“One can furnish a home very luxuriously by taking out furniture rather than putting it in.” —Francis Jourdain
Many people will miss the joys of minimalism because they are afraid to begin. Often, they fear if they “minimalize” an item from their home, they will regret it in the future if they need it again. While that rarely happens (you need so much less than you think), if this fear is preventing you from getting started, try this alternative method instead.
Begin by simply reducing the excess things in your home. For example, your family needs towels so you will never remove them completely—but you could simplify your life by reducing the number of towels you own. This approach removes all risk.
Once you take that first step, you will start to experience the benefits of minimalism. You will enjoy the refreshing feeling of a less-cluttered linen closet or bathroom drawer. Soon, you will notice countless other things that can be reduced in your home. Before you know it, you will have made significant progress in your journey towards a more simplified life.
To better understand the potential of this simple, risk-free step, I compiled a list of 101 Things That Can Easily Be Reduced In Your Home.
Just below the written list in this post, you can also sign up to have a printable PDF of my Declutter Your Home Checklist. I’ll send you a
This minimalist list is not meant to overwhelm or frustrate you, it’s simply meant to give you an idea of how significant a step this can be–just choosing 10 things on this minimalist checklist to start with would result in a noticeable difference in your home.
The Declutter Your Home Checklist: 101 Things That Can Easily Be Reduced In Your Home
- Kitchen Glassware
- Cookbooks
- Kitchen gadgets
- Kitchen appliances
- Pots / pans
- Mixing bowls
- Tupperware
- Water pitchers
- Coffee mugs
- Glass jars
- Magazines / Newspapers
- Books
- Over-the-counter medicine
Make up - Hair accessories
- Personal beauty appliances
- Toiletries
- Photos
- Photography supplies
- Sewing supplies
Scrap-booking supplies- Other craft supplies
- CDs
- DVDs / VHS tapes
- Wall Decorations
- Candles
- Candle Holders
- Figurines
- Crystal / China
- Vases
- Audio/visual components
- Audio/visual cables
- Computers equipment
- Computer peripherals
- Old cellphones
- Furniture
- Video game systems
- Video game accessories
- Video games
- Shirts
- Pants / Shorts
- Dresses / Skirts
- Hats
- Clothes hangers
- Shoes
- Ties / belts / accessories
- Coats
- Winter gear
- Socks / Underwear
- Sleepwear
- Jewelry
- Purses
- Pillows
- Linen sets
- Duvets / Comforters
- Blankets
- Towels
- Televisions
- Items on your bulletin board
- Magnets
- Home office supplies
- Coins
- Pens / pencils
- Rubber bands / Twist ties
- Cleaning supplies
- Old batteries
- Tools
- Hardware
- Coolers
- Manuals
- Phone books
- Coupons
- Board games
- Puzzles
- Decks of cards
- Unused gifts
- Baby clothes
- Baby supplies
- Old schoolbooks/papers
- Toys
- Stuffed animals
- Kid’s artwork
- Suitcases
- Pantry food
- Paper goods
- Wrapping supplies
- Pet supplies
- Plastic bags
- Party supplies
- Seasonal decorations
- Sporting goods
- Sports memorabilia
- Automobiles
- Automotive supplies
- Scrap pieces of lumber
- Brooms
- Rakes
- Shovels
- Garden tools
- Plant containers / Pots
- Empty cardboard boxes
If you’d prefer a physical copy of the Declutter Your Home Checklist, fill out your email below for a high-quality, printable PDF:
If you are just beginning your personal journey towards simplicity, I recommend our book: Simplify. 7 Guiding Principles to Help Anyone Declutter Their Home and Life.
In it, you will find principles of simplicity that are encouraging, uplifting, and entirely within your reach.
For more ideas on how to “minimalize” your life, visit this article on comprehensive decluttering tips.
About Joshua Becker
As an Airbnb Superhost with several furnished properties that I solely own and manage, I possess many things! But last year, I began to “declutter” my properties and my home. It felt great to do this and it gave my long term Airbnb guests and me less to have to clean.
