Decluttering Checklist: 34 Items to Clear Out Today
Decluttering can feel overwhelming, especially if you're unsure where to begin. However, a decluttering checklist can streamline the process.
Every home has common areas that tend to attract clutter. Recognizing these spots and using practical decluttering methods can enhance your home's appearance and boost your motivation. Our team of organizing experts has crafted this decluttering checklist, categorized by room, to help simplify your efforts.
Decluttering Checklist
Kitchens
1. Single-Use Tools
Start your kitchen decluttering checklist with single-use tools that seemed appealing in the store but now gather dust.
From egg slicers to novelty cookie cutters, we often keep these items in hopes of future use. In reality, they're rarely utilized and can be discarded without regret.
Instead, invest in essentials like quality knives, sturdy cutting boards, and versatile tools such as this OXO Multi-Purpose Scraper and Chopper, available on Amazon to keep your kitchen organized.
Set of six
Zulay Kitchen 6-Piece Wooden Utensils
Wooden utensils are safe for cooking, not leaching chemicals and not scratching non-stick surfaces, ensuring your food remains healthy.
Set of three
Opting for a three-piece cutting board set allows you to designate boards for various food types, reducing cross-contamination.
Magnetic holder
Choose a magnetic knife holder over enclosed blocks; it's more hygienic and keeps your knives sharper.
2. Duplicate Tools
When decluttering, avoid keeping duplicates of kitchen tools. A streamlined kitchen enhances functionality.
Professional organizer Elizabeth Lulu Miranda emphasizes that buying duplicates due to clutter leads to wasted time and money. Keep a clear visual inventory to prevent unnecessary purchases.
While some duplicates may be useful, excess is not. How many spatulas do you really need? Stick to one and see how quickly your space improves.
3. Expired Food
Check your pantry and fridge for expired items to make decluttering straightforward.
Sort through food items, discarding expired products and considering donations for unopened goods. Avoid leftover roulette by labeling all items, which you can easily do with a label maker from Walmart.
4. Plastic Containers
Organizing plastic containers can be frustrating. Instead, consider switching to glass containers.
Professional organizer Brenda Scott suggests reducing your stock of Tupperware and focusing on eco-friendly glass options. Donate or recycle containers you no longer use.
5. Unused Appliances
When organizing your kitchen, eliminate appliances you seldom use. Bulky gadgets take up valuable space and should be stored away unless used daily.
6. Food Packaging
Catherine Davin advises removing food packaging to maximize storage possibilities. Use drawer organizers and airtight containers for items like coffee pods and cereal.
7. Non-Stick Cookware
If your kitchen is cluttered with non-stick cookware, consider upgrading to stainless steel. Recent studies suggest non-stick materials can be harmful when heated.
Stainless steel is durable, heats evenly, and is dishwasher safe.
Bedrooms
8. Unused Clothes
Start decluttering your bedroom by assessing your clothing. Ask yourself if items still fit, are in good condition, or have been worn in the past year.
Professional organizer Jessica Litman recommends trying on clothes to see how they make you feel. If they don't spark joy, it's time to let them go.
9. Old Socks and Underwear
Decluttering your sock drawer is easy. Discard mismatched pairs and consider how many you truly need. Repurpose extras as cleaning rags.
With underwear, keep only comfortable pieces and those that fit well. Aim for enough to last you through two weeks of laundry.
10. Under-Bed Storage
Utilize under-bed storage for seasonal clothing and items you seldom use. Review these items regularly to ensure they're still relevant.
11. Nightstands
Nightstands often gather clutter from nightly routines. Clear off items unrelated to sleep to improve your sleep quality.
Living Rooms
12. Coffee Tables and Shelves
Jamie Hord, a professional organizer, suggests that excessive decor can lead to visual clutter and stress. Limit displayed items to create a calmer environment.
13. Toys
It can be tough to declutter kids' toys, but simplifying their choices can enhance playtime and make cleanup easier. Start with broken or outgrown toys.
14. Magazines and Books
When it comes to books, it's helpful to clear out those you no longer read. Place books where you'll read them and recycle ones you're finished with.
Bathrooms
15. Medicine
Rummaging through your medicine cabinet for expired medications can be frustrating. Clear out expired and unused products regularly for a functional space.
16. Old Linens and Towels
Check your linen closet and discard worn towels and sheets. Local animal shelters often welcome these donations.
17. Old Toiletries
Reduce clutter from gift sets and samples that accumulate over time. Keep only what you enjoy and find useful.
18. Makeup
Decluttering makeup is essential for skin health. Discard items older than a year and anything you no longer enjoy using.
19. Cleaning Products
Cleaning supplies can expire too. Check for outdated products and swap to eco-friendly options when possible.
Dining Rooms
20. Old Crockery
Start decluttering your dining room by reassessing plates and serving dishes. Get rid of items with missing pieces or those you rarely use.
21. Table Linens
Tablecloths can take up significant space. Discard ones you don't use and keep a neutral base for versatility.
Garages, Basements, and Attics
22. Cardboard Boxes
Avoid using cardboard boxes for storage in damp areas like garages and basements. Use durable plastic totes instead to protect your belongings.
23. Bulky, Unused Equipment
Let go of large tools and equipment that have not been used in over a year. Holding onto them creates unnecessary clutter.
24. Holiday Decorations
Evaluate your holiday decor; if you haven't used it in recent seasons, consider donating it for others to enjoy.
Entryways
25. The Coat Closet
Seasonal changes call for a declutter of your coat closet. Swap out off-season items and make space for what you need now.
26. Shoes and Bags
Edit your collection of shoes and bags to only those you truly value. This enhances your entryway's appearance and functionality.
27. Items Not Related to Leaving the House
Organize your entryway by keeping only items that help you leave the house easily. Store away anything that clutters the space unnecessarily.
Home Offices
28. Digital Clutter
A clean desk won't help if your digital life is cluttered. Clear your digital desktop and create organized folders for efficiency.
29. Outdated Tech
Discard outdated tech items you'll never use again, like old remotes or broken devices. For cords and cables, consider stashing them for a year before deciding.
30. Paper Clutter
Going paperless is beneficial for both your home and the environment. Organize papers and eliminate those you no longer need.
31. Junk Drawer
A junk drawer often leads to more clutter. Limit contents to essential items and remove everything else.
32. Gift Wrap and Greeting Cards
Keep only meaningful cards and gift wraps. Most lose significance quickly after the occasion has passed.
33. Craft Supplies
If you're not an avid crafter, declutter supplies you won't use again. Donate usable items to local organizations.
34. Manuals
Most manuals can now be found online. Get rid of paper versions whenever possible, especially if you're moving.
FAQs
How Can I Be More Ruthless When Decluttering?
Indecision often hinders effective decluttering. To overcome this, establish clear rules: if it's broken, doesn't fit, or isn't useful, let it go. Consider the 20/20 rule for decision-making and use a timer for added motivation.
Stick with your plan to avoid decluttering burnout, and watch your space transform into a more organized haven.