Decluttering your home might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By letting go of unnecessary items, you can create a more peaceful and organized space that truly feels like home.
This post lists specific things you can declutter, making the process straightforward and achievable.
Whether you’re tackling closets, countertops, or sentimental clutter, you’ll be able to do it in one go.
As I am writing this post, I have gone through the process of getting rid of things that don’t serve me any longer. And I can’t tell you how much lighter I feel.
If you’re looking for more ideas to refresh your living areas, check out these inexpensive ways to update and refresh your home. It’s time to make room for what really matters.
Clothing and Accessories
I think our closet is the most cluttered space. And it can be overwhelming and make finding your favorite outfit more difficult.
By decluttering clothing and accessories, you’ll free up valuable space and make your wardrobe easier to navigate. Let’s start by decluttering these items:
1. Outdated Clothing
If it doesn’t fit your style anymore or hasn’t been touched in years, it’s time to say goodbye.
Ask yourself: “Would I choose to buy this today?” If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go. Donate gently used pieces to charity or consider selling them.
2. Unworn Clothes
Yep, this might be hard! We’ve all got those “someday” pieces. Maybe it’s a flashy dress or a shirt you swore you’d wear for a special occasion.
But if you haven’t worn it in the last year, chances are you’re not going to.
Give it to someone who will put it to good use!
3. Damaged or Stained Clothing
This depends on various factors. For instance, I don’t usually toss away clothes that is slightly damaged, I just wear it inside the home.
But if you’re not like me then you can get rid of any garments with holes, missing buttons, or stubborn stains.
Unless you have specific plans to repair or upcycle them.
4. Excess Accessories
Accessories are fun, but too many can clutter up drawers and surfaces. Go through your collection of scarves, jewelry, belts, and hats.
Keep the ones you wear often and pair well with multiple outfits. Donate or sell anything that is sitting unused or doesn’t fit your current taste.
5. Out-of-Season Clothing
You don’t need bulky sweaters taking over your closet in the middle of summer. Store out-of-season clothing neatly in bins or vacuum-sealed bags.
This keeps them protected and frees up your everyday wardrobe. Also, If you notice you’re not excited to pull out a seasonal piece, it might be a sign to donate it.
6. Old Clothes Hangers
Got any old or broken hangers? Instead stick to sturdy and functional ones that make organizing easier.
You’d be surprised how much tidier your closet looks when you only use matching, functional hangers.
Kitchen Items
This is one place that sometimes get overlooked. Think about that kitchen drawer that is pile up with unneccessary, broken, or outfated items.
What about your pantry or kitchen, when was the last time you clean and decluttered it?
7. Broken or Chipped Dishes and Glassware
If you’re holding onto chipped mugs or cracked plates, it’s time to let them go. They’re not just unattractive; they can actually be unsafe.
Imagine trying to enjoy a cup of coffee, only to find yourself dodging tiny ceramic shards. Instead discard these items and replace them with functional pieces.
8. Duplicate Kitchen Gadgets
Do you really need three garlic presses or two identical can openers? Probably not.
Keep one of each essential item, and donate or recycle the rest. Remember, a streamlined kitchen is a more efficient one.
9. Expired Food and Spices
I am guilty of this! Take a good look through your pantry or spice cupboard. When was the last time you actually checked the expiration dates on your spices and canned goods?
Cleaning out these items allows you to restock with fresh, flavorful options.
Plus, a tidy pantry makes meal prep much less stressful. Check out these Kitchen organization hacks for more helpful tips.
10. Single-Use Plastic Items
Plastic forks, spoons, and bags from takeout meals tend to multiply before you know it. While they seem convenient at first, they eventually become a source of clutter.
Instead of hoarding these items, switch to reusable alternatives.
Bathroom Items
If you are a girl then you know how our bathroom countertop can become a cluttered mess. The bathroom, often a busy spot in your home, can quickly fill up with items you no longer need.
Clearing out unused items will make your bathroom more functional and easier to maintain.
11. Old Toiletries
Expired shampoos, half-used bottles of lotion, or dried-out nail polishes; sound familiar? These items often end up lingering in cabinets long after they’ve served their purpose.
Most toiletries have expiration dates for a reason. Using old products could cause skin irritation or simply not work as intended.
Go through your cabinets, dispose of expired products, and keep only what you use regularly.
12. Excess Beauty Products
We all have that one drawer filled with beauty products we’ve tried once or twice and then pushed aside. Maybe it’s a lipstick that’s too bold or a face mask that didn’t suit your skin.
Too many options can actually make your beauty routine more complicated.
Simplify by keeping favorites and donating new, unopened products.
13. Old Towels and Washcloths
Worn-out towels with frayed edges or stubborn stains don’t bring joy or comfort. Over time, towels lose their absorbency and become rough.
Instead of keeping them, repurpose them as cleaning rags. For a fresh start, invest in a few high-quality towels that will last.
14. Old Makeup
Did you know makeup has a shelf life? Mascara, for instance, should be tossed after three months to avoid bacteria buildup that can lead to eye infections. Unbelievable, right?
Lipsticks and foundations also break down over time, affecting their texture and effectiveness. If you’re unsure about a product’s freshness, check for changes in smell or texture.
Stick to keeping only makeup you love and use consistently.
Paper Clutter
Paper clutter can quickly accumulate, making your home feel messy and disorganized. Whether it’s old bills stuffed in drawers or stacks of unread magazines, it’s time to face the pile and reclaim your space.
