Ah decluttering! It's on everyone’s mind at some point. Whether this is because you've just moved into a new place, or you're looking for a way of dealing with the overwhelm that comes with having too much stuff – either way, this article's for you!
Decluttering by room: Living room | Bedroom | Bathroom | Kitchen | Bomb Shelter / Storeroom | Kids Room
Here are 50 items you might consider decluttering from your living room:
Old magazines or newspapers: Recycle them or donate to a community group or a local library.
Unused or broken electronics: Recycle responsibly through e-waste programs or donate if still functional.
DVDs or CDs you no longer watch or listen to: Sell, donate, or recycle if damaged.
Outdated technology (floppy disks, fax machines, cassettes, portable CD players, pagers): Recycle or dispose of properly.
Excess throw pillows or cushions: Donate to shelters, animal shelters, or thrift stores.
Worn-out or mismatched blankets: Animal shelters often accept these for bedding.
Decorative items that no longer fit your style: Sell at a flea market or donate to thrift stores.
Extra cables or cords without a known purpose: Organise and label; recycle if damaged or unnecessary.
Duplicate or unused vases: Donate to nursing homes, hospitals, or thrift stores.
Old board games or puzzles missing pieces: Repurpose components or recycle what’s left.
Unused or expired candles: Repurpose candle wax for new candles or discard responsibly.
Decorative baskets that are empty or unused: Reuse for storage or donate to thrift stores.
Extra or mismatched picture frames: Create a gallery wall or donate to schools for art projects.
Broken or chipped decor pieces: Dispose of safely or repurpose if possible.
Extra or old remote controls: Recycle responsibly or donate if compatible with devices.
Decorative pillows you don’t use: Donate to shelters or thrift stores.
Non-functional or decorative knick-knacks: Rehome at garage sales, donate, or recycle if possible.
Unwanted or outdated art pieces: Sell online or donate to art schools or community centres.
Old holiday decorations you don’t use: Donate to thrift stores or community centres.
Unused or broken lamps: Recycle responsibly or donate if repairable.
Extra coasters or placemats: Keep a few, donate extras to shelters or thrift stores.
Unread or outdated books: Donate to libraries, schools, or shelters.
Unused or broken planters: Repurpose if possible or donate to gardening clubs.
Old or expired home fragrance items: Dispose of properly; recycle containers if possible.
Extra or outdated wall calendars: Recycle or repurpose artwork into crafts.
Unused or broken clocks: Repair if possible or donate to thrift stores.
Non-functional or decorative trays: Repurpose for organisation or donate.
Extra or outdated throw rugs: Donate to animal shelters or thrift stores.
Unused or broken decorative mirrors: Repurpose frames or donate if functional.
Worn-out or old curtains: Upcycle fabric or donate to thrift stores.
Extra or mismatched curtain tie-backs: Keep a pair, donate extras to thrift stores.
Unwanted or old throw blankets: Donate to shelters or animal shelters.
Unused or broken figurines: Donate to thrift stores or repurpose as garden decor.
Extra or outdated wall art: Sell or donate to local art schools or community centres.
Outdated or non-functional decorative boxes: Recycle or repurpose for storage.
Unused or old tablecloths: Donate to thrift stores or repurpose as fabric.
Broken or unused decorative baskets: Repurpose for storage or dispose of responsibly.
Extra or outdated decorative jars: Use for organisation or donate.
Non-functional or unused decorative plates: Create a mosaic or donate to thrift stores.
Old or unused artificial flowers or plants: Repurpose for crafts or donate.
Extra or unused decorative sculptures: Donate or repurpose as garden decor.
Outdated or unused decorative trays: Repurpose for organisation or donate.
Unused or broken wall shelves: Repair if possible or donate to thrift stores.
Old or unused decorative wreaths: Repurpose components or donate.
Extra or outdated decorative pillows: Donate to shelters or thrift stores.
Unused or broken decorative candle holders: Recycle or repurpose for DIY projects.
Outdated or unused decorative table runners: Donate or repurpose as fabric.
Non-functional or unused decorative clocks: Recycle or donate to thrift stores.
Old or unused decorative sconces: Sell online or donate to thrift stores.
Extra or outdated decorative wall hooks: Donate or repurpose for DIY projects.