However, I am the exception to what I have read on this page as getting rid of some items, especially items used in repairs, has forced me to have to replace them. But still, baring a few walls, countertops, tables and shelves has not been as drastic as I first thought it would. And reducing items in my wardrobe was liberating!
And in my home there are now no TVs! And as I hate mall shopping and rarely go into one, “clutter” has not been an issue from malls. However, until last year, my “addiction” was resale shops. But with the requirement of mask wearing which I was physically unable to tolerate, I was forced to “detoxify” and in the process was “delivered” and amazingly have no desire now for resale shopping.
There is still more that I can get rid of and I will. It’s an-going process!
I have gone through this list twice now and absolutely value the experience. There is value in more than just reducing (the title says ‘reduce’ not eliminate!) For example, I bought and moved into my first home two years ago. Since then I’ve been adding to my pantry (one big corner cabinet) especially during covid lockdown.
With the list, I emptied out the whole thing, realized nothing was gross or outdated, so I made mental notes of what I have and then organized it while putting it back. It looks neater, it’s energized me to ‘shop my cupboard’ for meals for a week or two, and feels like it’s under control.
In general, I don’t have or enjoy having lots of stuff. I lived in Budapest for ten years and I think that’s when I realized that we really don’t need as much as we think. But this list has pushed me to go through everything and get rid of all that I don’t need/love/spark joy. And I know you look down on KonMarie but her writings have guided me too and added joy to living with less!
I absolutely love this site and enjoy reading the articles and comments.
I have been massively decluttering for the last two years as I don’t want to burden my daughter with trying to sort everything out when I’ve gone. I am lucky in that I don’t own anything of any value and have found it very easy to let go of stuff. I had to clear my parents and my grandmother’s house and it was a NIGHTMARE. As we age we should be less selfish and not have the attitude that it’s not our problem, let those following behind deal with it. There are immediate benefits with minimalism. A clean, tidy and SAFER house, particularly if we are old is a massive benefit. Thank you so much.
ha ha candles – here in South Africa we have scheduled blackouts… candles get USED, even the fancy ‘wedding invitation’ candles
why are there scheduled black outs?
I’ve used Joshua’s methods for several years now. There were very few items in the 101 items to get rid of article that I haven’t already addressed. I love my house now. Just the right amount of personal possessions that I need to enjoy my life without the overwhelming clutter. It is nearly always clean now because things are easy to take care of. It’s the best feeling.
I started minimalizing so my son won’t have too much to clean out when I am no longer here. I have felt a sense of relief. And I love the open spaces… shelves in the cupboard, drawers and the closets. We have a basement too! Getting there!! Thank you for the encouraging Facebook posts.
Deborah
Reducing my belongings made it faster and easier to keep my home clean, and made it more efficient because there is more room now for things I enjoy doing, like cooking and sewing. My guiding principle has been functionality. That said, I enjoy a visually rich environment and so I kept alot of art on the walls and alot of rich colored and textured fabrics.
So true.
I use a lot of buttons in my craft projects. There are colors I was given that I passed on to Goodwill and Salvation Army. I filled plastic jars I was also given. After I filled 4 jars with buttons, I went through my beads and ribbon. Now I have a big carton full of craft supplies to give away. Then my friend gave me some more beautiful paper.
The Checklist would be Ideal if sorted Alphabetically OR by Category such as Closet, Kitchen, etc. Otherwise great. Thanks.
Some of these categories are sacred like sewing, crafts, sports equipment & winter clothes, boots, shoes & books and clothes in general.
Guess that just shows how bad I need to get involved in MINIMALISM
Not necessarily, Stefne. Let your minimizing process be your own. You may have legitimate use for your “sacred” items that
allow you to express yourself or serve others. I have most of the items on Josh’s 101 list and am very much a minimalist. I believe it is more important to follow the spirit of the “law,” so to speak,
than literally following rigid guidelines. Without any of the items on the 101-list, one could have a very austere existence.
