I typically declutter my home twice a year – in the spring and in the fall. As the holidays approach, I’m going through my house again to get rid of clutter and anything we don’t need. If you’re looking to do the same, here are 12 items that you should declutter for a calmer home.
1. Old Magazines and Newspapers
Stacks of old magazines and newspapers can create a sense of clutter. It’s a good idea to get rid of anything that’s outdated. You might even consider switching to digital subscriptions to cut down on this problem altogether. Freeing up this space will refresh your home’s atmosphere.
2. Expired or Unused Beauty Products
I’m bad about letting expired or unused beauty products hang around in the bathroom. My cabinets and countertops can become chaotic quickly. So, it’s a good idea to toss anything that is past its prime or no longer suits your needs. Overall, it can keep your routine more simple and enjoyable.
3. Clothes You Never Wear
My mom is constantly giving me clothes and I’ll let them sit in a pile for a while before I go through them and figure out what I really want to wear. However, it’s a good idea to get rid of/donate anything that no longer fits or suits your current style. You can even consider selling them to places like Plato’s for some extra cash before the holidays. A streamlined closet can set a more peaceful tone for your mornings.
4. Excess Kitchen Gadgets
It’s easy to accumulate kitchen gadgets, especially if you’ve been in your home for a long time. If you find that your kitchen drawers are full of things you don’t use, it’s probably time to declutter. Donate or sell anything that you have two of or things you simply aren’t using. This approach will help create a calm, organized kitchen environment.
5. Unused Linens and Towels
Towels and unused linens have a knack for staying in the closet and collecting dust. You should only keep what you use on a regular basis. Things like old sheets, pillowcases, and towels can be donated or repurposed. This will help you free up space and make finding fresh linens easy.
6. Outdated Electronics and Cords
The last time we moved we found an entire drawer full of cords with no clue what they belonged to. Organize the cords that you know work and have a functional place in your home. Recycle any old electronics. Keeping the essential items will help you create a cleaner look in your home.
7. Paper Clutter and Junk Mail
Similar to magazines and newspapers, stacking up junk mail and paper clutter can really make your home feel cluttered. Sort through everything and shred sensitive documents. Recycle everything else. You should also consider going paperless for bills and statements to keep the amount of paper coming into your home to a minimum. A paperless home is not only trendy but also simplifies your day-to-day life.
8. Kitchen Pantry Items You Don’t Use
Pantries can be chaotic fast. Expired spices, unused ingredients, and duplicates of things can get overwhelming. Remove expired items and organize what you have by type or frequency of use. If you notice some things that you won’t use, consider donating them to a food bank. With fewer items in your pantry, you’ll know what you have and it’ll make the cooking way easier.
9. Forgotten Hobby Supplies
I’m a craft lover. I stash away yarn and other items for future projects but sometimes they wait a long time to get done. If you are truly not going to use them, it’s best to donate, recycle, or repurpose these things. It will not only free up space, but it could also encourage creativity. In the end, decluttering your supplies can help you enjoy your current hobbies without the distraction of old things hanging around.
10. Shoes and Bags You Don’t Use
I cut down the amount of shoes and bags I had big time. These things pile up quickly, especially as a woman. If you don’t use it on a regular basis, it’s out of style, or just plain worn out, it’s time to move on. Keeping your shoe area minimalistic and organized will help your home feel more open and welcoming.
11. Decorative Items You’ve Outgrown
It’s easy to let decor pile up, especially if you are someone who likes to decorate for different holidays. However, holding onto items that no longer match your style can lead to clutter. Unless the brings you joy, it might be time to get rid of it. Simple, intentional decor creates a peaceful environment that’s easy on the eyes.
12. Kids’ Toys and Games
My kids have way too many toys. At this time of year, I like to go through everything and donate items they no longer play with and toss things that are broken or completely worn out. This makes room for toys at Christmas time and also helps keep the mess contained. A more tidy play area also makes it easy to engage with your kids, so it benefits the entire family.
Declutter for a Calmer Home
Whether you’re someone like me who declutters a couple of times each year, or it’s something you’ve been putting off for a while, focusing on these 12 areas will help you create a more peaceful, functional space for your family. In the end, embracing minimalism and keeping only what you need will serve you. A calm, organized home is a happy, relaxed home.