Conquer Clutter: 30 Things to Get Rid of Today
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 dining room table, but you'll also reduce the visual clutter that sends your stress level through the roof.
Take back your space. Get rid of the following items:
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 kitchen items 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.
Related: The Motivation You Need to Conquer Your Junk Drawer
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 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 Outdated Electronics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? Donate it to a secondhand shop, like Goodwill. You never know who’ll give it another life.
Unworn clothing should go directly to a local shelter or organization that can distribute to those in need.
7. Duplicate Kitchen Tools
Donate the dupes.
8. Expired Medications
First, ask your doctor or pharmacist if the medications are truly expired.
For truly expired items or medications you no longer need, look for a local event that works to collect old medication. This is the safest way to discard of unwanted medicine.
Related: How to Clean Your Refrigerator Like a Pro
9. Unused or Broken Furniture
Resell it for a profit!
Offer it for free to your local upcycling group!
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.
11. Unused Beauty Products
Nope, toss it.
12. Non-Functional or Duplicate Chargers
Ditch the broken technology plugs and chargers. Office supplies get out of control.
Some duplicates are often worth keeping on hand because common adaptors are good for use in a variety of products. But 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. Embrace the minimalist approach and 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.
Photo by Humairah L. on Unsplash
16. Recycle Every Form of Junk Mail
Better yet, get in the habit of recycling junk mail it before it lands on your kitchen counter or inside your desk drawer.
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.
Donate other items that are still in good shape.
You might also find that someone on your own street will adopt good materials; 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 decor that's piling up in the corner of the basement.
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 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 of your most absorbent old towels to repurpose for cleaning rags. Cut them 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 probably use the rest!
