Things You Should Declutter Right Now
Decluttering your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, there are many items you can remove immediately to free up space, reduce stress, and make your home feel cleaner and more organized. This guide lists the most common things you can declutter today, along with practical tips and real-life examples to help you create a simpler, tidier living environment.
1. Expired Products
Start with the easiest category: anything expired.
This includes:
- Expired makeup
- Old skincare
- Outdated medicines
- Expired food items
- Stale spices
Removing expired items instantly creates more space and improves safety and hygiene.
2. Duplicate Items You Don’t Use
Most homes contain duplicates, especially in:
- Kitchen tools
- Cleaning supplies
- Stationery
- Hair accessories
- Toiletries
Keep only what you use regularly and donate the rest.
3. Old Paperwork and Mail
Paper clutter builds up quickly. Declutter:
- Old bills
- Expired coupons
- Junk mail
- Old flyers
- Irrelevant documents
Keep only important papers and store them in labeled folders.
4. Worn-Out Towels and Bedding
Torn, stained, or overly worn fabrics take up valuable space.
Declutter these and keep only what’s clean, comfortable, and in good condition.
5. Clothes You No Longer Wear
Clothes are one of the biggest sources of clutter. Remove:
- Items that no longer fit
- Clothes you haven’t worn in a year
- Damaged or faded pieces
- Shoes that hurt your feet
- Accessories you never use
Donate or recycle what you don’t need.
6. Broken or Unusable Items
Anything you’ve been “meaning to fix” but never do:
- Electronics
- Damaged décor
- Toys
- Old chargers
- Broken tools
If it’s not fixable or you haven’t used it in months, let it go.
7. Old Cosmetics and Samples
Many people hold onto:
- Nearly empty makeup
- Old nail polish
- Sample-size products
- Unused perfumes
Declutter these to make room for products you actually love.
8. Unused Kitchen Gadgets
Remove items that take up space but serve little purpose, such as:
- Old pans
- Extra utensils
- Duplicate spatulas
- Single-use gadgets you never use
A simpler kitchen is easier to clean and more enjoyable to use.
9. Outdated Tech and Cables
Technology changes fast. Declutter:
- Old smartphones
- Random chargers
- Outdated accessories
- Empty device boxes
- Unused cords
Keep only what works and what you need.
10. Empty or Almost-Empty Containers
These include:
- Nearly finished lotions
- Old shampoo bottles
- Empty candles
- Containers without lids
Clear them out to instantly tidy your bathroom, vanity, or kitchen.
11. Extra Plastic Bags and Containers
Most homes accumulate way too many.
Keep only a small, manageable amount and recycle the rest.
12. Old Magazines and Books You Won’t Read
If they’re collecting dust, it’s time to let them go.
Keep your absolute favorites and donate or recycle the rest.
13. Kids’ Toys and Craft Supplies
Children outgrow toys quickly. Declutter:
- Broken toys
- Duplicates
- Items they no longer play with
- Dried-out markers and paints
This makes playtime more enjoyable and reduces mess.
14. Unused Décor Items
Décor should add beauty — not clutter.
Remove:
- Damaged décor
- Items that no longer match your style
- Dusty pieces you dislike
- Seasonal décor that’s outdated
Choose a more minimalist approach for a stylish look.
15. Freebies and Random Items
These include:
- Free pens
- Old notebooks
- Gift bags
- Random souvenirs
- Promotional items
If it doesn’t serve a purpose or spark joy, declutter it.
Real-Life Examples
Example 1:
A cluttered bathroom counter became spacious after removing expired products and empty bottles.
Example 2:
A busy kitchen felt cleaner when unused appliances and duplicate utensils were donated.
Example 3:
A family reduced daily mess by decluttering kids’ toys and keeping only what they truly enjoyed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the fastest area to declutter?
Start with bathrooms or kitchen drawers — they contain many obvious clutter items like empty containers or expired products.
2. How do I decide what to keep?
Ask yourself: Do I use it? Do I love it? Is it still in good condition? If not, let it go.
3. Should I declutter or organize first?
Always declutter before organizing. You’ll save space and avoid buying unnecessary storage.
4. How often should I declutter?
A small decluttering session every 2–4 weeks keeps your home consistently tidy.
5. Is it okay to throw things away instead of donating?
Yes. Items that are broken, expired, or damaged should be thrown away. Donate only what’s in good, usable condition.
6. What if I feel guilty getting rid of things?
Focus on the benefits: more space, less stress, and a cleaner home. Remember, items sitting unused do not add value.
7. How do I keep clutter from coming back?
Adopt simple habits like:
- Putting things back immediately
- Doing small decluttering daily
- Avoiding impulse purchases
- Following a “one in, one out” rule