I often use the words minimalism and decluttering interchangeably. They are different, of course, but still connected.
Decluttering focuses on removing surface level possessions. Minimalism helps us discover how little we actually need.
Minimalism is better in my opinion, but almost no one can move toward owning less without some decluttering along the way.
Regardless of what you want to call it or how much progress you want to make, if you are ready to put in some effort decluttering unnecessary possessions from your home, you’ll love the change.
Here are 23 things you can delcutter from your home:
1. Unused or old power cords and chargers
2. Extra hangers that are taking up space
3. Shoes that are worn out or no longer used
4. Old towels and linens
5. Games/Puzzles with missing pieces
6. Old and expired medications
7. Magazines and newspapers that have been read
8. Expired food from fridge or pantry
9. CDs and DVDs
10. Books that you’ve already read and are unlikely to read again
11. Old and expired makeup
12. Broken or outdated jewelry
13. Duplicates of household items, such as scissors or pens
14. Unnecessary paperwork, such as old bills or receipts
15. Outdated, obsolete, or broken electronics
16. Old and worn out pillows, sheets, and towels in your linen closet
17. Cleaning products you no longer use
18. Unused sporting or exercise equipment
19. Old candles that haven’t been used in years
20. Unused pet toys
21. Take-out sauce packets, napkins, and menus
22. Outdated decor items no longer displayed in your home
23. Almost everything in your junk drawer
Decluttering your home can be a daunting task, but it’s also an incredibly liberating experience.
One step at a time, one item at a time from the list above, and you’ll love the change you see in your home.
After a near death experience with COVID-19 I looked around and saw how much stuff I had stuff that I didn’t need any more stuff that I probably never needed. I went through something very close to your Swedish death cleaning. It alarmed my husband, but I feel like it was the perfect thing to do, who needs to leave stuff like that for your children to go through
My husband & I had to live in our motorhome while our new house was being built. Then we headed south for the winter. This essentially meant living in our motorhome for a year. Wow! What an eye opener. That is true minimalist living. You only can take what you need. Now that we are in our house I am getting rid of SO much. We are whittling it down to what will fit in a motorhome. The reality is this is all we need.
My mother saved the school pictures she got with Christmas. They were from the 60s, 70s & 80s. I included them in Thank you cards after mom passed. The people in the pictures were thrilled
That’s a fun idea.
I’ve been doing something similar. I send a photo of the month to my aunt who now lives in a senior home f the family gatherings we’ve had featuring good times and people who have passed away and sending photos of mutual friends who have passed away to those still here. It’s a great feeling for me and them.
Decluttering is also essential, that it helps to clear your space as well as your Mind.
The best thing about decluttering for me was giving myself more space for the things that are important to me. I’m a free spirit who enjoys making cards for children and others that may not have families. I now can see only what I need for my artwork I think it will enhance my creativity
I recently moved to another state. Tired of moving junk from 0lace to place, I basically did what the article described. BEST DECISION EVER! It seemed drastic to my brother but it made moving so much better. Now I don’t have to waste time finding places to store stuff I don’t really need in the first place. Akin to Swedish Death Cleaning.