A Guide to Fall Decluttering

The Department of Public Works is here to be a resource as you declutter.

As the days start to get shorter and the weather gets colder, it is a great time to prepare for a winter spent indoors. One way you can ensure your home is ready for months of indoor activities is to clean out excess clutter. A clean home can give you a fresh start and help inspire creative ways to stay entertained at home.

Outside of performing your typical fall deep cleaning, there are a few areas of your home to focus on that often get overlooked. When you start your fall decluttering, focus on these areas:

Pantry

Fall is full of baking and comfort food. Make sure you are ready for your favorite fall recipes by taking an audit of your pantry. Take out all of your cans and boxes, clean your shelves, and check if anything is expired before putting it back. If you come across expired goods, be sure to recycle the packaging.

• Aluminum cans should be rinsed out and placed in your recycling cart.
• Cardboard should be flattened and put in your recycling cart.
• Cartons should be empty, rinsed out, and placed in your recycling cart.
• Cooking oil under five gallons may be dropped off at the Sheboygan Residential Recycling Center.
• Glass bottles and jars should be rinsed out, and the label can be kept on and placed in your recycling cart.

Garage & Basement

It’s easy to save half-used products or items you can’t part with yet in your garage or basement. Though they are out of sight, if they are not necessary, it may be time to declutter.

• Anti-freeze under five gallons can be dropped off at the Sheboygan Recycling Center.
• Aerosol cans that are empty can be placed in your recycling cart.
• Auto batteries can be dropped off at the Sheboygan Residential Recycling Center.
• Holiday lights should be placed in your garbage cart.
• Hoses should be placed in your garbage cart.
• Latex paint should be thoroughly dried and placed in your garbage cart.

Office

Over the past months, your home office likely accumulated some clutter. Clearing your at-home office space can help you hit refresh and feel inspired.

• Books can be placed in your recycling cart. Hardcover books must have the cover and back removed.
• Ink is accepted in your garbage cart.
• Magazines can be placed in your recycling cart.
• Shredded paper should be sealed in a paper bag and can be placed in your recycling cart.

Closet

Organizing and decluttering your closet is a great way to rediscover clothing that you forgot about. A few rules can help you determine what should stay and what should go. For example, if you haven’t worn something in over a year, it is probably time to part with it. If it no longer fits your style or you no longer love it, it may also be time to donate.

• Clothing that is in good condition should be donated if possible. Otherwise, clothes are accepted in your garbage cart.
• Hangers that are plastic can be placed in your garbage cart. Metal hangers can be taken to the Sheboygan Residential Recycling Center.
• Shoes can be placed in your garbage cart.

Decluttering your home can help you feel inspired for a winter full of indoor activities. The Department of Public Works is here to be a resource as you declutter. Use our search tool to learn how to get rid of items around your home!