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A checklist to declutter your home.
Do you feel like no matter how much cleaning you do…
Your home STILL looks messy?
Yes? I have a perfectly logical explanation– It’s time to declutter.
Clutter in the home may show up in lots of different ways.
It might be random items scattered along your countertops (that don’t belong there).
Or a closet full of clothes you haven’t worn in 2 years.
Either way– it’s time to tackle it once and for all.
What are the benefits of decluttering?
Why is decluttering important?
Not only does physical clutter cause our homes to be messy, it also affects us on a deeper level.
Clutter affects our stress levels, our ability to focus, and can even make us more likely to make unhealthy eating choices (source).
All the more reason to toss the stuff you no longer need and use. Right?
Plus, having less stuff overall sure makes it a heck of a lot easier to maintain a clean house.
(Pssst… Do you struggle to KEEP your home clean? Here’s a simple solution.)
Questions to ask when decluttering
Decluttering isn’t always easy. That’s the honest truth.
You mind will come up with all sorts of excuses to keep something when it’s time to decide whether to toss or keep.
But there are a few questions you can ask yourself to make the decision a tad bit easier:
- Have I worn or used this item in the past year?
- Does it serve an actual purpose or is it just taking up space?
- Do I (really) have any intentions on using this item in the near future?
- Is it worth fixing?
- Would I purchase this again?
Where to start decluttering
Not sure where to start?
Here are 50 (not so obvious) things you can declutter (toss, donate, or possibly even sell if it’s still in good shape) right now!
- Expired food in your fridge, freezer, and pantry
- Expired vitamins/supplements/medications
- Expired spices and seasonings
- Unused cookbooks
- Mugs and glasses you “just don’t like” to drink out of
- Cooking utensils you don’t use
- Scratched up nonstick pans
- Small kitchen appliances (Do you really need 3 coffee makers?)
- Lids with no containers (and vice versa)
- Sponges/brushes/scrubbers that are worn out and gross
- Worn out oven mitts with holes
- Night stand clutter
- Unnecessary decor
- Old shoe boxes
- Jewelry you no longer wear/like
- Clothes that no longer fit/are not comfortable to wear
- Shoes you never wear or find uncomfortable
- Misc. accessories you don’t use
- Socks that do not have matches
- Earrings without matches
- Underwear that isn’t comfortable or that is worn out
- Ripped or damaged sheets/pillowcases/blankets
- Old makeup you’ve had forever
- Empty (or almost empty) product bottles
- Hair styling tools you never use
- Old contact lens cases
- Dried up nail polish
- Old nail files
- Unused purses/handbags/wallets
- Old backpacks that are collecting dust
- Books you will never read again
- Old textbooks from college
- Magazines
- Old receipts
- Dictionaries and encyclopedias
- CDs and DVDs
- Pens and markers that no longer work
- Broken crayons and other art supplies
- Kid’s toys that are no longer played with or are broken
- Games and puzzles with missing pieces
- Exercise equipment you no longer use
- Remote controls that go to nothing
- Broken or outdated electronics
- Old screen protectors of phone covers
- Old product manuals that are cluttering up your drawers
- Holiday decorations you never put up
- Bridesmaid/old prom dresses
- Magnets you never use on the fridge
- Old business cards
- Old notebooks/planners
An easy decluttering list to help you get started!
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