Clutter accumulates in even the tidiest homes, often stemming from emotional attachments, busy routines, or simply not knowing where to start. Professional organizers are trained to spot items that disrupt flow, reduce productivity, and undermine tranquility. By identifying and removing these unnecessary belongings, they create spaces that foster clarity and calm. Discovering what truly serves your home and lifestyle is key—learn more about the psychology of clutter from Psychology Today.
Expired food lurking in pantries, refrigerators, and freezers does more harm than just taking up precious space—it can also pose a serious health risk. Professional organizers advise making it a habit to check for outdated spices, canned goods, and perishables. The FDA warns that expired foods may lose nutritional value or even harbor dangerous bacteria. By routinely purging expired items, you not only reduce waste but also keep your food storage areas orderly and safe for your household.
Single-use kitchen gadgets, such as avocado slicers or banana cutters, often end up forgotten in drawers after minimal use. Professional organizers recommend parting with these unitaskers and opting for multipurpose tools that truly streamline meal prep and reduce clutter. According to The Kitchn, focusing on a few essential kitchen tools saves both space and time. By letting go of rarely used gadgets, you’ll free up valuable storage and make your kitchen more functional and organized for everyday cooking.
Plastic takeout containers accumulate fast and often end up crowding kitchen cabinets, despite rarely being reused. Most are not made for long-term storage and can even warp or crack over time. Professional organizers suggest recycling or disposing of excess containers to clear the clutter. The New York Times recommends investing in durable, stackable food storage solutions for better organization and longevity. Regular purges of disposable containers help keep your kitchen streamlined and ensure you only keep containers that truly serve your needs.
Stacks of old magazines and newspapers tend to gather dust as people hold onto them with the hope of reading later. Professional organizers recommend recycling or donating these periodicals, keeping only specific articles or special issues that hold genuine value. Not only does this practice free up space, but it also contributes to a cleaner environment. The EPA underscores how paper recycling can significantly reduce household clutter and decrease the environmental impact of unused paper products.
Broken or obsolete electronics—such as old phones, tangled cords, and outdated gadgets—often clutter drawers and storage bins. Professional organizers advise keeping only those devices that still work or possess true sentimental value. For the rest, responsible e-waste recycling is crucial. The EPA provides guidelines for safely recycling electronics, helping to protect the environment while freeing up valuable space at home. Regularly sorting through and responsibly disposing of unused electronics keeps your living areas organized and reduces unnecessary clutter.
Unmatched socks often accumulate in drawers, adding unnecessary clutter and making laundry routines more confusing. Professional organizers recommend letting go of socks missing their mates to streamline your wardrobe. Rather than simply discarding them, consider creative ways to repurpose single socks. Good Housekeeping suggests turning them into cleaning rags, dusters, or even fun craft projects. Regularly sorting through your sock drawer and removing loners keeps your space organized and opens up room for pairs you actually use.
Threadbare towels and faded linens often linger in closets, occupying space better used for quality items. Professional organizers recommend regularly sorting through these textiles and removing those past their prime. Usable items can be donated to local animal shelters, where they’re repurposed as bedding for pets in need. The Humane Society encourages donations of gently used towels and linens, transforming your decluttering efforts into a charitable act. Recycling or repurposing textiles ensures your closet stays organized and supports a good cause.
Clothing that no longer fits or aligns with your current style can quickly overwhelm closets and drawers. Professional organizers advocate for routine wardrobe assessments to identify what should stay and what should be donated or sold. Letting go of these garments frees up space for pieces you truly love and wear. For guidance on determining when it’s time to part with clothing, The Spruce provides helpful tips. Regular closet cleanouts keep your wardrobe streamlined and manageable.
Holding onto expired or unused medications poses safety risks, as they may lose effectiveness or become harmful. Professional organizers urge regular checks of your medicine cabinet to remove outdated items. The FDA offers clear guidelines for safe disposal, recommending take-back programs or specific methods for throwing medicines in the trash. Maintaining only current and necessary medications ensures your medicine cabinet remains safe, organized, and clutter-free, reducing the risk of accidental misuse and making it easier to find what you need.
Gift wrap, greeting cards, and ribbons tend to pile up after holidays and celebrations, often exceeding what you’ll use in a year. Professional organizers advise sorting through these supplies and donating extras to local schools or community centers, where they can be put to good use. Real Simple recommends storing all gift-wrapping materials in a single, easily accessible container and purging excess items. This approach saves space, keeps your supplies organized, and ensures you only keep what you’ll realistically use.