Here are 50 items you might consider decluttering from your bedroom:
Unused or mismatched socks: Repurpose as cleaning rags or donate if in good condition.
Old or worn-out underwear: Toss in the trash if not suitable for donation.
Extra or outdated bedding: Donate to shelters or animal shelters if in good condition.
Unused or old pyjamas: Donate to shelters or thrift stores if in good condition.
Worn-out or uncomfortable bras: Recycle if possible or donate if gently used.
Extra or old slippers: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Outdated or unused alarm clocks: Recycle responsibly or donate if functional.
Unused or old belts: Donate to thrift stores or repurpose for DIY projects.
Worn-out or uncomfortable shoes: Recycle if possible or donate if in good condition.
Extra or old hangers: Donate to thrift stores or reuse in other closets.
Unused or old jewellery: Sell, donate, or recycle broken pieces.
Extra or outdated curtains: Donate to shelters or repurpose fabric.
Unused or old handbags/purses: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Outgrown or old children's clothing: Donate to families in need or shelters.
Extra or outdated decorative pillows: Donate to shelters or thrift stores.
Old or unused exercise equipment: Sell or donate to community centres or schools.
Unused or old exercise clothing: Donate to shelters or thrift stores.
Extra or outdated wall decor: Sell online or donate to thrift stores or schools.
Unused or old backpacks: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Outdated or unused bedside lamps: Recycle responsibly or donate if functional.
Old or unused phone chargers: Recycle responsibly or donate if compatible.
Unused or old sunglasses: Donate if in good condition; recycle if broken.
Extra or old books: Donate to libraries, schools, or thrift stores.
Unused or old luggage: Donate if in good condition; recycle if broken.
Outdated or unused electronics: Recycle responsibly or donate if functional.
Extra or old throw blankets: Donate to shelters or animal shelters.
Unused or old stuffed animals: Donate to children's hospitals or shelters.
Old or unused picture frames: Repurpose or donate to thrift stores.
Extra or outdated decorative vases: Donate to nursing homes or thrift stores.
Unused or old workout DVDs: Donate to libraries or community centres.
Outdated or unused wall calendars: Recycle or repurpose artwork into crafts.
Unused or old hats: Donate to shelters or thrift stores.
Extra or old scarves: Donate to shelters or thrift stores.
Unused or old costume jewellery: Donate to thrift stores or shelters.
Outdated or unused desk organisers: Donate or repurpose for storage.
Extra or outdated throw rugs: Donate to shelters or animal shelters.
Unused or old headphones: Recycle responsibly or donate if functional.
Old or unused makeup mirrors: Donate to shelters or thrift stores.
Extra or outdated wall hooks: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or old wallets: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Outdated or unused decorative pillows: Donate to shelters or thrift stores.
Unused or old craft supplies: Donate to schools or community centres.
Extra or outdated decorative boxes: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or old board games: Donate to schools, community centres, or thrift stores.
Outdated or unused office supplies: Donate to schools or community centres.
Extra or old holiday decorations: Donate to thrift stores or community centres.
Unused or old laptop bags: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Outdated or unused bedding sets: Donate to shelters or animal shelters.
Unused or old hand mirrors: Donate to shelters or thrift stores.
Extra or outdated desk lamps: Recycle responsibly or donate if functional.
Here's a list of 50 items you might consider decluttering from your bathroom:
Expired medications and prescriptions: Dispose of properly or take to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Old or expired makeup: Toss in the trash and consider recycling containers if possible.
Unused or old skincare products: Donate to homeless shelters or women's shelters if unopened.
Half-used toiletries or travel-sized items: Use them up, consolidate, or donate unopened items.
Worn-out or frayed towels: Cut into cleaning rags or donate to animal shelters.
Old or expired sunscreen: Dispose of properly and recycle the container if possible.
Empty or almost empty shampoo/conditioner bottles: Recycle or repurpose for DIY projects.
Unused hair accessories: Donate to shelters or toss if worn out.
Extra toothbrushes: Keep one spare, donate extras to shelters or recycle if possible.
Old or unused bath sponges/loofahs: Replace or recycle if possible.
Expired or unused contact lens solutions: Dispose of properly and recycle containers if possible.
