12 Things to Throw Out ASAP in September, According to Professional Organizers Alyssa GautieriSeptember 14, 2025 at 8:00 AM 2 12 Things to Throw Out ASAP in September Jamie Grill After a busy summer, September always feels like a natural reset—whether or not your family is headed back to school.
- - 12 Things to Throw Out ASAP in September, According to Professional Organizers
Alyssa GautieriSeptember 14, 2025 at 8:00 AM
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12 Things to Throw Out ASAP in September Jamie Grill
After a busy summer, September always feels like a natural reset—whether or not your family is headed back to school. As the weather shifts, there's fresh-start energy in the air and a desire to declutter the house. If you're looking for motivation to get organized this fall, pro organizers suggest starting with a purge. From summer clothing and beach reads to excess school supplies, there are a number of things to get rid of in your home in September.
An organized home can help you save time and reduce stress this season. "With the arrival of fall and shorter days ahead, it's even more important to make every moment count," says Lisa Zaslow, founder of Gotham Organizers. "Declutter and store your summer items and make it easier to access the things you'll be using as the weather cools down."
As you sort through your belongings, keep in mind: getting rid of things doesn't necessarily mean throwing them away. When possible, donate items in good condition, whether to a thrift store, local shelter, or donation drop-off.
Summer toiletries
Don't blindly pack up summer toiletries before checking expiration dates. "Start with the things that will not make it another season, like sunscreen, bug spray, or aloe gel," says Laura Ellis, founder of Organized by Ellis. "Toss the sandy, half-used tubes that have seen better days."
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Excess school suppiles
Now that school has started, sort through items you haven't used. "If you stocked up on markers, crayons, or notebooks during back-to-school sales (I totally do this), but your drawers are overflowing, consider donating extras to your local school, daycare, or YMCA," says Nichole Gehman of Organize by Designe.
RELATED: 35 Back-to-School Organization Ideas for a Stress-Free School Year
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Summer clothing and swim suits
Donate or toss any summer clothing or swimsuits that didn't get worn this summer. Keep in mind that kids are likely to outgrow their summer clothes by next year, so donate anything that was unworn or fit snugly. "They grow so fast," says Gehman.
RELATED: Here's Where to Donate Clothes to Give Them a Second Life
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Sports gear
After a long summer of playing outdoors, it's a great time to organize the shed filled with sports gear. "Sporting equipment—bikes, helmets, swim goggles, cleats—should be inspected, repaired, or replaced before the fall season," says Dr. Regina Lark, founder of A Clear Path.
Sports equipment in good condition can be donated to local community centers, youth programs, or local thrift stores.
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Summer reads
Take a pass through your summer books—whether you read them or not. "Now that books are a click away, they tend to pile up before we can read them," says Maeve Richmond, founder of Maeve's Method. "Send the ones you don't plan to read soon (or ever!) packing—off to a friend, colleague, or book donation organization."
Books can be donated to charities, your local library (just call first to confirm!), or other community organizations.
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Food storage containers
'Tis the season of packed lunches, so it's a great time to re-evaluate your collection of food storage containers. "Review what you own, then hang onto the ones you'll realistically use during the week—like for lunch or leftovers—and release the rest," says Richmond, who also suggests considering glass containers.
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Too many beach towels
"Summer has a way of filling our homes with extras," says Lark. "Souvenir cups, freebie water bottles, promotional tote bags, and beach towels multiply quickly—pare them down." Toss any beach towels or summer gear that is damaged and donate any extras. Keep in mind: Animal shelters typically accept used beach towels as bedding.
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Last year's schoolwork
For families with kids, schoolwork piles up quick. Before you get too overwhelmed by the new school year, "edit or archive children's art and memorable schoolwork from last year," says Zaslow. "Toss random scribbles, worksheets, and used notebooks."
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Outgrown or damaged summer gear
Don't put damaged items into storage—you'll regret it next summer. "Say goodbye to worn-out pool floaties, cracked goggles, and broken beach toys, along with flip-flops, sandals, and swimsuits that are stretched out or never got worn," says Ellis.
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Forgotten pantry items
With school in session, an organized pantry is key. "Go through your pantry—summer cookout condiments, stale chips, and nearly empty cereal boxes often linger longer than they should," says Lark.
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Faded, dirty, or broken outdoor furniture
Before you pack away outdoor furniture, check for damage—think faded couch cushions, tears in rattan chairs, or rust on metal tables.
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Fast food extras
"Summer is a season for eating out," says Richmond. "Check your kitchen, cabinets, and car—you may have a pile-up of fast food extras. You know the suspects—plastic forks, napkins, salt and pepper packets, condiments, and straws."
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