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 24 things you can declutter 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 Broken or outdated jewelry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 Outdated, obsolete, or broken electronics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 Outdated decor items no longer displayed in your home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. Excess water bottles and travel mugs
24. 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.
Trish says
Where can I donate my DVDs and CDs?
MIB says
Thrift stores!
Dorothy Uhler says
Great job!!
Dorothy Uhler says
I watched a YouTube video recently telling how to make old cd’s into solar energy. Maybe someone you know is into upcycling and is interested. Maybe there are places that have children that might want used videos. Not sure if Salvation Army or Goodwill still take them. I need to go through mine also.
jtm says
Goodwill does NOT take cds/dvds where i live – no one except us oldtimers still use that outdated technology !
Mrunmayi Bhate says
Happy to say that I have already decluttered 20 out of the 23 things mentioned above. :)
Dorothy Uhler says
Great job!!
Victoria Hunnicutt says
I need to declutter my junk draw and linen closet, ols shoes and pocketbooks
This article was very informative
Thanks for sharing
Judy Hough says
I declutter ever 6 months of the year , it’s easy for me , DVD and CD I donate to volunteers of America habit habitat for humanity because they will take them they do get requests and any clothing I’ve donate that to again volunteers of America are Goodwill , furniture if it’s in good shape I donate to habitat for humanity and Goodwill and volunteers of America
Prashant Kale says
Is decluttering an environmental sustainable option? I have taken measure to use these (unwanted items) for their maximum use and then discard them in an environmentally sustainable way. Any other suggestions are welcome.
I feel measured choice for purchasing unwanted items should preclude this
MIB says
Hi Prashant!
I’m always mindful of that too. Depending on the item, here are some ideas:
*old towels can become cleaning rags
*old but still in decent shape household items/books/CDs/DVDs, books/clothing/jewelry can always be given to a thrift store. You can also consider offering them to a local school /shelter, or giving them away using relevant Facebook groups (ie I offered my children’s old toy blocks and books to a newcomer to the country via a FB Mom’s group, which was great 😊).
* Old t-shirts make for comfy pjs!
* old candles might make a useful part of an “emergency kit” For your home or car.
*local schools / camps might be interested in getting unused /gently used sporting equipment.
I try to look at decluttering as an opportunity to give items a second life wherever possible 😊
Kendra says
11. Old and expired makeup
I work at a funeral home and we accept donations of gently used makeup, hair products, etc. Please contact your local funeral home and see if they will accept these items.
Often times if we buy a product and don’t like it we have to toss it, because most places do not accept even gently used makeup. However, funeral homes will. Funeral homes use soap, shampoo, shaving cream, makeup and hair products daily when they prepare loved ones for their final viewing / funeral.
Donner says
Wow. I know i have too much. I want to declutter. I just can do it at this time. I appreciate the tips. I also cannot diagnois you or me. Wow. Some people!😉
Kit says
I have the opposite.. I over declutter sometimes but still I feel incomplete.
Linda Frazier says
I have had so many friends who have “helped” me with moving twice in the past 50 years. I grew up in middle income range, I suppose, but I can vividly recall nearly every one of my belongings that I was forced to part with. I still go to get something I need and then remember what happened to I. It’s so painful to me that I actually grieve about it and can’t bring myself to buy another so I just do without and grieve some more
Deborah Dorn says
I understand. It sounds like you parted with things to which you had a strong emotional attachment. If something brings me pleasure, I hang on to it. If I have something that is there just for a reminder of something or someone, I take a picture and let it go.
Kim Frakes Rust says
I totally understand your grief over that experience. I too become attached to my vehicles and possessions. I have had ppl steal some of my most beloved possessions. Other times I tried to declutter and give up some of my things in order to make more much needed space, I end up needing it within days. We all know space to house our “stuff” costs a lot of money. It is so hard to find a way to peacefully part with some belongings. But too much clutter can and does weigh us down. It is my most problematic life issue and that is jut sad.
Darlene Stoner says
But what if you are diagnosed with OCD and have a stronger tie to “stuff?” Letting go is like giving up a security blanket to many of us.
Tried meds and therapy – no long term solution.
I like the “start slow “ idea. I think I can do that.
I have overcome a huge trap – and that is obsessive shopping. Very hard!!!
Doug says
For those items that you have an emotional attachment to simply take a picture of those items before hauling them off for use by someone who will also appreciate them and be thankful for them.
Christine says
Darlene, congratulations on overcoming obsessive shopping.
I think the same tools you use so well in the case of shopping apply here too. Any action (decluttering) can be fueled by different emotions or energy. You just need to check in with yourself to know which emotion is driving you to take that action.
If it’s the alarm system, that’s the time to tend to it rather than using a habit like shopping or decluttering.
I imagine you still buy things. You have the tools to use here too. You’re doing a great job.
Jamie Miller Hall Seeney-the real Jamie!ie Seeney🤗 says
Something new comes in, something old goes out-or maybe 2 things can go out😊
Decluttergirl says
I have given up somethings in the past that I wished I kept but I guess that happens sometimes. I have kept stuff for my son when he eventually sets up his new place. I also get in a mood where I really declutter and send stuff to a favorite thrift store.
Sacha Vettor says
Same here Darlene. I’m inundated with multiples of stuff but have improved on my compulsive buying habits… particularly clothes. Just returned some purchases from Winners still with tags and received shy of a $400.00 return on a gift card. I’m drowning in stuff but my “borderline OCD” voice says sure enough I’ll declutter then need the item. Much comes down the dollar value and letting go feels like throwing away money I don’t have to replace the item.
Marianne Guzzar says
I get what you’re saying sooo much. God help us! We all have some issues and in time I hope we both can declutter. It’s so hard for many of us