Decluttering is like hitting the reset button on your living space and your mind. It’s an easy way to create a harmonious environment that allows you to breathe freely and think clearly.
Whether it’s in the home, office, or car, decluttering your space is one of the simplest and most satisfying changes you can make.
But we all know, it’s not easy. In fact, most of us have a hard time even knowing where to start.
That’s why I’ve created a decluttering list of 120 things to declutter. It’s an easy-to-follow guide that will help you get on top of the clutter once and for all.
This list of things you can get rid of today gives you a jumpstart on the decluttering process. So, roll up your sleeves and prepare to bid farewell to the unnecessary items that have been hiding in your closets, drawers, and corners for far too long.
Keep reading to the end of this post to receive your free declutter checklist!
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- 18 Important Decluttering Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Declutter
- How to Create a Stylish Minimalist Wardrobe in 2023
Easy things to declutter right now
1. Old magazines: I’m not sure if people still buy physical magazines, but if you have some that you’ve already read and have no intention of reading again, send them to recycling.
2. Expired coupons: These are doing no good sitting around collecting dust. Send them to the paper recycling or shredding.
3. Mismatched socks: Unless you don’t mind wearing mismatched socks, taking the time to find their partners and getting rid of the ones that don’t have a match is the best way to declutter.
4. Junk mail: Don’t let those pesky flyers and catalogs pile up in your mailbox. Take the time to sort through them and get rid of what you don’t need so they don’t add to the paper clutter around your entire home.
5. Old books: Books take up a lot of space, and if you’re not using them anymore and have no intention of reading these books again, it’s time to donate to a charity shop or your nearest library.
6. Unused or expired medications: Go through the medicine cabinet and bring any expired medications back to your local pharmacy so they can dispose of these in the correct and safe manner.
7. Outdated electronic devices: If you’re someone who buys a new cell phone every few years, you most likely have a few old phones sitting in your junk drawer (sound familiar?). Donate these to charity or electronic recycling centers.
8. Old photos: We all like to keep pictures of our memories, but do we really need boxes and boxes of old photos that we no longer look at? Declutter your old photos and store them online if you really want to keep them but clear up much needed space.
9. Plastic containers with missing lids: If you have plastic storage containers that are missing lids or are misshapen and old, it’s time to get rid of these. Invest in some new containers with lids that close correctly and are easy to stack and store away.
10. Unused or broken kitchen appliances: The chances are, you probably have at least one kitchen appliance which hasn’t been used in years – whether it’s because it no longer works or you’ve got other kitchen gadgets you use instead.
11. Worn-out shoes: We all have those old shoes that used to be our favorites. But if they’re looking worse for wear or no longer fit, it’s time to declutter them and send them on their way!
12. Scratched or damaged CDs/DVDs: With the rise of digital music and movies, CDs and DVDs are no longer a necessity. If you have any scratched or damaged discs, it’s time to say goodbye.
13. Old VHS tapes: Another item that has gone out of fashion in the digital age – VHS tapes. If you have any old tapes, consider giving them away or recycling them. You can keep copies of the VHSs on your computers if there are some you’re not willing to part with.
14. Empty or dried-out pens and markers: Empty pens are no good to anyone, so why not declutter your drawers of them? Do the same with dried out markers.
15. Children’s toys with missing pieces: We all know how it is – kids lose pieces of their toys and then the toy is rendered useless. As much as you can, try to get rid of any broken or incomplete toys so your child will have more room to play with other toys they love.
16. Expired fridge items: Check the use-by date on food items in the fridge regularly and get rid of anything that’s out of date. You’ll have a much tidier fridge in no time!
17. Outgrown or outdated home decor items: Let’s be honest, our taste changes as we get older and sometimes our home décor outgrows us. That’s ok, but any outdated décor you don’t want anymore should be decluttered.
18. Outgrown or unused baby blankets: Baby items tend to accumulate quickly. If you have any unused or outgrown baby blankets that are taking up space, now is a good time to part ways with them to make room for what your child really needs.
19. Worn out and old towels: The linen closet can be a place of clutter for many people. Get rid of any old towels that are worn out or no longer needed as you’re probably not even using these.
20. Empty or expired laundry products: Laundry products have an expiration date too, so check them and get rid of any that are empty or expired. You’ll be surprised how much room this will make in your laundry room.
21. Outdated or unused office supplies: Most of us now have a home office, and it can become cluttered easily with outdated or unused office supplies such as paper clips, staplers and pens. Take time to sort through this and get rid of any items you no longer need – it will make your workspace much more manageable.
22. Old and expired pantry items: Your food pantry is often a source of clutter, so take some time to check out all the expiration dates on any items in there and get rid of anything that’s expired.
23. Outdated or unused craft supplies: You may love to craft, but sometimes supplies can take over. Sort through and declutter any craft supplies that you no longer need. It will make it much easier to find whatever you do need when it’s time for new craft projects.
