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When we start to declutter it can be hard to get going. Once you get going, nothing is safe! If you’re looking for things to toss and looking for an easy place to start in the decluttering process, this list is perfect! Once you’ve located these items, quickly go through them and toss, recycle, or donate them. (I am using ‘toss’ loosely in this post – most of these things can be recycled or donated!)
- old magazines
- cd cases
- unused electronics
- duplicate photos
- old negatives and film cartridges
- chargers that don’t have a device
- cords that you don’t know where they go
- books you haven’t opened in over a year
- old makeup
- old toiletries
- old nail polish
- tattered towels
- worn sheets
- old cleaning supplies
- old bags and purses
- art supplies that aren’t being used
- toys with missing parts
- toys that aren’t being played with
- kids’ clothes with holes or visible wear
- games and puzzles with missing pieces
- shoes you no longer wear
- worn clothing
- socks with holes
- dry cleaning hangers
- any garment that has lost its elasticity
If you’re drowning in clutter, sick of dealing with it, or somewhere in between, I am here to tell you that you can live in a clutter-free home. Surfaces don’t have to be filled, you can create white space, and you can come home at the end of a long day and feel relaxed as you enter your home. Inviting people into your home will no longer be a stressful situation. The piles don’t have to stay on your counters, you can find your clothes quickly, and you’ll be able to locate and you’ll gain time and energy as you go about your life. Clutter takes hold in our lives and just plain makes life a little harder than it needs to be.
This is an excerpt from THE CLUTTER HANDBOOK – it’s a 50 page pdf guide designed to take the guesswork out of decluttering your home. If you’re starting from a room you can’t walk into or just a couple clutter piles, this guide is designed to take you from clutter to decluttered in simple, manageable steps. Grab it below….
Barbara Says...
Great list – with two exceptions. Based on personal experience, I would caution about throwing away unidentified cords and chargers. After having done so, I discovered what one belonged to and the device is no longer usable – an expensive mistake (could not locate a replacement.) I’d suggest a catchall box, labeled and stored in hibernation, as has been suggested for other iffy items. Of course labeling cords and chargers is an excellent idea too.
Amy @ Simple Everyday Home Says...
We do this same thing. We have a box in the coat closet that holds all the random cords that seem to collect from who-knows-where. Although, I was just thinking about going through it to toss out cords that look like duplicates (same connectors, wattage, etc.) because it’s almost to the point where it requires someone to sit on it in order to latch the lid closed! 🙂
Sandra Lambert Says...
Many of the items on your list are definitely doomed for the trash heap. But several are recyclable or should be repurposed. Socks with holes are my fastest dusting cloth and are also great for getting dog hair off large items such as bedspreads (dampen the sock, put it on my hand/arm and wipe the dog away). I keep them in my cleaning area.
Chargers and cords can be taken to a computer or phone store for responsible recycling.
Books unread in a year go to the used book store for credit on another great read.
Bags & purses, art supplies and toys not being played with can go to a thrift store or community garage sale, along with outgrown clothes in good condition.
I didn’t know cleaning supplies could get too old . . . None of mine have expiration dates.
The rest I’ll send to the dump with a promise to offset by recycling paper, plastic, glass and cans.
b r Says...
Post authorHi Sandra! Yes, I state in the beginning of the post that things should be tossed, recycled, and donated 🙂
Holly Says...
This is such an amazing list, I can’t wait to get a 3 boxes and sort all these things out. I will definitely be starting with old magazines, I have a serious hoarding problem! Ooh old nail varnish as well – does it really need to take up a whole drawer – not any more! Brilliant tips!
Holly from The Art of Being Holly xo
Debora Says...
I drop off
My dry cleaner hangers at my dry cleaners. He always is happy to get them back!
b r Says...
Post authorGreat idea!