9 Easy Places to Start Decluttering at Home
Studies show that the average home contains over 300,000 individual items, many of which are rarely used and simply take up space. Decluttering our homes makes a huge difference in how a space feels and functions.
As you start de-cluttering, these supporting tips will help you make thoughtful decisions to give you confidence you are making good decisions.
Table of Contents
Pantry
Expired goods and unused spices can take over kitchen storage. At the time of writing, I just determined I had 3 different salt containers, which were all able to be combined into one container.
The average household has at least one food item in their pantry that’s over three years past their expiration date. Annually clearing out your pantry ensures you’re not letting things sit around unnecessarily.
Junk Drawer
Begin in the most manageable space—your junk drawer. Everyone has ‘the junk drawer’ which often contains the most eclectic assortment. Taking on this small area first can offer a quick win, boosting your motivation.
Garage
Garages often become the default dump for items undecided upon. Tools and sports equipment should be kept accessible, but broken or duplicate items can be trashed, donated, or sold. Keeping this area tidy can transform a chaotic garage into a functional space.
If you feel like there are items around the garage that need to be tossed- you’re probably right.
Sentimental Items
Tackling emotional clutter requires sensitivity and patience. Each item likely has a memory attached, making it tough to decide its fate. It’s crucial to acknowledge your feelings but also to consider the practicality and frequency of use.
Digital
Obsolete technology can quickly fill drawers, shelves, and storage bins. By recycling old electronics through certified e-waste programs, you can free up space and ensure environmentally responsible disposal.
Make sure to digitally scrub any items full of personal information and disconnect your payment or credit card information which could be stored in a hard drive.
Closet Clean-Out
Clothes represent a significant chunk of domestic clutter, occupying more space than they deserve. A good rule is to remove items that haven’t been worn in over two years. Also, expensive dresses and coats could sometimes be sold on consignment, offering an option to dispose of expensive items besides donation.
Bathroom Items
The bathroom is a breeding grounds for old cosmetics, toiletries and medications which linger in bathroom cabinets and drawers. Since many products have a shelf life of just 6 to 12 months, it’s important to dispose of outdated items. Many of these items have a variety or ingredients that lose efficacy over time, so even those expensive creams you don’t want to toss are probably separating and not functioning quite right anyway.
One In, One Out
If you don’t quite want to declutter something specific today, you can commit to decluttering as you bring things in. To maintain order in your home, adopt the one in, one out rule. Whenever a new item is brought home, an old one should be let go. This helps keep clutter under control and ensures everything has its place.
Either Way, Just Let It Go
I have a general rule when it comes to getting rid of things around the house- “sell what you can, donate the rest.” I’m tired of looking at clutter.
If you just have a few items, platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and local Facebook Marketplace or groups make it easy to find buyers for your unused items. Sometimes it’s shocking how many people want your old stuff.
Charitable donations are a thoughtful way to declutter items and clothes. Plus, you could take a charitable deduction against your donation value, so you actually do get a financial benefit.
Regardless, let the stuff go that you’re not using. You probably won’t miss it and if you do, you’ll appreciate buying it again.
Theresa Bedford is a minimal-ish advocate, storyteller, and wellness enthusiast who believes that simplicity is the key to wellness and a more intentional, fulfilling life. After realizing she was spending too much time searching for things—both physically and mentally—she embraced minimalism, not as a rigid rule, but as a way to create space for what truly matters.