24. Unused or broken holiday decorations: Holiday decor often gets stored away for years and can take up a lot of space when it’s no longer needed – especially after you buy new décor and forget about what you already have.
25. Outdated or unused recipe books: Most of us get our recipes online these days. And while there’s nothing quite like having an old recipe book, take some time to get rid of any that you no longer use. It will make it much easier to find the recipes you do need when cooking up a storm in the kitchen.
Are you ready to simplify your life?
More things to declutter in your home
26. Empty or expired vitamins and supplements
27. Old receipts
28. Old phone chargers:
29. Empty candle jars
30. Outdated calendars
31. Broken or unused jewelry
32. Worn-out or stained clothing
33. Excessive hangers: wire hangers
34. Expired skincare and beauty products
35. Old or broken hair accessories
36. Outdated or unused sports equipment
37. Empty or expired cleaning supplies
38. Broken or chipped dishes
39. Old greeting cards
40. Unused or expired spices
41. Outdated or unused textbooks
42. Broken or worn-out belts
43. Empty toiletries
44. Unused or broken gardening tools
45. Old power cords
46. Broken or unused picture frames
47. Outdated computer software
48. Dead batteries
49. Unused or broken luggage
50. Outdated video games
51. Empty or expired first aid supplies
52. Broken or unused musical instruments
53. Empty or expired nail polish bottles
54. Worn-out or uncomfortable bras
55. Old or expired make-up
56. Unused board games
57. Empty or dried-up art supplies
58. Unused exercise equipment
59. Old and worn-out pillows
60. Unused or expired pet supplies
61. Empty paint cans
62. Broken or outdated remote controls
63. Expired sunscreen
64. Outgrown or unused sports jerseys
65. Worn-out or mismatched bedding
66. Broken or unused power tools
67. Unused travel accessories
68. Old and worn-out rugs
69. Expired lottery tickets
70. Broken or unused camping gear
71. Unused sewing supplies
72. Empty or expired condiment bottles
73. Unused or broken bikes and accessories
74. Outgrown children’s furniture
75. Broken headphones
76. Worn-out or damaged curtains/blinds
77. Unused or broken kitchen utensils
78. Outdated or unused stationary
79. Expired baby formula
80. Outdated travel guides
81. Outgrown children’s books
82. Used coloring books
83. Old and expired warranties/manuals
84. Expired credit cards
85. Unused or broken video game accessories
86. Broken or unused Bluetooth speakers
87. Expired or unused craft paints
88. Old and worn-out backpacks
89. Outdated or unused CD cases
90. Old reading or vision glasses
91. Unused or broken office chairs
92. Broken or unused phone cases
93. Outgrown or unused baby clothes
94. Unused or broken gardening gloves
95. Outdated or unused party supplies
96. Old water bottles no longer used
97. Broken or unused fitness trackers
98. Outgrown or unused children’s shoes
99. Unused or broken kitchen knives
100. Outdated or unused software manuals
101. Empty or expired pet food containers
102. Unused or broken gardening accessories
103. Worn-out or damaged throw pillows
104. Old computers and computer accessories
105. Outdated or unused event tickets
106. Old business cards with incorrect information
107. Unused / broken kitchen scales
108. Unused or broken office furniture
109. Unused hobby supplies
110. Worn-out or damaged shower curtains
111. Empty or expired pet medication bottles
112. Broken or unused gaming consoles
113. Expired or unused specialty teas/coffees
114. Outdated car manuals
115. Old event brochures/flyers
116. Worn-out bathrobes
117. Outdated phone books and address books
118. Old emails
119. Stretched out hair ties
120. Old gift bags
Where to donate the things you declutter
Of course, we never want to just throw everything we declutter into landfills, contributing to waste and pollution. We always want to try our best to donate what we can, whenever possible.
There are many organisations that accept donations of used goods, ranging from clothing to furniture. Here are a few places you can consider donating:
Goodwill – They accept donations of gently used items and use them for their stores or auction off to raise funds for their programs.
Habitat for Humanity – They accept donations of furniture, building materials, and appliances that they can use in the construction of low-cost homes.
Salvation Army – They accept donations of clothes, furniture, small appliances, toys, books and more. They also have a pickup program if you can’t make it to a donation center.
Local shelters – You can call your local homeless shelters or animal rescue to see what donations they accept.
Recycling centres – items like used batteries, empty candle jars, and glass items can be recycled at local recycling centres.
Libraries – old newspapers, magazines and books can be donated to local libraries.
PIN FOR LATER!
Now that you’re armed with these 120 things to declutter, you’ll be able to take the first step in creating a space that supports and uplifts you.
As you continue on your clutter-free journey, take a moment to appreciate the positive impact it has on your life. Embrace the newfound sense of tranquility, the clarity of thought, and the freedom to move about without stumbling over forgotten items.
Your whole house can now be a sanctuary of order and peace, reflecting the best version of yourself.
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