There’s something about the end of September that makes me want a reset. The air feels cooler, the days shorter, and suddenly the things piling up in our closets and drawers stand out a little more.

Fall is my favorite season to declutter, not just because it makes space before the holidays, but because it’s the perfect time to give. Every year as we approach our annual Christmas charity event, I start a donation box at home. One by one, shoes, coats, and books find their way into it. By December, it’s full and ready to make a real difference.

So as you look around your home this fall, here are the categories I revisit every year, with one question in mind: Could this bring joy or comfort to someone else?

Shoes

Summer sandals, muddy sneakers, boots waiting for repair. Shoes take up space, yet so many go unworn.

Declutter them, and then donate. A pair sitting forgotten in your closet could become someone else’s everyday staple.

Coats

Cooler mornings mean coat season. But do you actually wear them all?

Each September, I try everything on, check the zippers, and pull out the ones we’ve outgrown or no longer love. Warm coats are some of the most-needed items at donation drives this time of year.

Scarves

Scarves seem to multiply when you’re not looking. Sort them by color and fabric, keep your favorites, and pass along the rest. That cozy knit you never wear might be exactly what someone else needs this winter.

Socks

The drawer full of mismatched, stretched-out socks? Time to let them go. Toss the ones with holes, keep the best, and donate the extras that are still in good condition. Warm socks are a small comfort that means a lot to someone facing cold days.

Books

I love books, but they pile up quickly. If you won’t reread it, let it move on. Libraries, schools, and community bazaars (like ours!) always welcome donated books—they have a way of finding the right hands.

Other Fall Decluttering Spots

• Bags & Backpacks – Empty out summer totes and kids’ school bags. Donate the extras.
• Hats & Gloves – Match them up before it gets cold. Pass along what no longer fits.
• Pantry Staples – Toss expired goods, but donate unopened items to food drives.
• Linens & Blankets – Shelters and charities often need these before winter.
• Holiday Decor – Donate the pieces you won’t use this season.
• Kids’ Craft Supplies – Schools and community centers love gently used supplies.

Declutter for Charity

Decluttering feels good. But donating is what truly transforms clutter into kindness.

Every coat, every book, every extra blanket has the power to warm someone’s season. That’s why I always remind myself: I’m not just making space in my home, I’m making space in someone else’s life for joy, comfort, or opportunity.

Join Us This Year

As you declutter this fall, consider starting a donation box at home. By the time December arrives, you’ll be ready to contribute to our Christmas Charity Event, where every item finds a second life and supports a cause that matters.

Imagine how many families we can touch if we all filled just one box this season.

If you want to find out more about the charity we work with, have read below:

• Decluttering for a Good Cause – the 2025 XUN Spring Charity Bazaar
• Declutter, Donate, and Do Good: Our Annual Charity Bazaar
• Charity Bazaar – Helping Raise Funds for the Miao Tribe
• How to Declutter Your Home and Make a Difference in Your Community

Before you go…

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