October is my favorite month of the year. Fall is in full swing, and the Halloween countdown is on.
And where better to direct this new energy than to decluttering in October, clearing away the last vestiges of summer, ready to embrace the cold season to its fullest.
Here are the key things I am clearing out in this portion of my decluttering calendar to help start the hosting season on the right foot.
Things I'm decluttering in October 2025
We live in a time driven by overconsumption, with the answer supposedly being to simply donate anything you do not use.
But thrift stores are slowly overflowing with the items we may have bought in the first place.
So, when working through my decluttering methods this season, I'll be looking at ways to avoid simply tossing things away while reducing clutter.
1. Summer memorabilia
Summer mementos have a habit of cluttering my shelves, collecting dust.
After a great summer of traveling and day trips, I have amassed a frankly obscene number of brochures, pictures, and momentos – all of which are now sitting and collecting dust on my home office shelving, waiting to go into memory books, or simply lingering awaiting a final decision...
However, Lisa Hettinger, certified professional organizer and owner of Clean Slate, says, ‘October is a great time to gather all the souvenirs from your summer adventures, including keepsakes from camps, trips, and sports.
'Do we really need 15 pinecones from the Redwoods, or every National Park brochure? Must we keep that crumpled boarding pass from our New York City trip, or a matchbook from Thailand? Let's be ruthless with these supposed keepsakes and retain only those items that add value to our lives.'
So, although decluttering sentimental items can be tricky, I know it is for the best. Luckily, using the memory-box method makes it that little bit easier without sacrificing all of my precious relics.
For everything else, paper is recycled, outdoor items are returned to nature, and bought momentos are offered to friends and family.
After all, I very much doubt a random stranger will want a 2025 Granada fridge magnet at the thrift store, making it one of the items to never donate.
2. Warm weather decor
By October, it's past time for warm oranges and cozy blankets.
Despite how excited I get about fall in early September, I usually succeed in holding off on decorating for fall until October (slipping in a few quick cozy decor swaps to transition a home for fall in the meantime).
With the start of the spookiest month of all upon us, it's the ideal time to declutter the spring and summer pieces that will be packed away for the next six months, says Lisa.
'Before placing them in their storage containers, ruthlessly determine whether these seasonal items are serving you. Discard any damaged 4th of July sparklers, toss those well-used candles, and say goodbye to those crumbled Easter napkins.
'And if there are any décor items you choose not to use, upcycle and give them a new home.'
I don't have much space for seasonal home storage ideas in my home, so a thorough declutter to keep only multi-purpose pieces is a must to prevent overflow. The items I don't keep are again offered to friends or family, or listed on online marketplaces, often for free, to take some of the load off of thrift stores.
Remember, there are some things you should never donate, as they're more likely a liability than a help. For anything you're deciding on or still need to take action on, putting everything in one air-tight, clear bin, from The Container Store, helps to keep order.
3. Clothing
The best part about fall is digging out the cozy sweaters after so long.
I tend to only declutter my closet twice a year, once at the start of summer, and again at the start of October, when I finally pull my thick knits and soft sweaters out of my underbed storage bags (from Walmart, which I pair with vacuum-sealed bags, also from Walmart, to keep items safe).
I focus mainly on decluttering the spring and summer clothing I didn't wear, leaving most of my cold-weather garments untouched. This way, they all get a fair chance entering the season (and can be removed accordingly when I next declutter in April).
One new step I will be adding this year, courtesy of Lisa, is using the transition to look for upcycling opportunities in my closet to help stop creating unnecessary trash at home. This also helps to reduce the onslaught of clothes that thrift stores have to deal with.
Anything damaged beyond repair can go to fabric recycling schemes.
What to shop
Measuring 8 x 10 x 11 inches, these handwoven water hyacinth baskets are ideal for drop zones, shelves, and cabinets.
These small stacking bins are ideal for sorting smaller items in larger containers, such as small decor pieces, so they do not get damaged in storage between uses.
These under-bed storage bags on wheels are easy to pull out, and maintain good ventilation for items to prevent mold or musty bedroom smells.
Vacuum storage bags are ideal for seasonal storage, keeping clothes and household linens safe from pests and moisture, without them taking up valuable storage real estate. They're great for storing clothes long-term.
For heavier winter garments, wooden hangars are a must. They take up more space on the rial, but they do not bend or risk stretching my clothing.
I own a lot of natural fiber sweaters, so cedar blocks are a must when restocking my closet with winter garments in October. They help to repel pests such as moths that threaten my precious collection.
Meet the expert
Lisa started her career as a non-profit event planner for homeless populations and arts education in underdeveloped areas. Her event management company organized fundraising events, including athletic events, large festivals, and million-dollar galas.
Now, as a Certified Professional Organizer®, she has helped dozens of clients achieve the peace, simplicity, functionality, and productivity that they desire
With decluttering out of the way, it's time to turn my attention to things I need to clean in October, and preparing my home for fall.
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