Declutter Your Life Checklist | Minimize and Declutter for a Happier You!

                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