Stacks of old instruction manuals, warranties, and receipts can quickly overwhelm drawers and filing cabinets. Most appliance manuals and product guides are now readily available online, so keep only essential documentation. When it comes to financial paperwork, follow expert advice on retention. The IRS provides clear guidelines on how long to keep tax documents and other important records. Regularly sorting and shredding outdated paperwork will streamline your home office and make it easier to locate the documents you truly need.
Extra spatulas, mugs, pans, and other duplicate kitchen items often lead to overcrowded drawers and cabinets. Professional organizers suggest keeping only your favorites or the tools you use most often, donating or recycling the rest. Paring down your kitchenware makes meal preparation more efficient and frees up valuable storage space. For practical advice on how to streamline your kitchen tools and organize what you keep, Martha Stewart offers helpful tips and strategies. A well-edited kitchen means less clutter and more enjoyment while cooking.
Expired or rarely used makeup and toiletries not only clutter bathroom drawers and cabinets, but can also pose health risks by harboring bacteria. Professional organizers stress the importance of routinely checking expiration dates and discarding outdated products to maintain both hygiene and order. The FDA explains how cosmetics expire and why proper disposal is necessary for safety. Regularly purging these items ensures your bathroom remains organized, reduces the risk of skin irritation or infection, and keeps only products you actually use.
Books that you no longer plan to read or reread can quickly fill shelves, collect dust, and contribute to household clutter. Professional organizers recommend sorting through your collection and donating unused books to libraries, schools, or charitable organizations. The American Library Association encourages book donations, noting the positive impact they can have on communities and literacy programs. Giving your books a second life elsewhere not only frees up space at home but also benefits others who will appreciate and enjoy them.
Drawers overflowing with chargers and batteries for devices you no longer own are a frequent source of household clutter. Professional organizers advise sorting through your collection, labeling active chargers for current devices, and responsibly discarding obsolete ones. Safe disposal is essential, especially for batteries, which can be hazardous if thrown in the trash. The EPA provides guidelines for recycling batteries and electronics to protect the environment. Regularly clearing out unused accessories keeps your home organized and ensures you can easily find the chargers you actually need.
Art supplies, yarn, sports gear, and other materials from hobbies you’ve moved on from can accumulate in closets and corners, taking up valuable space and gathering dust. Professional organizers recommend sorting through these forgotten items and donating or selling supplies you no longer use. Many organizations, like Goodwill, accept a wide range of craft and hobby materials, ensuring they find new life with someone else. Regularly reassessing your hobby supplies not only frees up space but also helps others explore new interests.
Old calendars and planners quickly become obsolete and usually serve no practical purpose after the year ends. Unless they contain notes or memories of sentimental value, professional organizers recommend recycling them to free up drawer and shelf space. Decluttering outdated paper products makes it easier to stay organized and reduces excess clutter. The EPA provides helpful tips for recycling paper items, ensuring they are disposed of responsibly and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Branded tote bags, pens, mugs, and other free promotional items tend to pile up in homes, even though most are rarely used. Professional organizers suggest keeping only the promotional products you actually use and donating or recycling the rest. This approach helps reduce unnecessary clutter and frees up valuable space in drawers and cabinets. NPR highlights the environmental impact of these items, emphasizing the importance of mindful decluttering and responsible disposal to minimize waste.
Small kitchen appliances such as bread makers, juicers, or ice cream machines often end up collecting dust on countertops or taking up valuable cabinet space if seldom used. Professional organizers recommend donating or selling these items through local charities or online marketplaces to reclaim space and reduce clutter. If an appliance is broken or outdated, consider responsible disposal methods. Consumer Reports provides helpful advice on how to properly dispose of old appliances, ensuring environmental responsibility while keeping your kitchen organized.
Receipts can quickly accumulate in wallets, drawers, and files, often fading over time and becoming unreadable. Unless they are required for tax purposes, warranties, or returns, professional organizers suggest shredding or recycling them to keep your paperwork manageable. Hanging on to unnecessary receipts only adds to clutter and makes it harder to find important documents when needed. The IRS offers clear guidelines on how long to keep various financial records, ensuring you retain only what’s necessary for your situation.
Reusable water bottles and travel mugs often accumulate in cabinets, yet most households consistently use only a select few favorites. Professional organizers recommend sorting through your collection and donating surplus items to local shelters or schools, where they can be put to good use. Reducing the number of bottles and mugs keeps kitchen storage organized and clutter-free. Earth911 highlights the environmental and organizational benefits of minimizing plastic clutter, making it easier to maintain tidy and sustainable living spaces.
