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Halloween might seem forever away, but you can never start getting prepped for a new year too early.
One easy way to do that: declutter your Halloween decor collection!
I recently spent a long weekend with bone-chilling temperatures doing just this with mine. It’s a perfect activity for January/February because you have time to slow down and focus without the pressure of the season creeping in.
I also find it gets me excited for a new year and brainstorming ways to decorate.
But before we get there, let’s talk about how to actually do the work of decluttering.
In this post, you’ll find 10 questions to ask as you go through boxes to decide if an item is worth hanging on to, if it might need a new life, or if it’s past its prime.
Then check out my bonus list of ways you can donate items you no longer want—a few of the recommendations might surprise you!
10 questions to ask when decluttering your Halloween decor collection
Ready to get started reorganizing your Halloween decor? Here are 10 questions to ask yourself as you parse through your storage boxes of items.
1. Does this item bring me joy?
The easiest place to start: does the item give you a sense of happiness? If not, it might be time to let it go.
2. Did I use this item last year?
If it hasn’t made an appearance in the last few Octobers, it might not be worth keeping.
3. Is this item still in good condition?
Check for items that are broken, faded, or otherwise damaged in ways that can’t be fixed. It happens to the best of us—RIP my now-shattered trick-or-treat candy corn platter I never got to use…
4. Does this fit my current Halloween style?
Our tastes evolve. If it no longer matches your vibe, consider donating it.
5. Do I have duplicates?
Unless it's something like extra lights or plug-in jack-o-lanterns, do you really need multiples of the same thing?
6. Is it sentimental or just something I’ve kept out of habit?
This is always a hard one for me: if it holds memories, keep it. If you’re holding onto it out of guilt, I'm giving you the permission you need—it’s okay to let it go.
7. Would someone else love this more than I do?
I ask this one a LOT! Donate decor that’s no longer meaningful to you—it might make someone else’s Halloween magical.
8. Do I have space for this?
There are a lot of bulky items in my collection these days, like giant plastic jack-o-lanterns and several skeletons. I've gotten better with storing them, but if your storage is tight, prioritize items that matter most to you.
9. Can I repurpose or upcycle this?
If it’s still lovely but not quite your style, consider giving it a creative refresh! (This is one I want to get better at this year.)
10. Does it align with the traditions I want to create?
Keep items that support your family’s traditions and the festive atmosphere you love.
Where to donate old Halloween Decor
When you’ve weeded through your Halloween decor collection and have items you want to donate, here are 8 places to consider taking them:
Thrift stores or resale shops
Community centers
Schools or day cares
Assisted living facilities
Nonprofits supporting families
Buy nothing groups (there are lots on Facebook)
Neighborhood forums, like Nextdoor
Community theaters
Animal shelters
A few of those might seem off-beat, like animal shelters or assisted living facilities, but they may appreciate a few pieces of decor for decorating their facility for the holiday!
It's definitely a good idea to contact them first to see if they’ll accept the donation.
Hosting your own Halloween garage sale (if you community allows them) is certainly a great suggestion to give new life to items while also stock piling a little money for next Halloween season.
What’s your best tip for decluttering Halloween decor?
Drop it in the comments!
And before you think this gives you free reign to buy ALL the things next Code Orange season, consider these 7 questions first before purchasing more Halloween decor.
