100 Things You Can Declutter Now
It’s hard to believe that this article is my 100th Times News organizing article! When my first article was published in January 2017, I would never have dreamed I’d continue to write for this long or that I would eventually write a book, with another one (or two) in progress! I’m so grateful to the Times News (and Johnson City Press) for the continuing opportunity to connect with local readers and to share tips for organizing, decluttering, and simplifying your life. Big thanks to my editor Carol Broyles for her ideas, her patience, and her encouragement!
Less Really Is More!
I’ve long been a believer in the principle that you can live a more meaningful life with less. Years of working in this industry have only solidified that truth in my mind. Our clutter is detrimental to living a happy, healthy, and productive life. The more we can let go of unnecessary stuff, the more we can focus on what really matters.
Most items we don’t need can be put to use by someone. I try to donate anything I possibly can instead of throwing things away. If you’re not sure about whether something can be donated, spend a few minutes researching or calling a thrift store.
Just Let It Go!
Many people are tripped up in their decluttering efforts by trying to find the exact ideal place to donate particular items. While that sounds noble, what often happens is that items to be donated never actually get donated! Thrift stores that accept donations know what to do with your items! If they can’t take it, they’ll let you know who will. Don’t make it more complicated than it needs to be. Get it out of your home and off your mind quickly!
Think twice (or more) before making the effort to sell items. It’s almost never worth what you think, and it’s usually time-consuming.
Now, in honor of my 100th article and my focus on decluttering, here are 100 things you can declutter now!
Expired food
Food no one will eat
Old magazines
Outgrown clothing
Clothing that doesn’t feel good or needs repair
Outgrown toys
Supplies for a craft you don’t do anymore or will never do
Duplicate utensils (ex. Who needs 9 whisks?)
Cleaning products you don't use
Expired or unused medications (Take them to a drug take back location; don’t flush or trash!)
Toiletries or makeup you don’t use
Charging cords you don’t even remember what they charged
Manuals for appliances/cars/etc. you don’t have
Phone books/yellow pages (Does anyone still use these?)
Mystery keys (you have no idea what they’re for)
College textbooks
College notes
Outgrown bicycles or riding toys
Pens and markers that don’t work
Writing instruments you don’t like using
School supplies you won’t use (ex. lined paper)
Old office equipment (ex. Rolodex, adding machine)
Old calendars
Sheets that aren’t a complete set
Expired coupons
Lawn equipment (if you outsource it)
Tools you aren’t using
Old paint
Painting supplies (if you outsource it)]
Books you won’t read ever or again
Games you won’t play
Puzzles you won’t work
Small appliances you aren’t using
Photo duplicates
Unused photo frames (keep the picture if you want)
Unmatched food storage container pieces (You might want to start over with a new set. I recommend glass containers.)
Empty boxes (maybe just keep a few, but break them down so they don’t take up space)
Duplicate coolers, especially styrofoam ones
Unused tote bags
Condiment packages
Wire hangers
Unmatched storage bin pieces
Anything that needs repair that you won’t fix
Junk mail
Old coins (find out their value/cash them in)
Jars of current coins (just cash them in and save space!)
Phones older than 6 years old
Unmatched socks/gloves
Old business cards from a former job
Decor you won’t reuse
Unused pet supplies
CDs (we’re mostly all digital now!)
DVDs and VHS tapes (ditto above)
Excess plastic and shopping bags
Briefcases
Musical instruments no one in the home plays
Childrens artwork from kids that are now adults
Stuffed animals no one’s playing with
Plastic cups (How many do you really need?)
Coffee mugs (ditto above)
Holiday tins
Seasonal decor you aren’t using
Boxes that weren’t unpacked from a long ago move
Old curtains
Jewelry you aren’t wearing
Nail polish that’s dried up or a color you don’t like
Perfume you won’t wear
Old bed pillows (two words: dust mites)
Old rugs
Lanyards from conferences
Random artificial flowers
Excess free paper pads
Collectors items (do the research!)
File cabinets (force yourself to declutter any paper)
iPhone/random tech boxes
Old blankets (shelters love them)
Baskets (that trend is over)
Canning jars (you’re probably not going to can again)
Broken appliances
Excess jackets
Half or more used candles
Boxes/bags of rags (how many does anyone need?)
Hair accessories you won’t use
Trophies
Glasses from old prescriptions
Old sunglasses
A remote that you can’t identify
Excess unused blank cards and stationery
Sports/exercise equipment you aren’t using (Ex. Is your treadmill being used as a storage device? When was the last time you golfed?)
Bathing suits if you never swim or use a hot tub
Travel size hotel toiletries
Light bulbs you don’t use (Have you converted to LED?)
Coaster sets (How many does one household need?)
Replacement parts for an appliance you don’t own
Anything you can’t identify (If you don’t know what it is, you don’t need it.)
High heeled shoes you’ll never wear again
Fancy clothes you’ll never wear again
Old wedding dresses
A fad/trend you’ve outgrown (ex. Do you still wear scarves or Crocs?)
Old cameras, especially if you just use your phone now
Honestly, I could probably come up with 50 or 100 more! You may disagree with some of these, and that’s okay. Only you know whether something is clutter for you. But if you don’t love it and you don’t use it, it’s probably clutter!
What Are Your Thoughts?
I’d love to know your reaction to this list. Which items do you disagree with? Which ones are surprising? Which ones motivated you to do some decluttering? What else could I have included?
I love getting feedback from readers! Email me at angie@shipshape.solutions with your thoughts or questions.
Happy decluttering!