Declutter Checklist: Get Rid of These 35 Things!

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Feeling overwhelmed by clutter and not sure where to start? Decluttering can seem like a daunting task, but with a clear checklist, you can tackle it step by step and transform your space into an organized haven. Here’s a friendly voice guiding you through the ultimate decluttering checklist to get rid of 35 things that are taking up valuable space in your home.

Benefits of Decluttering

Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about the benefits of decluttering. The decluttering process can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, improve your mental health, and increase your productivity. It can also make your home more aesthetically pleasing and easier to maintain.

By getting rid of unnecessary clutter, you can create a more organized and functional living space that promotes a healthier lifestyle and a positive mindset. At the end of this article, you’ll have a clutter-free home that’s a shining example of organization.

What is the 20 20 20 rule for decluttering?

The 20-20-20 rule is a simple yet effective guideline for decluttering your home. It involves looking at an item and asking yourself two questions: If I were to get rid of this item, could I replace it within 20 minutes, and would it cost less than $20 to do so? If the answer to both questions is yes, it’s a good candidate for decluttering.

This rule helps you let go of items that are easily replaceable and often unnecessary, streamlining your belongings to only those that truly matter. It’s a great way to make quick decisions and keep the decluttering process moving smoothly.

Things to Declutter in The Kitchen

1. Expired Foods
   Start with your pantry and fridge. Get rid of anything that’s past its expiration date, including spices, canned goods, and condiments. This not only frees up storage space but also ensures you’re only consuming fresh, safe foods. Checking expiration dates regularly is a good habit that helps maintain a clutter-free kitchen.
2. Unused Kitchen Gadgets
   Declutter your kitchen by getting rid of gadgets and small appliances you never use. This frees up valuable counter and shelf space, making your kitchen more functional and enjoyable to cook in.
3. Unused Plastic Containers
   Sort through your collection of plastic containers and get rid of any without lids or that are stained or damaged. This makes your kitchen storage more efficient and less cluttered.
4. Old Cookbooks
   If you have cookbooks that you never open, consider donating them. This frees up shelf space for items you use more frequently.
5. Duplicate Utensils
   Go through your utensil drawer and get rid of any duplicates or items you never use. This creates more space and makes it easier to find the tools you need.

Things to Declutter in The Home Office

6. Old Receipts
   Go through your wallet, purse, and desk drawers, and dispose of old receipts you no longer need. Reducing paper clutter helps keep your financial records organized.
7. Outdated Electronics
   Recycle old electronics that you no longer use or that no longer work. This clears out storage space and is better for the environment.
8. Unused Stationery
   If you have a collection of unused notebooks, pens, and other stationery, consider donating them. This reduces clutter in your home office and helps others who can put them to good use.
9. Old Magazines and Newspapers
   Recycle any old magazines and newspapers that you’ve already read or that are simply collecting dust. This reduces paper clutter and makes room for more essential items.
10. Broken Office Supplies
    Throw away any broken pens, dried-out markers, or other office supplies that no longer work. This keeps your desk drawers neat and functional.

Things to Declutter in The Bedroom

11. Unloved Clothes
    Sort through your wardrobe and donate clothes that no longer fit or that you haven’t worn in over a year. This creates more space in your bedroom closet and helps others in need. Following Whitney English’s philosophy of keeping only what you love can be truly liberating.
12. Broken Jewelry
    Sort through your jewelry box and discard any broken pieces that you can’t or don’t plan to repair. This keeps your jewelry collection organized and wearable.
13. Extra Bedding
    If you have more bedding than you need, consider donating or repurposing it. This frees up linen closet space and ensures you only keep what you use.
14. Old Towels and Linens
    Replace any old, worn-out linens with new ones and donate or recycle the old ones. This keeps your linen closet neat and ensures you always have nice linens for guests.
15. Unused Accessories
    Donate hats, belts, scarves, and other accessories that you no longer wear. This frees up space and makes your wardrobe more streamlined.

