With Simi Valley’s Free Landfill Day coming up October 18, now is a good time to clear out the garage, closets, yard and storage areas before the holidays arrive.

There is something about fall that makes a clean-out feel especially satisfying.

Maybe it is the cooler weather. Maybe it is knowing holiday decorations, guests and end-of-year projects are coming. Either way, October is a good time to finally deal with the things that have been sitting in the garage, closets, patio or spare room longer than you meant them to.

This year, Simi Valley residents have an extra reason to get moving: Free Landfill Day is Sunday, October 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center. 

Start With Four Piles

As you clean, sort items into four simple categories:

• Toss
  Broken household items that are no longer usable.

• Recycle
  Cardboard, metal and other accepted recyclable materials.

• Donate
  Clothing, furniture, household goods, books, toys and other usable items someone else could still use.

• Handle Separately
  Electronics, paint, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil and other hazardous materials that should not go into regular trash.

That last category is important. The City operates a separate Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Program, and the next free event is scheduled for November 21. Appointments are required. 

Start With These 5 Places

If the idea of cleaning out the whole house feels overwhelming, do not start with the whole house.

Start here:

1. Garage — broken tools, old boxes, unused sporting goods, duplicate household supplies
2. Hall or linen closet — worn towels, old bedding, expired toiletries
3. Pantry — expired food, duplicate items, things no one is going to eat
4. Backyard or patio — broken planters, old hoses, worn outdoor items
5. One drawer or cabinet — because a small win still counts
6.  

Before You Throw It Away, Ask: Could Someone Else Use It?

Simi Valley has several places where usable items may be donated rather than discarded.

For general clothing and household goods, local options include Hope of the Valley Thrift Store and the two Simi Valley Goodwill Retail Store & Donation Center locations.

For furniture, appliances, home décor and building materials, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County ReStore is another useful option.

For baby, maternity and children's items, Tiny Treasures Collective specializes in those categories.

Because donation policies can change, call ahead if you have large furniture, unusual items or a big load.

Don’t Put These in the Trash

Some household items need special disposal.

The City says its household hazardous-waste program accepts items such as:

• Paint and paint products
• Household batteries
• Automotive fluids
• Fluorescent lamps
• Mercury-containing devices
• Aerosols
• Cleaning products
• Gasoline and solvents
• Home-generated medical sharps

The City also lists year-round alternatives for some materials. Household batteries can be dropped at the Simi Valley Public Library or Waste Management’s local facility, and certain paint retailers accept leftover paint.

Make It a 30-Minute Project

You do not need to spend an entire weekend cleaning out the house.

Try this:

10 minutes: Pick one area.
10 minutes: Sort into Toss, Donate, Recycle and Special Disposal.
10 minutes: Put each pile where it belongs so it does not migrate back into the house.

Do that once or twice before October 18 and you may be surprised how much progress you make.

Before You Load the Car

Check the Free Landfill Day rules before heading out. Some materials, including hazardous waste and certain specialty items, are handled separately.

The City’s event listing confirms the Oct. 18 Free Landfill Day from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

And if you uncover paint, batteries, fluorescent bulbs or other hazardous materials during your clean-out, save them for the proper drop-off program instead.

Fall Clean-Out Challenge

Before Sunday:

✓ Clear one garage shelf
✓ Fill one donation bag
✓ Recycle one stack of cardboard
✓ Set aside hazardous items for proper disposal
✓ Get rid of one thing you have been moving from place to place for years

A fall clean-out does not have to be dramatic. It just has to make your home feel a little lighter before the holiday season begins.

Read the complete three-part series

Part 1 — Fall Home & Yard: Santa Ana Winds: https://thesimisignal.com/a/brace-yourself-is-your-home-ready-for-falls-chill-and-fierce-santa-ana-winds

Part 2 — Simi Valley Fall Clean-Out: https://thesimisignal.com/a/simi-valley-fall-clean-out-free-landfill-day-2026

Part 3 — Final Home & Yard Checklist Before Winter: https://thesimisignal.com/a/fall-in-simi-valley-part-3-a-final-home-yard-checklist-before-winter