15 Easier Things to Declutter
It’s easy to feel stuck when trying to declutter, but starting small can make a big difference. Tackling just a few simple items can build momentum and make the process feel more manageable. Whether you’re clearing out duplicates, worn-out items, or things you no longer use, identifying easy things to declutter is a great first step toward a more organized space.
Decluttering your space isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about lifting a mental burden as well. Letting go of unnecessary things creates a sense of clarity and ease, reducing stress and making daily life more manageable. Everything in your home requires care and attention, and having too many items can quickly become overwhelming. By simplifying, you free up time and energy to focus on what truly matters to you.
1. Expired or Unwanted Food Items
Go through your pantry, fridge, and freezer to toss anything past its expiration date or food that you know you won’t eat. If it is still safe to eat, consider donating it to your local food pantry! There are usually drop off bins at community spaces, like community centers and libraries.
2. Mismatched or Stained Socks
Single socks without a match or ones with permanent stains and holes can be tossed, repaired (learn how to darn a sock here!), or repurposed as cleaning or dusting rags.
3. Old Magazines and Newspapers
If you haven’t read them yet, chances are you won’t. Recycle or donate them to schools or craft programs.
4. Dried-Out Pens and Markers
Gather all your writing utensils and test them. Toss any that no longer work. If you have an excess of something (especially art supplies), you could donate it to a school or put up on a free page. Moving forward, if you ever use a writing utensil and it doesn’t work to the point where you grab another, immediately get rid of the pen/pencil.
5. Extra Coffee Mugs & Water Bottles
Most people have way more mugs and water bottles than they use. Keep your favorites and donate the rest. Think about how many you truly use when assessing which ones to keep.
6. Worn-Out Towels and Linens
If your towels or sheets have seen better days, repurpose them as cleaning rags or donate them to an animal shelter.
7. Expired or Unused Makeup and Skincare
Cosmetics have a shelf life. Toss anything expired or that you haven’t used in the last year. (Cosmetics and skincare usually have a shelf life of 1 year.)
8. Broken or Unused Electronics
Old chargers, phones, or gadgets that no longer work can be recycled at an electronic waste center. I always keep a small bag in my garage that I bring into our local E-waste site for recycling every season.
9. Takeout Menus and Junk Mail
With so much information available online, there’s no need to keep piles of old paper menus or unnecessary mail.
10. Unused Kitchen Gadgets
If you have gadgets collecting dust, donate them to someone who will use them. I also like to think about whether I truly need a kitchen gadget. Once I bought an Instant Pot I realized it had a slow cooker, so I got rid of my slow cooker. Quesadillas are also easily made in a pan, no need for a hard to wash separate kitchen appliance.
11. Expired Medicine & Toiletries
Look through your stash of medicine and toiletries. They do expired after a few years! The ones that are extra sneaky for me are the travel sized containers that we rarely use. Things like Neosporin and tooth paste also expire. Check the crimped edges for an expiration date.
12. Worn or Uncomfortable Shoes
Shoes that hurt your feet or are too worn out to repair should be let go.
13. Old Receipts and Paperwork
Sort through papers and shred anything you no longer need for tax or warranty purposes. My husband and I go through our important paperwork once a year before tax season.
14. Freebies and Promotional Items
Declutter tote bags, keychains, or t-shirts you got for free but never actually use. In the future, declining these freebies in the first place means you won’t have to declutter them later!
15. Duplicate Items
If you have multiple versions of the same item, keep your favorite and donate or repurpose the rest.
Finding More Things to Declutter
By starting with these small and manageable items, you’ll gain confidence in decluttering and create a more organized and peaceful space. This is a great way to get momentum going in the right direction. While going through these things, I’m sure you will find inspiration for the next part of your home to tackle.