Old or unused razors: Safely dispose of or recycle according to local guidelines.
Empty or old perfume/cologne bottles: Recycle glass containers or repurpose for DIY projects.
Unused or old nail polish: Dispose of properly or consider donating if unopened.
Extra or old shower curtains: Wash and donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Half-used candles: Use them up or repurpose the wax for new candles.
Unused or old bath oils: Donate if unopened; dispose of if expired.
Old or expired first aid supplies: Dispose of expired items and restock essentials.
Unused or broken hair styling tools: Donate if functional; recycle if broken.
Extra or outdated bathroom rugs: Donate to shelters or animal shelters if in good condition.
Empty or almost empty skincare product containers: Recycle if possible or repurpose for storage.
Expired or unused feminine hygiene products: Donate to women's shelters or dispose of properly.
Extra hotel or travel toiletries: Donate to shelters or use for guest accommodations.
Old or unused bathrobes: Donate to shelters or thrift stores if in good condition.
Unused or expired bath salts: Repurpose or dispose of properly if expired.
Extra or old shower caddies: Donate if in good condition or recycle if worn out.
Unused or expired baby products (if no longer needed): Donate to families in need or shelters.
Old or unused bath toys: Clean and donate to daycares or children’s charities.
Extra or outdated bathroom decor: Sell online or donate to thrift stores.
Unused or old bathroom scales: Donate if functional; dispose of if not working.
Expired or old cleaning products: Dispose of properly and safely.
Extra or outdated medicine cabinets: Donate if in good condition; recycle if broken.
Old or unused bathmats: Donate if clean and in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or expired mouthwash: Dispose of properly and recycle containers if possible.
Extra or old toilet brushes: Replace or recycle if worn out.
Unused or expired essential oils: Recycle glass containers or use up if still good.
Old or unused shower caps: Donate to shelters or recycle if worn out.
Expired or unused hair dye: Dispose of properly or consider donating if unopened.
Extra or outdated bathroom organisers: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or old bathrobes: Donate to shelters or thrift stores if in good condition.
Old or unused humidifiers or diffusers: Donate if functional; recycle if broken.
Expired or unused deodorant: Dispose of properly and recycle containers if possible.
Extra or old toilet paper holders: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or expired mouthguards: Dispose of properly or donate if unused.
Old or unused handheld mirrors: Donate to shelters or thrift stores.
Expired or old bath bubbles or salts: Dispose of properly if expired.
Extra or old shower stools or chairs: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or expired foot care products: Dispose of properly or donate if unopened.
Old or unused bath trays or caddies: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Extra or old bathroom towels: Donate to shelters or animal shelters if in good condition.
Here are 50 items you might consider decluttering from your kitchen:
Expired spices or seasonings: Dispose of and replace; some can be composted.
Unused or mismatched plastic containers: Recycle or repurpose for storage.
Old or chipped dishes/cups: Recycle if possible or repurpose as plant saucers.
Unused or old kitchen utensils: Donate to shelters or thrift stores.
Expired canned goods or non-perishable items: Donate to food banks if not expired.
Worn-out or stained dish towels: Repurpose as cleaning rags or recycle.
Unused or broken small appliances: Recycle responsibly or donate if functional.
Extra or mismatched mugs: Donate to shelters or thrift stores.
Expired or old condiments: Dispose of and recycle containers if possible.
Unused or old cookbooks: Donate to libraries or thrift stores.
Chipped or mismatched glassware: Repurpose as votive holders or recycle.
Extra or old baking sheets/pans: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or broken kitchen gadgets: Recycle responsibly or donate if functional.
Expired or stale pantry items: Compost if possible; otherwise, dispose of.
Extra or old water bottles: Recycle if possible; donate if in good condition.
Worn-out or rusty kitchen knives: Recycle responsibly or dispose of safely.
Unused or old oven mitts/potholders: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Extra or old cutting boards: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or old plastic bags: Recycle or repurpose for trash disposal.
Outdated or unused tea/coffee mugs: Donate to shelters or thrift stores.
Unused or old food storage bags: Recycle or repurpose for organisation.
Expired or old kitchen sponges: Dispose of and replace.
Extra or outdated travel mugs: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or old paper plates/cups: Donate to shelters or recycle.