By addressing specific types of paper clutter, you can achieve a cleaner, more organized home.
15. Old Bills and Bank Statements
Keeping too many old bills and statements is a common trap.
While it can feel necessary to hold on to them “just in case,” the truth is you only need the most recent ones for reference or tax purposes.
Anything older can often be discarded or shredded to protect your private information.
Look into organizing these documents digitally; many banks and utilities offer online statements, which can drastically reduce paper piles at home.
16. Expired Warranties and Manuals
Do you still have the manual for a microwave you tossed years ago? You’re not alone. These items often get shoved into drawers and forgotten.
Most manuals are now available online, so there’s no need to keep a physical copy. The same goes for expired warranties.
If the period is over, you’re just holding onto dead weight. Scan important warranties or download PDFs of manuals to save digitally.
17. Old Magazines and Newspapers
Stacks of old magazines and newspapers can grow into mountains before you even realize it. Maybe you’ve saved them for a recipe, article, or photo but haven’t touched them in years.
If you’re holding onto them for nostalgia or a single article, consider scanning key pages or taking photos before letting them go.
Clearing out these items frees up space and a clearer mind.
18. Unnecessary Paperwork
Unsorted paperwork like old receipts, random notes, or junk mail might be one of the biggest sources of frustration when tackling clutter.
Receipts for long-past purchases or non-essential items don’t need to stick around.
Dedicate a small bin or shredder for daily sorting. Make it a habit to handle paper the moment it comes into your home, and watch how quickly paper clutter becomes a thing of the past.
Electronics
Electronics can pile up quickly, becoming a significant source of clutter. Think about all the devices, cords, and gadgets shoved into drawers or gathering dust on shelves.
It’s easy to accumulate, but much harder to let go. Let’s tackle some common culprits.
19. Broken or Outdated Electronics
Holding onto broken or outdated electronics? Many of us keep them “just in case” we figure out how to fix them someday.
But the truth is, those items tend to linger for years, untouched and forgotten.
20. Unused Chargers and Cords
We’ve all got that drawer stuffed with random chargers, mystery cables, and cords from who-knows-what.
They accumulate quickly and leave you scrambling every time you actually need a specific one. A simple way to declutter is to match cords with current gadgets through a quick inventory.
Remember, keeping just the essentials can save you time and space in the long run.
21. Old Cell Phones and Tablets
Old phones and tablets often find their way into the back of a drawer, never to be seen again.
Before you part with them, back up any important data like photos, contacts, or notes and delete personal information.
Then, look into trade-in offers from retailers. Many times, older devices can be refurbished or reused, giving them a second life while freeing up your space.
Miscellaneous Items
Decluttering brings clarity and comfort. Beyond the obvious spaces like closets and kitchens, miscellaneous items can hide in plain sight and continue to add unnecessary clutter.
Taking the time to go through these items can help you regain control and free up space for the things you truly love and use.
22. Books You’ve Already Read
Books are wonderful, but they can take up a lot of space. If you’ve already read them and have no plans to revisit, consider donating or selling them.
Check with local libraries, schools, or second-hand bookstores.
If you’re reluctant to let go, remind yourself that donating them allows someone else will benefit from it.
It’s also a great way to make room for books that align with your current interests.
23. Collectibles You No Longer Love
Do those collectible figurines still spark joy, or are they collecting dust? Letting go of collectibles you no longer love doesn’t diminish their value.
It simply means you’ve outgrown them.
Try selling them online or giving them to someone who will truly appreciate them
24. Old Toys and Games
Toys and games often hold memories, but if they’re outgrown or unused, they’re just taking up space. Consider donating them to local charities or shelters where they can bring joy to children in need.
25. Expired Medications
Expired medications are not only useless but can also be unsafe. To declutter your medicine cabinet, dispose of medications the safe way.
Many pharmacies have medication take-back programs, or you can check local guidelines for proper disposal methods.
26. Cleaning Supplies You Don’t Use
Those cleaning products you bought but never use? They’re taking up valuable storage space. Keep only what works and fits into your routine.
Once you’ve decluttered, your cleaning routine will feel more streamlined and less stressful.
27. Gift Bags and Wrapping Paper
Gift bags and wrapping paper are easy to over-collect. Cut down by keeping only what’s in good condition and fits your style.
Reuse what you can or recycle damaged items. Organizing these in a designated space can make future gift-wrapping sessions a breeze.
28. Old Greeting Cards
Those stacks of greeting cards might hold sentimental value, but keeping them all isn’t practical. Go through and save a few that truly matter to you.
For the rest, recycle them or repurpose sections for craft projects. This way, you can preserve the memories without the clutter.
29. Unused Gift Cards
We’ve all got a few gift cards stuffed in a drawer that we forget to use. Declutter by redeeming them or selling them online.
Don’t let them go to waste; those unused funds could buy something practical or special that brings joy.
30. Decorative Items You Don’t Love
Your home should reflect who you are now. Outdated or mismatched decor might have worked in the past but doesn’t have to stay forever.
Donate or sell pieces that no longer fit your style.
Redecorating your space with intentional choices can make your home feel more cozy.
Final Thoughts on List of Things to Declutter
See the benefits of decluttering your home instead of viewing it has a chore. By starting with one category at a time, like excess clothing or old electronics, you can tackle the process without feeling overwhelmed.
Each small action adds up to a cleaner, more organized environment that benefits your mental and physical well-being.
If you’re struggling with finding space then go check out the top 10 space-saving tips for small homes.