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 Broken or outdated jewelry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 Outdated, obsolete, or broken electronics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 Outdated decor items no longer displayed in your home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.
Emma Rey says
I have adult children, so basically furnished their houses. We moved to a smaller house and still give family gifts on a regular basis of things I don’t need. I also give to the underprivileged and recycle. It’s an amazing feeling. I haven’t missed one of those items yet. Started the process 3 years ago.
Michael Mark says
Thanks for your tip!
Kathryn Horsley says
I collected many tea towels from holidays abroad and UK but 40 years later they were piled up in airing cupboard. At Christmas I sorted through and popped in a tea towel which matched up with someone ie cats for cat mad friend, Scottish recipes for friend who was born there, same Portugal and other UK places went to overseas pen friends, they said they loved the idea. I also decluttered all the wine demijons and equipment so have masses of room now. Love the tips.
Labijo says
Thank you for share this idea, I think i need to declutter some items
bruna Mumbulla says
DECLUTTTERING kitchen draws
this is a great purging excerise
a really helpful task
not strenuous AT ALL
grab a suitable plastic tub or box
>DATE IT<VERY IMPORTANT
as time slips away so VERY QUICKLY and we all forgetDATES
1st
take out all your most used utensils
(th ones you used in th last 2or3weeks)
forks knifes spoons
●return only favourites n
●keep only quantity equal to th chairs around your table
empty/dump everything else
except sharp things n knives
into tubbox
clean draws dividers
ready to reload
leave this tubbox in kitchen
for first 3or4weeks
when you need something
take it out of tubbox
use it
return clean
to its draw home
EVERYONE is to do this
4or5weeks later
move box out of kitchen
to a nearby accessible place
kitchen chair
so utensils can b retrieved
as needed
AFTER YOUR agreed date
move tubbox to garage
clearly labelled
so your utensil box is still accessible
it must b agreed
NO ONE is to buy any utensils
unless they FIRST search th tubbox in th garage
After a year or whenever you feel it can go
th tubbox is already ready for charity donation
FREEING-UP your kitchen draws is such joy
to find things easily
you'd be surprised
how much you really didn't use
give it a try
you've got nothing to loose
as your not throwing anything out
NOT YET
we did our draws 7/22
so 7/23 our box goes to charity
have fun
Michael Mark says
Thanks for your tip!
Martha Herston says
Thank you for this tip!
Juhee Hahn says
Thank u!!! What do you do about books you have not read? they are sitting in your bookshelf you really want to read them but don’t have a lot of time
joshua becker says
I think you need to ask yourself how badly do you really want to read them if you haven’t made the time to do so yet? Do you really want to read them or do you just like the idea of having read them? If that makes sense.
Geneva Williams says
Get the library app called Libby. You can read books free from the library online! I have donated all of my books and now just read the books online. And never have an overdue book because on the due date, it’s automatically taken back into the library!
Ilea Rouse says
Thankyou ☺️ for this!!! I’m doing it now!!!
BJ says
Community theater groups appreciate clean vintage clothing and items in good condition that can be used as props on stage.
Some nursing homes, etc., near me were happy to get a few nice knick knacks for their residents to ‘shop’ for their friends’ gifts. They do this several times a year.
Games, books, puzzles and toys are often welcome at shelters, treatment centers, daycares, preschools, senior centers, etc.
Theodora Wayte says
I still listen to my CDs, you can’t rely on streaming having all the classical music I love, and I watch DVDs (50p in charity shops) in the kitchen as it’s the warmest room in the house.
The big TV is in a room which involves fire lighting, as no CH.
Kenneth Buffie says
I am the same as you. 1600+ Classical and Jazz CD collection. I don’t own a tv or have WiFi or a computer. But, I do have a stereo system at home that cost more than my car. I life a very minimal~ish lifestyle, but draw the line with music.
Emelina says
Where do I get rid of old computers, laptops, tablets, cell phones, etc.?
joshua becker says
Well, that depends where you live. I recommend Googling, “where can I recycle old electronics in ______________?” I’m sure there will be several options that pop up for you.
Claudia Cortes says
Ikea, also check in your city they have a disposal dept. Salvation Army,
Good luck!
Amy SlenkerSmith says
Best Buy recycled many electronics with the exception of tvs and monitors. Confirm at you local store first.
Joann Tatum says
I went through the photos and gave most of them away at Christmas. Each person got all their pictures along with a new photo album. I kept only the baby pictures where I was holding one of them.
Everyone was thrilled!
Now, this Christmas they will get pictures of the grandparents, great grandparents and great great grandparents.
They can digitalize them if they want.
I threw out tons of duplicates and landscapes and pictures of people who are just casual acquaintances
Pat says
This is a great idea, I went through years of photos and had duplicates, did not get rid of many, did not want to throw away. Will try your method.
Patricia Price says
This is a great idea, I went through years of photos and had duplicates, did not get rid of many, did not want to throw away. Will try your method.