Expired or old cooking oils: Dispose of properly or recycle containers.
Extra or outdated refrigerator magnets: Donate or repurpose for crafts.
Unused or old dishwashing liquid: Use up or dispose of properly.
Chipped or cracked storage containers: Recycle if possible; repurpose if feasible.
Extra or old ice cube trays: Recycle or repurpose for organising small items.
Expired or old kitchen medicine: Dispose of properly and safely.
Unused or old dish racks: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Extra or outdated plastic cutlery: Donate to shelters or repurpose for crafts.
Outdated or unused plastic wrap/foil: Use up or replace with eco-friendly alternatives.
Unused or old aprons: Donate to shelters or thrift stores.
Extra or old stove burner covers: Recycle if possible; dispose of if worn out.
Unused or old oven cleaner: Dispose of properly according to instructions.
Expired or old baking soda/powder: Use for cleaning or dispose of safely.
Extra or outdated wine/champagne glasses: Donate to shelters or thrift stores.
Unused or old trivets: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Outdated or unused plastic containers: Recycle or repurpose for storage.
Unused or old place mats: Donate to shelters or thrift stores.
Extra or outdated reusable shopping bags: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or old plastic utensils: Recycle if possible; donate if in good condition.
Expired or old dish soap: Dispose of properly and replace.
Extra or old can openers: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or old food storage jars: Recycle or repurpose for organising.
Outdated or unused coasters: Donate to shelters or thrift stores.
Extra or old kitchen chairs/stools: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or old placemats: Donate to shelters or thrift stores.
Outdated or unused dish brushes/scourers: Dispose of and replace.
Here are 50 items you might consider decluttering from your bomb shelter/storage room:
Expired non-perishable food items: Dispose of and replace; some items might be compostable.
Old or unused emergency supplies: Check expiration dates and replace if necessary; donate if still usable.
Broken or unused furniture: Recycle if possible; otherwise, dispose of responsibly.
Old or unused paint cans: Recycle at designated paint disposal centers or donate if usable.
Expired or old household cleaners: Dispose of properly according to local guidelines.
Extra or unused light bulbs: Recycle or donate to local recycling centers if unopened.
Unused or expired fire extinguishers: Dispose of properly and replace if needed.
Outdated or unused first aid kits: Check contents and replace expired items; donate if possible.
Old or expired batteries: Recycle responsibly at battery disposal centers.
Outdated or unused holiday decorations: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or old suitcases: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or old camping gear: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Extra or outdated storage containers: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Expired or old insect repellents: Dispose of properly and replace if needed.
Worn-out or expired rope/paracord: Repurpose for non-emergency use or dispose of responsibly.
Unused or old sleeping bags: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Extra or outdated tools/hardware: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Extra or outdated protective gear: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Expired or unused gardening supplies: Dispose of properly or donate if still usable.
Extra or outdated kitchen appliances: Donate if in good condition; recycle if not functioning.
Unused or old seasonal clothing: Donate to charities or shelters.
Expired or unused smoke detectors: Dispose of properly and replace if necessary.
Expired or old emergency contact lists: Recycle or update with current information.
Broken or unused picture frames: Repurpose or donate if in good condition.
Extra or outdated extension cords: Recycle if in good condition; dispose of if damaged.
Unused or old blankets/quilts: Donate to shelters or animal shelters.
Outdated or unused board games: Donate to schools or community centers.
Outdated or unused emergency heat sources: Dispose of properly or repurpose for non-emergency use.
Expired or old emergency medical manuals: Recycle or donate to libraries.
Extra or outdated curtain rods: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or old pet supplies: Donate to animal shelters or rescue organizations.
Outdated or unused emergency medical kits: Replace expired items and donate if possible.
Extra or outdated shelving units: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or old luggage: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Outdated or unused home decor: Donate to thrift stores or charity shops.
Unused or old exercise equipment: Donate to community centers or schools.
Expired or unused medications: Dispose of properly at drug take-back programs.
Unused or old emergency medical gloves/masks: Donate if in good condition; dispose of if expired.
Unused or old linens (sheets, towels): Donate to shelters or animal shelters.
Unused or old backpacks: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Expired or unused party supplies: Recycle if possible; donate if still usable.
Extra or outdated window blinds: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or old musical instruments: Donate to schools or music programs.