I enjoyed this blog. I have worked from home this year due to Covid and i find i appreciate home and living much more. Some of these minimalist principals to me need to be a compromise. However, one thing I have done is to buy clothes on vinted a uk website where people sell there unwanted items. I don’t like being dictated to by designers and fashion but I like clothes. This way purchasing on here it satisfy an itch while making me feel less manipulated and fleeced by the fashion industries. Knowing that it has had 2 homes and use works for me. Other things I have started to work on are textiles. Towels linen etc. I no longer have curtains and this saved space and light and work. I don’t agree entirely with minimalism but in this age I think moderation is vital to many people. Regarding others appreciating your cast offs. What I find is that often they don’t want seconds. This makes me sad. Most of my cast offs would be perfectly fine I just tired of it them whatever it is. The chance that no one else wouldn’t use them is whatmakes me reluctant to just bin them. Charity shops are themselves very picky nowadays this makes me sad,
Thanks
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading through the checklist, as well as the comments.
One such comment hit me on such a personal level, the young lady trying to de-clutter so her son would not have to deal with it when she isn’t here anymore. My parents did not do that, at all. Three years ago, they moved across the states to Vegas. It was at that time that I was introduced to all of my things that they had stored; artwork from preschool and up, my baby teeth I had lost, my old swing (used when an infant), and so on.
I looked around at my home, which was starting to resemble that of what my folks just surprised me with.
That was my wake up call. That was when I started trying to go through things, and make a difference. However, this article has re-ignited that fire and provided great motivation.
Thank you!
The Air Ambulance clothes bins take clothes and textiles. Any thing that cannot be sold as is, is sold for its “material” value so it does not go to waste and still raises money for yhe charity.
Are you or your house a garbage can? If others would toss it, why do you feel like its ok to keep? You don’t need or want it… I felt the same way, seemed a horrid thing, to toss out ‘perfectly good’ stuff. Its depression era thinking we got from our parents. Let go- Give it to Goodwill, they know what is good and what will not fly.
I live in a low income building with five floors. My closets are full of stuff and what we do here is bring to other floors what we don’t want. I’ve been hauling stuff out of my apartment and getting rid of stuff I never use. It’s a lot of work but I just love getting rid of clutter. My anxiety goes why down when I clear something out and I don’t miss any of it once it’s gone. I must say closets are the worst, mine are full but getting better every day.
It is good to look for plastic alternatives as well. Only a small percentage of plastic gets recycled and the rest goes into a land fill.
Much of the plastic ends up in the ocean too.
I do this now, soap bars instead of shampoo and shower gel. I use refills for my cleaning products too. Lots more room in my cupboards and more environmentally friendly.
Hi. I live in Norway, where accumulation of things and the materialistic mindset is viewed as being successful. I used to get jealous of others enjoying a luxury that was greater than my own. But that changed when I watched the Netflix documentary on Minimalism, and I started to follow the minimalisms principles. I am content with myself. I feel happier, lighter even. For the past year I have been selling or disposing of my belongings, many of which had affectionate value. My personal belongings almost fully limit to clothes for the four seasons, a laptop with necessary accessories, a mobile phone with necessary accessories. My home includes the necessity of a comfortable bed, a kitchen, a bathroom and an almost empty living room. Freeing myself of the comfort of wanting to stay inside, has driven me into seeking out social human contact and activities. For me, this is happiness.
My neighbor’s house looks like a sample home. She commented that she doesnt have “stuff”. But there are no family pictures, no books, no magazines… nothing personal. I’m looking for a happy medium.
I agree that’s why after reading Joshua’s 7 principles it made sense and I was open to the idea.
In the past I’d only thought of minimalism as getting rid of everything.
