Let’s be honest, clutter isn’t just stuff sitting in your closets and cupboards. It’s also the mental weight of hanging on to things you think you should keep, even if they’re not serving you anymore. If you’ve ever looked around your home and thought “why do I still have this?” or felt overwhelmed with your space.. this list is for you.
Here are 10 things (plus a few extras) that you can confidently declutter today, and trust me, you won’t miss them.
1. Clothes That “Might Fit Someday”
Unless we’re talking maternity clothes, it’s time to let go. Focus on what fits and makes you feel great right now. You deserve that every day.
* Try these velvet hangers to give you a clean look and more space in your closet!
2. Guilt Gifts
If you’ve kept something only because it was a gift, remember: the joy was in the giving. The giver never meant for you to feel burdened by it.
3. Seasonal Décor You Never Use
Those bins of Christmas ornaments or Halloween decor items you haven’t touched in years? Keep one sentimental piece and let the rest go. For those you do use, work on sorting 7 organizing them into groups so it makes everything easier to find!
* For those items you choose to keep, these ornament storage boxes keep them safe
4. Every Piece of Kids Artwork
Save a handful of special pieces and take photos of everything else. You can also create a binder or box that’s separated by year, it’s organized and still meaningful.
* I love these file storage boxes for keeping memories without the mess.
5. Kitchen Gadgets You Don’t Use
That pasta maker, the bread machine, an extra coffee maker… if it’s been collecting dust for years, it’s time to free up that cupboard space.
6. Duplicate Tools
You do not need 7 hammers. One good one will do.
* Something like this all-in-one household tool kit is perfect!
7. Books You’ll Never Read (or won’t read again)
I know this one can be hard for a lot of people, but unless you have space to display them like a library, boxed-up books are just clutter and taking up space. Donate or pass them on so someone else can enjoy them.
8. Random Chargers & Cords
If you don’t know what they’re for (or don’t even own the device anymore), toss them. You can always purchase a new charger if you realize you desperately need it!
9. Fancy Dishes You’re Saving for “Special Occasions”
Life is short. Use them every day – because every day is special. I actually got rid of my old dishes and kept one set I loved for every day AND special occasions.
10. Excess Bedding
You only need one extra set of sheets per bed in your home (2 sets total/bed).
* These vacuum storage bags are my favourite for storing the spare bedding without taking up closet space.
✨Bonus Items to Declutter✨
- Expired Makeup & Skincare- it collects bacteria. Toss it.
- Purses You Never Carry- donate or take them to a re-sell store.
- Appliance Manuals – most you can find them online- keep any you can’t.
- Way Too Many Reusable Bags – keep a few and wash them regularly.
- Broken Jewelry – if you haven’t fixed it yet, you probably won’t. If you haven’t worn it in YEARS you likely wont either.
- Endless Tea Lights & Candles – pick a few favourites and let the rest go.
- Toiletry Samples – use them up or donate them for someone else to use.
- Baby Clothes Your Kids Have Outgrown – keep a few special pieces and pass the rest on, donate or sell to a resell store.
Decluttering isn’t about getting rid of everything you own or becoming a minimalist. It’s about creating space for the things that actually matter. The items you choose to keep should be useful, beautiful, or meaningful to you now. Everything else? Time to say goodbye.
✨ Want my full step-by-step decluttering guide? Follow my Instagram page and you’ll receive the link or click here and I’ll send it your way!
Melissa