Extra or outdated kitchenware: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Outdated or unused car accessories: Recycle responsibly or donate if still usable.
Expired or old household chemicals: Dispose of properly according to local guidelines.
Extra or outdated rugs/carpeting: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Outdated or unused pet carriers: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Expired or unused craft paints/glues: Dispose of properly; donate if unopened.
Extra or outdated gardening tools: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Here's a list of 50 items you might consider decluttering from your kids' room:
Outgrown or unused clothing: Donate to local charities or pass on to friends with younger children.
Broken or unused toys: Recycle if possible; otherwise, dispose of safely.
Expired or unused art supplies: Dispose of properly or donate to schools.
Extra or mismatched socks: Repurpose as cleaning rags or donate if in good condition.
Worn-out or outgrown shoes: Donate if still usable; otherwise, recycle responsibly.
Unused or broken backpacks: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Outdated or unused school supplies: Donate to schools or community centres.
Unused or old baby bottles: Recycle or donate if still in good condition.
Broken or outgrown bicycles/scooters: Donate or sell if in usable condition.
Unused or outdated car seats: Recycle if possible; otherwise, dispose of properly.
Extra or outdated bedding: Donate to shelters or animal shelters if in good condition.
Unused or broken electronics: Recycle responsibly or donate if still functional.
Expired or unused baby formula: Dispose of properly; check with local organisations if unexpired.
Extra or outdated baby blankets: Donate to shelters or animal shelters.
Outgrown or unused baby clothes: Donate to charities or pass on to friends with infants.
Unused or old baby wipes: Repurpose for household cleaning or donate if unopened.
Broken or outgrown high chairs: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or outdated baby monitors: Recycle responsibly or donate if functional.
Expired or unused baby lotion/shampoo: Dispose of properly; check with local charities if unexpired.
Extra or outdated diaper bags: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or broken cribs/cradles: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Outdated or unused baby food jars: Recycle glass; donate unopened jars to food banks.
Expired or unused baby medication: Dispose of properly; check with local organisations if unexpired.
Extra or outdated pacifiers: Donate if in good condition; dispose of if worn out.
Unused or broken baby carriers: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Outgrown or unused board games: Donate to schools or community centres.
Unused or outdated children's books: Donate to libraries or schools.
Extra or outdated children's DVDs/CDs: Donate to local libraries or community centres.
Outgrown or unused sports equipment: Donate to local sports clubs or schools.
Unused or broken children's furniture: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Expired or unused children's vitamins: Dispose of properly; check with local charities if unexpired.
Extra or outdated lunch boxes: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or outdated baby gates: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Outdated or unused children's party supplies: Recycle if possible; donate if still usable.
Unused or old toddler training pants: Donate if unopened; otherwise, dispose of properly.
Expired or unused baby wipes: Repurpose for household cleaning or donate if unopened.
Extra or outdated kids' meal sets: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or broken kid-friendly kitchen utensils: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Outgrown or unused baby carriers: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or broken children's umbrellas: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Expired or unused children's medications: Dispose of properly; check with local organisations if unexpired.
Extra or outdated children's wall decals/stickers: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or broken children's backpacks: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Outgrown or unused baby mittens/socks: Donate to local charities or pass on to friends with infants.
Unused or outdated baby powders/lotions: Dispose of properly; check with local charities if unexpired.
Extra or outdated baby mobiles: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Unused or broken children's play tents: Donate if in good condition; recycle if worn out.
Outgrown or unused baby shoes: Donate if still in good condition; otherwise, recycle responsibly.
Expired or unused baby sunscreen: Dispose of properly; check with local charities if unexpired.
Extra or outdated children's craft supplies: Donate to schools or community centres.
As you can see, there are many things that one might say "no" to when organising their home and or their life. You will have to make the decisions yourself about what is right for you and your situation. Everything is a judgment call. Be realistic about your personal goals, resources, time, etc. And be flexible. I work very hard on my lifestyle as a minimalist so that I can save time and energy, and avoid unnecessary spending and stress. The housework is easier, especially without clutter! Saving money is easier because I don't have to buy stuff as often--I have more time in my life for value-add activities like exercising or learning new skills. Live simply, enjoy your freedom, and be happy.
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