Had the same problem with newspapers. We are subscribed to the Post (planning to cancel it) when we often can go through them all frequently. I see you have on your list coupons- those have been so handy even more now from the drugstore. I came up with this new way to have a box where I put in all small pieces I collect , then turn it into a fancy organizer you can find anywhere else, or may be not.
I found that during this time of economic crisis, working from home has challenged me to do better with my clutters. Computers filing system has been very helpful for this arrangement , whereas many can manage more in a smaller square foot office I really want to find my way to do the same. For me , it is to keep up to the task to fit all in. It is important to feel more familiar with my new work/system . I rely on your great posting to find some good advise for this. So far, your entire list describes well my clutters and with more creativity I might as well do better, has anyone gone through this kind of issue?
Some of the items make no sense and actually got me angry, pantry food? With so many people starving how we can throw away the excess.
Plastic bags? We are in times of recycling, how we can just dismiss them like that without giving them as much as use as possible.
Everything that is plastic on that list should be given another use instead of getting rid of them.
I’ve actually chosen to get rid of many of these useful items by donating them to people who can really use them.
They will get far more use in the hands of someone who is in need than sitting in the back of one of my closets.
Right now so many people are hurting financially and can use I nexpensive or free gently-used items.
The title of the article is “things you can reduce” You can reduce pantry goods by giving them away or not replacing as fast as you are using them. Similarly with plastic bags etc. They can be reduced, recycled, reused or refused
Decluttering the pantry doesn’t mean you have to throw the food out (unless it’s expired, in which case no food bank will take it.)
I just filled two big Aldi bags with surplus food that wasn’t being eaten, and it will be donated to our local food bank in the morning. The food will serve its purpose now and feed someone, as opposed to sitting in my pantry taking up space until it expires.
I grew up poor. Hoarding food was an unpleasant habit I picked up along the way, which is why my pantry was stuffed with beans and rice and tuna fish. It’s a relief to be at a point where I can be choosy about my diet now. It’s also really nice to be in a position to help feed someone else in my community. :)
I don’t think “decluttering” necessitates “throwing away”. For instance, I just cleared out my pantry. Half the stuff was expired and old, just taking up space, so yes I had to throw those items away. But I also realized because it was so cluttered, I would overbuy items I already had. So I donated many duplicate items to a community food pantry. I also decluttered my Tupperware and gave great pieces to a local thrift store. Someone else could use them, and I just kept the ones that were useful to me. (PS: we don’t ever throw out plastic bags since we have a rather large dog who poops at least 3x/day! At least they get repurposed.) :)
I agree,
You cannot just throw away food, plastic bags etc.
To someone there is value.
Refuse is the Mantra, Reuse is the second and we can all reuse until the item has (died)
Recycle comes way down on the list as it has energy implications.
Bea Johnson book.
“get rid of” doesn’t necessarily mean throw away. Our Kroger’s in the next town has a recycle bin for old plastic grocery bags. We use the plastic grocery bags for small garbage cans. For grocery shopping, we take our own reusable grocery bags. There are plenty of food pantries and homeless shelters around here that we can take food to. My point is, there are many ways to get rid of clutter. There are many places to donate stuff too. And there are many ways to recycle items that cannot be donated.
I checked out your list, with an open mind and a smile on my face. It became obvious to me about halfway through the list you don’t live in the country. By that, I mean way outside of any big city. As a country dweller, your list at times gave me chuckle and at times a gasp! How could you think of ridding yourself of parts of a tractor or a truck? Or extra anything living in a rural area. Now I’ll admit there is too much fabric and yarn in my possession. That’s something I grew up with. Making clothes and knitting and crocheting was a must. And having to move for work 3 times can make one want to pare down. Nah! I’ll keep it all. My pig collection, my clothing patterns, my fabric and all my Christmas decorations…. Gonna keep it all. I have a plastic tote filled with cook books. Craft magazines are at home with me. Even issues from the 60’s.
I’m a lost cause. My children will have fun donating and trashing when I’m gone. But until then….
