I go
through a decluttering spree once a year, every year, at the beginning of
January. After doing this for so many years, I don’t get rid of much now as I
did initially, but it still feels nice to let the things go that are no longer
serving me and are now just taking up space. However, as liberating as letting
go of unwanted possessions is, always be realistic. Don’t get rid of so much
stuff that you have nothing and don’t get rid of anything that you’ll just have
to buy again in a few months. Take your time, sit with each item, ask yourself
questions like “how much do I use this”, “how often do I wear that”, “how many
of these do I already have?” Either keep it or pass it on to someone who will
cherish it and give it new life.
Sentimental
items are really tricky, so what helps me along is I always ask myself, “what
purpose does this serve?” and I let it go if I can’t find a good reason. But if
I’m really not sure about something, I will keep it and come back to it next
year. Like I said, it’s not about getting rid of so much that you have nothing,
and you especially don’t want to get rid of something only to regret it later.
Also if there are any negative attachments to it, I will let it go. For
example, I had a necklace that my best friend at the time had
given me for my birthday. I never wore it much after a while, but for some reason I always kept
it around. I think I kept it for so long because it reminded me of our
friendship when things were good and the day she gave it to me. I still decided
to get rid of it three years ago after having it for about 15 years because,
along with the positive, it also had a negative attachment. I couldn’t look at
that necklace without also remembering our falling out and why we no longer
speak. Getting rid of anything in my living space that has a negative
attachment keeps me in a positive and peaceful state of mind.
Now
when I walk into my home, instead of feeling like I’m drowning in possessions
collected over the years, I am met with all the things that serve a purpose in
my life and spark joy. I am relieved because there’s less sitting on the shelf
collecting dust and less to clean, and I can get to the things I need without
being blocked by the excess. My home is truly a reflection of me. Minimizing at
the start of the year is the way I like to do it, but it can of course be done
at any time, even starting today! So I’ve created this list of all the many
things you could go through in your life and declutter to send you on your way
to a happier you!
Kitchen
Broken or unwanted magnets
Anything in your fridge that is expired or you know you
won’t use
Broken utensils or cooking tools
Cleaning supplies that you don’t use or like
Recipe books that you don’t use
Excess baking trays, pots, pans, dishes that you don’t
need
Old spices and oils that can be trashed or bottled
together to save space
Novelty cups that never get used (from amusement parks,
sporting events, restaurants, etc.)
Extra tupperware or pieces without lids
Extra plastic bags from stores
Any paper or plastic plates, cups, and utensils that are
not going to be used
Baby/kid cups, plates, and utensils that are no longer
needed
Broken appliances or parts from old appliances you no
longer have
Living Room
Magazines and newspapers
Books you aren’t going to read or won’t read again
Any old or worn blankets, pillows, or rugs
Old pet toys and supplies that are not used
Any dead or dying plants
Unused storage boxes or bins
Any paper stacks that can be filed and thrown away
Unused or damaged CD’s, DVD’s, VHS tapes, and cassette
tapes
Broken or unused electronics like TV’s, computers, CD
players, DVD players, VHS players, and cassette players
Broken or unused video game systems and controllers
Damaged or ruined furniture that you need to let go of
Broken picture frames or wall art
Knick-knacks that have no meaning
Board games and puzzles with missing pieces or that you
don’t play
Bathroom
Towels and rugs that are worn or damaged
Old hairbrushes and combs
Old toothbrushes and toiletries that are expired
Expired makeup, sunscreen, and other skin care products
Old nail polishes and perfumes that can be tossed out
Old baby or kid products if they are no longer in use
Old or worn washcloths and rags
Unused hair styling appliances
Broken or unneeded bobby pins or hair elastics
Product samples that you don’t need
Medications or vitamins that are expired or that you
won’t use
Bedroom
Worn, damaged, or extra blankets, linen, or bedding
Clothing that is stained, ruined, or no longer
fits
Any broken or outdated jewelry that is no longer worn
Broken or unused electronics that can be donated or
recycled
Scarves and belts that you don’t want or wear any longer
Unused purses and unworn shoes
Storage boxes or containers that you don’t need
Unmatched or worn out undergarments and socks
Old candles that are burned down or you don’t enjoy
Excess hangers
Unused accessories like purses, scarves, and hats
Kids Bedroom/Playroom
Games and puzzles with missing pieces
Toys that no longer get played with
Stuffed animals that are worn or frayed
Baby items that are no longer needed
Clothing that is stained, ruined, or no longer fits
Old markers, crayons, and art supplies
DVDs and books that have been outgrown and no longer
interested in
Office
Old textbooks or books from work courses
Notebooks that have been written in and you don’t need
Magazines and newspapers you’ve already read
Old user manuals
Old and outdated papers and documents
Excess children’s art work or school work. You don’t need
to keep it all
Crafting supplies that you don’t use or want
Dried up glue sticks/glue
Pens, highlighters, and markers that have run out of ink
Old receipts
Outdated coupons and flyers
Old phones and chargers
Old batteries, keys, and other things found in junk drawers
Broken or unneeded electronics that can be recycled or
given away
Wrapping paper or bags that you don’t need
Old and outdated calendars and planners
Old greeting cards that you don’t want to keep
Duplicate or unfocused loose photographs
Put loose photos in albums, scan onto the computer, or
organized in a box
Garage/Storage
Broken, duplicate, or unwanted holiday decorations
Old party supplies
Outgrown bikes, scooters, and other riding toys
Unused sports equipment
Unused gardening equipment
Fishing or camping gear you’ll never use
Broken tools
Old cleaning rags
Empty spray paint cans and dried up paint
Digital Declutter
Delete contacts in your phone you no longer need
Get rid of photos in your camera roll you have saved to
your computer
Delete apps you don’t use
Unfollow social media influencers on YouTube, Instagram,
Tiktok, etc. that no longer inspire you or don’t enjoy content from
Unsubscribe from unwanted emails
Delete documents and folders on your computer you no
longer need
Empty recycle/trash bins
Other
Clean out your wallet and purse. Clear out those
receipts, trash, and other junk you don’t need to lug around everyday
Clean out your car and only keep the essentials
What to do with
your old stuff?
Throw away broken or expired items
Recycle when possible
Sell to a buy back store
Have a yard sale
Furniture flip your old pieces
Set up a stand at a flee market and sell your items there
Donate old linens to animal shelters
Donate items to thrift stores
Give away to friends and family