Things to Declutter in The Living Room

16. Old Books
    Donate books that you’ve already read and don’t plan to read again, or that you no longer find useful. This clears up shelf space and helps others discover new reads.
17. Unused Furniture
    If you have furniture that’s not serving a purpose, consider selling or donating it. This opens up your living space and makes your home feel less cluttered.
18. Broken Toys
    Sort through your children’s toys and discard any that are broken or no longer played with. This keeps your kids’ play area tidy and ensures they have toys they actually use.
19. Unused Sports Equipment
    If you have sports equipment gathering dust, consider donating or selling it. This frees up garage or storage space and can help someone else enjoy the sport.
20. Unnecessary Decorations
    Remove decorations that no longer fit your style or that you don’t really like. This makes your living space feel more intentional and less cluttered.
21. Old DVDs and CDs
    If you’ve gone digital, consider donating or recycling old DVDs and CDs you no longer watch or listen to. This frees up media storage space.
22. Gift Wrap and Gift Bags
    Get rid of old, torn, or outdated gift wrap and gift bags. This clears up storage space and ensures you only keep items that are in good condition.

Things to Declutter in The Bathroom

23. Expired Medications
    Check your medicine cabinet and dispose of any expired or unused medications safely. This ensures your medicine cabinet is up-to-date and reduces the risk of taking expired medications.
24. Outdated Makeup
    Go through your makeup collection and throw away any products that are expired or that you no longer use. This keeps your makeup bag clean and ensures you’re only using fresh products on your skin.
25. Worn-Out Towels
    Replace old, worn-out towels with new ones and repurpose the old ones as cleaning rags. This freshens up your linen closet and ensures you always have clean, fluffy towels.
26. Unused Toiletries
    Get rid of any toiletries you haven’t used in the past six months. This reduces bathroom clutter and ensures you’re only keeping items you actually use.
27. Old Hair Products
    Dispose of hair products that are expired or that you no longer use. This makes your bathroom shelves more organized and ensures you’re only using effective products.

Digital Things to Declutter

28. Old Emails
    Declutter your digital spaces by deleting old emails you no longer need and unsubscribing from unwanted newsletters. This reduces digital clutter and makes your inbox easier to manage.
29. Unused Apps
    Go through your phone and delete any apps you no longer use. This frees up storage space and helps your device run more efficiently.
30. Duplicate Photos
    Sort through your digital photos and delete duplicates or blurry shots. This keeps your digital photo library organized and makes it easier to find your favorite memories.
31. Outdated Files
    Clean out your computer’s hard drive by deleting outdated files and documents you no longer need. This improves your computer’s performance and keeps your digital space tidy.
32. Old Contacts
    Go through your phone’s contact list and delete any contacts you no longer need. This keeps your contact list current and reduces unnecessary clutter.
33. Unused Bookmarks
    Go through your browser’s bookmarks and delete any links you no longer use. This keeps your digital workspace organized and easier to navigate.

Miscellaneous

34. Unused Storage Containers
    If you have more storage containers than you need, consider donating the extras. This reduces clutter and makes organizing easier.
35. Old Craft Supplies
    Sort through your craft supplies and get rid of anything that’s dried out, broken, or that you haven’t used in a long time. This keeps your craft area organized and ensures you only keep supplies that inspire you.

Practical Advice for Decluttering

1. Set a Time Limit: Spend a set amount of time each day decluttering to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
2. Stay Consistent: Make decluttering an ongoing process rather than a one-time event.
3. Be Ruthless: If you haven’t used it in the last year, it’s probably time to let it go.
4. Use a Printable Checklist: Keep track of your progress with a free printable declutter checklist.
5. Start Small: Tackle one area at a time to make the process more manageable.

Decluttering your home doesn’t have to be a giant project. By breaking it down into manageable tasks and using this ultimate decluttering checklist, you can create a more organized, stress-free, and enjoyable space. Whether it’s your home office, kitchen, or bedroom closet, getting rid of unwanted items is a great way to start. Good luck on your decluttering journey, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a clutter-free home!