Empty or damaged picture frames can quickly clutter closets, shelves, and storage bins, taking up valuable space. Professional organizers suggest keeping only frames that will be used for current photos or artwork. The rest can be donated to thrift stores, schools, or art programs, or creatively repurposed for DIY projects. Better Homes & Gardens offers inspiring ideas for transforming old frames into new decorative pieces. Regularly sorting your frame collection ensures you have just what you need and eliminates unnecessary clutter.
Holiday decorations that rarely see the light of day often fill up attics, basements, and garages, taking up valuable storage space. Professional organizers recommend reviewing your seasonal décor each year and donating or recycling items you no longer display or love. This keeps your holiday collection manageable and makes decorating more enjoyable. The Balance provides practical tips for sorting, storing, and letting go of excess holiday decorations, helping you maintain an organized and clutter-free home year-round.
Greeting cards from birthdays, holidays, and special occasions often accumulate in drawers and boxes. While some cards carry sentimental value, most can be recycled or repurposed to free up space. Professional organizers recommend holding onto only the most meaningful cards and letting go of the rest. For those looking to get creative, Country Living shares inspiring ideas for transforming old cards into gift tags, bookmarks, or festive decorations. Regularly sorting through your collection ensures treasured memories aren’t lost in the clutter.
Dried-up pens, markers, and highlighters are a common source of clutter in desks, pencil cases, and junk drawers. Professional organizers recommend periodically testing your writing tools and tossing those that no longer work. Not only does this clear out unnecessary items, but it also makes finding functional supplies much easier. For markers, consider recycling options where available—Crayola’s ColorCycle program accepts used markers for recycling in certain areas. Regularly purging non-functioning writing instruments keeps your workspace tidy and ensures you always have the tools you need.
Flower vases received with past bouquets can easily accumulate in cabinets and shelves, often going unused for years. Professional organizers suggest keeping only a select few favorites that fit your décor and donating the extras to reduce clutter and free up valuable storage space. Charities like Goodwill gladly accept glassware donations, ensuring your unused vases find a new home. Regularly reviewing your collection helps maintain an organized kitchen or dining area and makes it easier to find the perfect vase when you need one.
Manuals for electronics you no longer own often linger in drawers and filing cabinets, serving no real purpose. With most user guides now accessible online, there’s little reason to keep physical copies for obsolete devices. Professional organizers recommend recycling these outdated papers to free up space and streamline your records. The EPA provides guidance on both e-waste and proper paper recycling, making it easy to responsibly dispose of old tech manuals and reduce unnecessary clutter in your home.
Owning more than two bedding sets per bed often results in overstuffed linen closets and unnecessary clutter. Professional organizers suggest keeping only your favorite, high-quality sets and donating the extras to local shelters or animal rescues, where they can be put to good use. Efficiently managing your linens creates more space and makes it easier to keep your closet tidy. For tips on organizing and maintaining a streamlined linen closet, The Spruce provides practical strategies and organization solutions.
Free samples collected from hotels, beauty stores, or mail promotions often end up forgotten in drawers and cabinets, frequently expiring before they’re used. Professional organizers recommend tossing expired samples and donating unopened, in-date items to local shelters, where they can benefit others. Keeping only what you’ll realistically use helps reduce bathroom and vanity clutter. Allure shares tips for managing and avoiding sample overload, ensuring your space remains organized and filled only with products you truly need.
Old, unused cell phones are a common source of clutter, often forgotten in drawers or boxes. Instead of letting them accumulate, consider donating to organizations such as Cell Phones for Soldiers, which puts devices to valuable use. If donation isn’t an option, recycle your phones responsibly through certified programs. The FCC provides helpful guidance on phone recycling to ensure your old devices are handled safely and sustainably, protecting both your privacy and the environment.
Tangled necklaces, single earrings, and broken bracelets often sit untouched in jewelry boxes, unlikely to be repaired or worn again. Professional organizers suggest selling precious metals like gold or silver to reputable buyers, or donating costume jewelry to thrift stores or craft programs. This not only frees up space but also gives unused pieces a new purpose. For guidance on how to recycle or repurpose old jewelry, the Gemological Institute of America offers practical tips and resources for responsible jewelry recycling.