I do not live in the country. But spent most summers growing up on my grandparent’s farm in South Dakota: picking rocks, spraying weeds, and feeding pigs. Good memories.
My elderly mom, age 103, listens to your grandfather every Sunday morning!
I think this list is for people who want to live with less and need help on how to accomplish this overwhelming task. Good for you for wanting to keep all your stuff and enjoying it. Move along now.
I had to smile when I read your post❤️😄❤️ I so relate to what you said. My Dad felt the same way and now here I am 13 years since he passed struggling letting go of his belongings. I am single and have no children so I am trying to free up my space. I am artsy and keep everything. I am bulging at the seems so trying to get a good perspective. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I certainly believe if you like your things and have no need to declutter- then don’t. My Dad always said, “If it works…don’t fix it!” Enjoy your treasures Amy❤️
Can I enroll in the 12 week class? I really need it! Thanks.
Thanks, Joshua for your creative idea. It is such an amazing blog! Before I wanted to remove the excess things of my home but I got scared it could regret in the future. Now I am really inspired to do that. Your overly skilled writing is highly appreciated. I love it so much.
Thank you for this. It isn’t rocket science in any way, but having the list just makes it a bit easier to process!
It really was a great list until you got to books. That hurt! LOL
What may be a lot of stuff for one person may be just fine for another. I don’t think there are any rules, as long as it’s not bothering the owner and not a danger to them, they are fine I think, but then, consider the source. I have different collections and love having them around me. I also have things that I don’t need and can sell or donate and plan do work on it asap, that stuff IS bothering me.
God Bless and Good Luck
We rarely feel the weight of our possessions until we begin to remove them.
I am interested in signing up for the October Uncluttered Course. I have signed up (several times) to receive an email with the course preview, but have not received it. Can this be sent to me, please? Thanks!
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In my minimalist try, when we moved in Jan of 2017, I no longer have a dishwasher or a microwave. Dont miss them. Trinkets are my big downfall but we have been going through everything and boxing up what we dont need for a yard sale in May!
I dont have much plastic of any kind for food storage, I have glass bowls.
Hi, I have a request that has nothing to do with the articles’ contents. In fact, they’ve all been terrifically helpful and I’ve been quite in line with most of it most of my life. You’ve helped me by filling in my oversights and gaps. And for that I’m very grateful.
I have a favor to ask. Would it be possible for you to change the color of your typeset? This pale grey is extremely difficult for me to read. I often can’t get through an article/post because my eyes will have tired long before I’m done. And I tried increasing the type size and that didn’t help. Unfortunately.
Thanks for all your wonderful ideas.
Luly
Ditto on the gray fonts, as well as other lightly pigmented colors. For a decade I have been pleading with Amazon, google, Apple etc. to stop using this light gray that I am now writing this out with. I cannot get it big enough to see because not only is size an issue for me, but the strength of the color. If it is pale, I will not see it. Many times I have had to call Tech Support because I couldn’t get an app to work correctly, only to have the person tell me to hit a button or a phrase that I cannot see. They have to take over my screen and use their curser to guide me to the spot where the hidden-to-me message is written. It is so frustrating. Apple prides themselves on being so helpful to people with disabilities. I have logically presented my case to them at least 20 different times. The last time If asked if they would give us (people with visual difficulties) an alternate font set up for ANYTHING that appears on my computer. I asked them WHY it is SO IMPORTANT for them to use light gray. Their response was almost cruel. The reply was that it took too much work to change the font color from their end. Well, so much for helping the visually impaired.
I’m viewing this on a Samsung tablet and it’s like a dark purple, almost black, on white background. Very high contrast. I wonder if your device is set in some way that makes it lower contrast? Or if something’s wrong with the blog that makes it appear differently on different devices.
I’ve downsized to about half of what I owned. Still have a ways to go though! My life has been drastically easier even at half though. I find it easier to travel the world now because I have more time and money-who’d have thought!
Ever been to a minimalist’s house? It’s bat crap boring and always looks the same. Empty.
