear out anything that doesn't fit, is outdated, or is a duplicate.
  • Cleaning Supplies: Spring cleaning is around the corner, so tidy up your under-sink and storage cabinets. Replace any nearly empty cleaning supplies and assess your gardening tools as well.

March

In my Iranian culture, March is a time for a thorough spring cleaning tradition known as 'khooneh-takooni'. It's a season of renewal that inspires us to spring clean and declutter in March.

  • Bid Farewell to Winter: As the days grow warmer, clear out winter clothing, outerwear, and decor. It's also time to bring out bright and cheerful spring decorations.
  • Fridge and Pantry Refresh: After winter, it's time to clear out any expired items from your fridge and pantry. Consider using a magnetic whiteboard to track your inventory and make meal planning easier.

April

As warmer weather arrives, you may be eager to enjoy outdoor activities.

  • Bathroom Decluttering: Conduct an expiration sweep in your bathroom cabinets, discarding expired skincare and hygiene products.
  • Outdoor Items: As outdoor activities increase, assess your sports gear and toys. Dispose of any broken or unused items, and tidy up your porch and yard.
  • Bedding Swap: As temperatures rise, transition to lighter bedding. Donate any surplus items or outgrown children's bedding to local charities.
  • Garage Cleanup: Now's the time to address any accumulated clutter in your garage. Ensure it's organized to keep pests at bay.

May

As summer approaches, it's time to declutter in May and prepare for a seamless season.

  • Closet Cleanup: Since our clothing needs shift with the seasons, conduct a thorough declutter in every closet. Use matching baskets with labels from Target to help keep seasonal items organized for spontaneous outings.
  • School Items: As the school year wraps up, evaluate the documents and projects you've kept. Digitize what you can, keep a few mementos, and recycle the rest.
  • Towels: Avoid hoarding large towels you bought for vacations. Donate any extras to animal shelters to free up storage space.

June

With summer activities in full swing, it's essential to regain control of your home.

Decluttering in June will help create a calm environment between social events and outdoor fun.

  • Dump Zones: You know those corners that always accumulate items? It's time to address them. For example, my kitchen bench often becomes a dumping ground. Tackle these areas using a storage solution, like a cute jute basket from Wayfair to eliminate the clutter.
  • Outdoor Cooking Areas: If outdoor gatherings stress you out, declutter your outdoor kitchen area to ease the chaos. Invest in waterproof storage solutions to keep essentials organized and accessible without being overwhelming.
  • Cooling Equipment: Assess your fans and air conditioners to ensure they're all functional. If they're no longer working or needed, consider donating or recycling them.

July

In July, our focus shifts to the external aspects of our home as we enjoy time outdoors.

  • Car Decluttering: After beach trips and picnics, take time to clear out your car for a fresh start. A trunk organizer from Amazon can help keep everything in order.
  • Fireworks: Before the 4th of July, check your stash for any expired items. Dispose of old fireworks safely by soaking them in water before discarding.
  • Kitchen TLC: As summer ends, give your kitchen some attention before the busy hosting season returns.

With this decluttering schedule in your digital or physical planner, you now have a manageable list of tasks to tackle each month. Explore our library of decluttering methods to find strategies that fit your needs. We've tested them all, ensuring you find something that works for you.