Overwhelmed by... common clutter? We're outlining an easy decluttering checklist that starts with clearing out the most obvious of all the unneeded items. Not only will you improve your storage space, reduce stacks of papers, and get all the junk off your kitchen table, but you'll reduce the visual clutter that sends your stress level through the roof.
Take back your space. Get rid of the following items with this decluttering plan:
1. Old Magazines and Newspapers
- Get the stack off your coffee table. Trim off your mailing address and donate them.
- These are great additions for your local Little Library
2. Unused Kitchen Gadgets
- We all have a collection of unwanted items, or gadgets we rarely use. If it’s something you were gifted and don’t use, or something you only find a reason to use once a decade, find the courage to part ways.
3. Expired Pantry Items
- If anything’s close to expiry, research to see if you can freeze the ingredients.
4. Scratched, Broken or Mismatched Dishes
- Put the mismatched dishes in a storage bin. Rather than donating them, plan to use mismatched dishes to transfer appetizers or desserts to a party or picnic.
- Toss anything that’s broken and beyond repair.
5. Outdated Electronics
- Look for an electronic recycling donation drive in your community. That’s the safest and most convenient way to properly discard old technology.
6. Worn-out or Unworn Clothing
- Is it truly worn out? Toss it.
- Is it worn but repairable? Take it to a donation center. You never know who’ll give it another life.
- Unworn or like-new clothing should go directly to a local shelter or organization who can distribute to those in need.
7. Duplicate Kitchen Tools
- Donate the dupes. When did our baking supplies multiply?
Conquer the clutter in your catch-all space.
8. Expired Medications
- First, ask your doctor or pharmacist if the medications are truly expired.
- "The best way to dispose of unneeded medications is through a drug take back program," notes Dr. Linnea Axman, Associate Dean of the College of Nursing at University of Phoenix. The US Food & Drug Administration offers guidance on safe disposal for unused medicine, and what you should know in general.
9. Unused or Broken Furniture
- Resell it for a profit!
- Offer it for free to your local upcycling group! Lots of people are in search of everyday items and willing to repair or refinish them.
- Your community center or local churches might also collect donations for annual yard sales; ask around.
10. Outgrown Children's Toys
- Sell or rehome what you can. Donate the rest.
- Not sure if your kids have outgrown the toys yet? Put them in a box for six months and see if they're missed.
- Holding on because of emotional attachment? Take a photo of your kids with the toys; you'll have it forever.
- Save them for a garage sale, or put them in a "free" donation box near your driveway if you live on a street with foot traffic. Families wandering by will appreciate it!
11. Unused Beauty Products
- Nope, toss it.
12. Non-Functional or Duplicate Chargers
- Get rid of broken plugs and old chargers. Office supplies get out of control, and this is one area where you don't need to be a pack rat.
- Recycle technology that you no longer use.
- Duplicates are often worth keeping on hand, especially because common adaptors are good for use in a variety of products. Keep them contained in a spare box, not your junk drawer.
13. Unused or Outdated Textbooks
- Unless you plan to refer to your favorite coursework (psych 301, raises both hands), donate them.
14. Old Receipts and Paperwork
- Check with your accountant or lawyer on anything that might need to be saved for an extended period of time.
- Take sensitive items to a local shredding event.
- Use your at-home shredder to make some firepit kindling with the rest 🔥
15. Excess Hangers in Your Closet
- Paring down the home includes maximizing the storage in closets. Gradual decluttering helps if you're trying to adopt a capsule wardrobe. Donate the hangers you no longer need!
- Also, matching hangers can help you feel ultra-organized. Upgrade your hangers and donate the rest if you need a real organizational pick-me-up.
- Seasonal storage units or bins help manage a large wardrobe, too.
16. Recycle Every Form of Junk Mail
- Better yet, get in the habit of recycling it before it lands on your kitchen counter or inside your desk drawer. No drawer divider or storage solution can cure excess mail.
- Unsubscribe from retail catalogs, too. This can usually be done with a simple phone call or by filling out a non-solicitation form on the retailer's website.
17. Unused Craft Supplies
- Throw away dried markers and paints. It'll clear a lot of space in your cabinets and make more space in drawer organizers.
- Donate other items that are still in good shape.
- You might also find that someone on your own street will adopt them; curb them with a "free" sign on your front steps or next to the sidewalk.
18. Broken or Outdated Home Decor
- Live, laugh, move on. Donate what someone might still enjoy, but throw away the unrepairable decorative items piling up in the corner of the basement.
Old paint and stains don’t belong in the trash—learn how to get rid of these products responsibly.
19. Duplicate Cleaning Supplies
- Pare back your assorted supplies. Streamline space in your cabinets and and switch household to one type of laundry detergent, one type of window cleaner, one bathroom and countertop cleaner, and one bottle of floor cleaner, etc. You'll save a lot of space in your cleaning cabinet.
20. Unused Sports Equipment
- We understand. You have good intentions of getting back on the tennis court or taking a snowboarding trip, but sell what you have now before the technology is ancient, and make a plan to buy or rent new equipment in the future.
21. Excess Plastic Containers and Lids
- If a plastic storage container or lid is missing its match, get rid of it. Many of these products can be recycled. It'll save you a lot of space in your kitchen cabinets.
22. Extra Linens, Old Towels, and Rags
- Pet shelters appreciate old sheets and bath and beach towels, so plan to donate whatever you don't need in your linen closet.
- Keep one (one!) of your most absorbent old towels to repurpose for cleaning rags. Cut it into small pieces (12"x12") and store with your cleaning supplies.
- Toss out your oldest cleaning rags. They've run their course.
23. Outdated Calendars and Planners
- Old calendars can be thrown away or recycled.
- Leave your job? We condone the ceremonious burn of your old work notebooks.
24. Old Greeting Cards and Mail
- Old mail can be shredded. Worried about losing something you'll need in the future? Scan and save it as a PDF.
- When it comes to cards, start by weeding out the least sentimental items. That should make a big dent.
25. Extra Cardboard Boxes
- "But it's a good box," we've all said. You'd be surprised how many "good boxes" accumulate over a year, thanks to online shopping and regular deliveries. Flatten them all and send them off to recycling.
26. Unused or Duplicate Appliances
- Small appliances take up a lot of space. Two tools that do the same thing? Pick a favorite.
- Gifted a small appliance you never use? I'm looking at you, ice cream maker. It's okay to donate it.
27. Outgrown or Damaged Shoes
- Damaged or overworn? Get rid of them.
- Did your kids outgrow their shoes? Donate them!
28. Unused Exercise Equipment
- Streamlining your equipment isn't a bad thing; over time, your exercise habits and routines will change. Clear out the old and make room for new fitness equipment.
29. Outdated Software or Computer Accessories
- You don't need Windows 95, and neither does anyone else.
- Make sure you clear all your USB drives before donating them. Office swag got out of hand with the introduction of branded USBs.
30. Empty or Near-Empty Bottles of Cleaning Products
- Two like products? Merge the bottles.
- A product you no longer use? Donate it or offer it to a friend—even half full, someone can get more use from it.