They look like a Scrooge because they don’t want to buy anything and are afraid to purchase a vase.
Minimalism is boring and can be just as OCD as collecting too much junk. Why should I get rid of things I like?
Who says you have to? In fact you could infinately fill your home to the ceiling with cast outs, from those who are interested in reducing the over stimulating quantity of belongings they have that re-direct our attention from passions previously resolved unattainable.
Maybe you hit the jackpot, or maybe you have other reasons your belongings bring you comfort and security.
I will end on this thought, however…. I hardly find your comment more defensive, and purposely provoking, than simply an open, genuine statement, as the undertones come across defensive.
Just because one reduces their belongings hardly means they aren’t stylish, intentionally authentic nor without aesthetic appreciation.
I’m under the impression that you wouldn’t be on a minimalist site, much less commenting if a bit of curiosity just might be growing within yourself.
Best wishes, my friend.
I too am curious as to what kind of individual lives in an empty room. I know people who have beautiful homes decorated beautifully with many things and they travel and enjoy life. Not sure why some think having a home beautifully filled is a detriment. I think only if you spend money you don’t have is an issue. I know a person who has two homes full, one a vacation home. I learned years ago that a person can live in a two room apartment and own basics and only one. One towel, one plate, one pan and so on. There is pleasure in owning. There is enjoyment.
I believe the people who live in homes with minimal possessions are people who choose to. Thank you to the people who provide helpful information for those who are interested. Fortunately we all get to decide for ourselves.
The older I get, the more I realize that I need to minimize so my children aren’t someday left with an overwhelming task. And to make it easier to care for myself as I age. I’m sure there are a variety of other valid reasons, just as many have valid reasons for accumulating and living with many things.
I agree with you. This advice is for accumulators and people that have really packed messy homes. If ypu are not one of them you just need to organize your things nicely but why to get rid of useful things? That list is crap
“Why get rid of useful things?”
To give to others who do not have these useful things… many of us have far more than we actually use.
What are you even talking about? This sounds like an argument from a 13-year-old. Shifting one’s focus from unnecessary possessions to more important goals in life, according to you, is a misguided effort because it makes one’s home “bat crap boring” to guests?
If my guests found their time spent in my home to be bat crap boring, it would be because I’m terrible company, and not because I dont have knick knacks on display.
100% accurate. It’s not about stuff it’s about people and more for enjoying doing something more than cleaning. The list is wonderful.
To me, minimalism doesn’t mean getting rid of the things you like. It means keeping only what makes you happy, functional, and focused on what you most care about.
I am preparing to move out of state so my Stuff Purge is rapidly serious. I pictured the pioneer women reduced to such few items on the Conestoga wagons going west. Plus I have received so many blessings from other people when I give them Stuff!
I have been slowly restarting decluttering since I had surgery a month ago. Got a couple areas downsized yesterday. Since xmas is near, getting rid of our way too many ornaments. There r some other great ideas here. Plus, yesterday, I found something I was looking for, imagine that!!!
I printed the list and will try to get rid of one thing in each category every day. That should be pretty painless.
I agree with almost all the items–except photos. After my parents passed away, and my brother died suddenly years after, I have found photos to be comforting. Immensely so. Ergo, the photos stay (along with my stash of comfort-drinking-cocoa.)
Moving forward…
To those who disagree strongly with the list–you came to this site to read. You were treated well, with relatively good writing and a friendly attitude (the author’s, and most of the commenters’). No one is forcing you to do everything on the list. They were meant to be suggestions. Reply, if you must–but remain relaxed, eager to learn and eager to share.
Oh, and yes–one thing we can never have too much of is good will and a healthy sense of humor :-)
God bless.
I looked at the list. I have many books in a pile and one by one I am reading. But when I’m done they go in a box the the spring tag sale that takes place every year at my house. I have a real problem throwing things away when maybe someone can use them. The money I make goes toward a home improvement project that happens in the spring as well.