Plastic and paper shopping bags can pile up in pantries, closets, or drawers, quickly leading to unnecessary clutter. Professional organizers recommend keeping only a handful for reuse and recycling the surplus to free up space and promote sustainability. Many grocery stores offer dedicated recycling bins for plastic bags, and paper bags can often be recycled with other paper products. Earth911 provides guidance on proper bag recycling and tips for reducing single-use plastics in your daily routine, helping you maintain a tidy and eco-friendly home.
Extra chairs, tables, or shelves that no longer serve a purpose can quickly overcrowd living areas, basements, or garages. Professional organizers recommend donating or selling these unused pieces to reclaim valuable space and reduce household clutter. Consider listing items on local online marketplaces or donating them to charitable organizations. Habitat for Humanity ReStores gladly accept gently used furniture, ensuring it finds a new home while supporting community projects. Regularly evaluating furniture needs helps maintain a comfortable, functional living environment.
Old bicycles, skates, gym gear, and other unused sports equipment often take up significant space in garages, basements, or closets. Instead of letting these items gather dust, consider donating them to local youth programs or reselling through dedicated outlets. Play It Again Sports accepts gently used equipment, helping others enjoy sports while decluttering your home. Regularly reviewing your sports gear and letting go of what you no longer use creates more functional storage areas and makes it easier to locate equipment you actually need.
Cookbooks that have gone untouched for years often take up valuable kitchen shelf or cabinet space. If you find yourself consistently turning to the same recipes or using online resources instead, consider donating your unused cookbooks. Libraries, thrift stores, and community centers are happy to accept these donations, giving the books a second life. The American Library Association encourages book donations to support literacy and community engagement. Regularly reviewing your cookbook collection helps maintain an organized kitchen and introduces culinary inspiration to others.
Decorative items such as trendy knick-knacks, wall art, or throw pillows that no longer suit your current style can make spaces feel cluttered and outdated. Professional organizers recommend donating or selling these pieces to refresh your home’s appearance and free up room for décor you truly love. Updating your living spaces doesn’t require a major overhaul—just thoughtful editing. Apartment Therapy provides practical tips for modernizing your décor and embracing change, helping you let go of dated pieces with confidence.
Extra suitcases, duffel bags, and travel totes often take up valuable closet or attic space, especially if they go unused for years. Professional organizers suggest donating gently used luggage to foster care programs or local shelters, where they can benefit individuals in transition. The Salvation Army also accepts luggage donations, helping those in need transport their belongings safely and with dignity. Regularly assessing your travel gear ensures you keep only what you use, while your unused items can make a meaningful difference for others.
Spices tucked away in your pantry can quickly lose their potency and flavor as they age, diminishing the quality of your meals. The USDA recommends replacing ground spices every 2-3 years and whole spices every 3-4 years. Regularly sorting through your spice collection and discarding expired jars makes room for fresh seasonings, revitalizes your cooking, and keeps your pantry organized. Keeping only vibrant, aromatic spices ensures every dish you prepare reaches its full flavor potential.
Wall calendars from previous years often remain tucked away in drawers or on walls, serving no practical purpose after their dates have passed. Professional organizers recommend recycling these outdated calendars to keep your home clutter-free. If the images are particularly appealing, consider repurposing them for craft projects like greeting cards or framed art. The EPA advocates for recycling paper products, helping to reduce waste and support environmental sustainability. Regularly clearing out old calendars keeps your space organized and visually fresh.
Leashes, bowls, beds, and toys that your pet has outgrown or never used often take up space in closets or storage bins. Rather than letting these items gather dust, professional organizers recommend donating them to animal shelters, where they can directly benefit animals in need. The ASPCA welcomes a variety of pet supply donations to support their rescue and care efforts. Regularly sorting through your pet’s belongings ensures you keep only what’s necessary while making a positive difference for other animals.
Shoes that are uncomfortable, damaged, or never worn can quickly crowd closets and entryways, making it harder to find pairs you actually use. Professional organizers suggest donating wearable shoes to organizations like Soles4Souls, which distributes footwear to those in need around the world. For shoes that are beyond repair, look for local recycling programs to ensure responsible disposal. Regularly evaluating your shoe collection not only frees up valuable storage space but also benefits others and supports environmental sustainability.
Letting go of clutter isn’t just about creating more space—it’s about fostering a home that supports calm, productivity, and well-being. By removing items that no longer serve you, you pave the way for order and simplicity. Small, consistent changes can have a profound impact, transforming your living environment into a place of comfort and peace. For additional decluttering inspiration and expert tips, visit Apartment Therapy and start your journey toward a more organized home today.