Now’s the perfect time for a pre-Christmas clear-out
Annika Collins
December 15, 2025
As Christmas approaches, many of us think about what’s coming in, such as gifts, decorations, and festive essentials. But what if a quick clear-out could make space, reduce waste, and help others enjoy the season too? With Christmas recycling and reuse at the front of people’s minds, now is the ideal moment to look around your home and ask “What could find a second life before the festivities begin?”
Give your unwanted items a second life
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, local charity shops and reuse networks such as Freecycle and Olio see a rise in people searching for affordable gifts. Donating earlier in the season means your preloved items are more likely to reach new homes before the big day.
Items that make a real difference include:
- Toys and games another family could wrap up as presents
- Coats, jumpers, and winter clothing ready for someone who needs them
- Books, puzzles, and entertainment for cosy winter evenings
If you’re unsure what to donate, check each charity shop’s website or local Facebook community groups for updates on what they most need.
Avoid the post-Christmas donation rush
January brings an avalanche of donations to charity shops. While well-intentioned, this surge can overwhelm volunteers and reduce the chances of each item being resold. Donating before Christmas spreads the workload and helps ensure good-quality items are priced, displayed, and bought.
If you plan to recycle items instead of donating them, check where to take them using our recycling bank locator. You can also learn how to recycle tricky items through our guides, such as how to recycle clothes, how to recycle toys, and how to recycle books on recycle-more.
Easy ways to pass things on
You don’t have to look far to find a new home for items you no longer need:
- Local charity shops
- Reuse sites like Freecycle or Olio
- Local Facebook Marketplace or community groups
A quick search can help you match your items with someone who needs them.
A win for your home and the planet
You don’t have to look far to find a new home for items you no longer need:
- Local charity shops
- Reuse sites like Freecycle or Olio
- Local Facebook Marketplace or community groups
A quick search can help you match your items with someone who needs them.
Make space, and make a difference, visit our recycling locator to recycle an unwanted items responsibly!
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this blog represent those of the author, Annika Collins, and are not those of recycle-more, Valpak Limited or any other organisation.
