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50 Easy Things to Declutter for a Simpler, Calmer Life

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Decluttering doesn’t need to be a massive, overwhelming project. In fact, you can make a huge impact in your home and mental clarity by tackling small items one at a time. Whether you’re trying to live more minimally, reduce stress, or get your space back under control, this list of 50 easy things to declutter will guide you step-by-step through the process.

Let’s dive into these categories with tips, practical suggestions, and extra motivation to help you take action today.

Why Start With Small Decluttering Tasks?

Starting small creates momentum. Removing just a few things from your space can give you a quick win and inspire bigger changes later. Decluttering even one junk drawer can provide a sense of calm, clarity, and control.

The key is progress, not perfection.

50 Easy Things To Declutter Right Now

Here’s your complete list of clutter culprits you can part with today—divided into useful categories with added tips and insights for each.

CategoryExamples IncludedTime to Declutter
Personal ItemsOld makeup, expired meds10–15 mins
Closet & ClothingMismatched socks, unworn clothes20 mins
Kitchen & PantryExpired spices, duplicate utensils15–25 mins
Paper & OfficeJunk mail, old receipts15 mins
Digital ClutterApps, screenshots, old emails10–30 mins
MiscellaneousFreebies, décor, cords10–20 mins

Clothing & Accessories

  1. Socks without a pair: If you’ve waited weeks and the mate hasn’t turned up, it’s time to let go.
  2. Stretched-out underwear: Comfort matters. Toss and replace them with better ones.
  3. Shoes you haven’t worn in over a year: If they’re uncomfortable or outdated, donate them.
  4. Clothes that don’t fit: Keeping “goal clothes” adds pressure.
  5. Outdated accessories: Belts, hats, or jewelry you never wear? Declutter.
  6. Broken or mismatched earrings: No use holding onto singles.

Tip: Use the “hanger test” — turn all hangers backward. If you don’t wear an item in a few months, it’s ready to go.

Bathroom & Personal Care

  1. Expired makeup or skincare: Bacteria loves old products. Toss anything past its prime.
  2. Dried-up nail polish: If it’s gloopy, it’s garbage.
  3. Perfumes you no longer like: Scents expire and your taste changes.
  4. Old razors: Dull blades are unhygienic and ineffective.
  5. Hotel toiletries: Use them up this week or donate unused ones.
  6. Empty or nearly empty containers: If it’s been sitting for months, it won’t be used.

Kitchen & Pantry

  1. Duplicate utensils: How many spatulas do you really need?
  2. Chipped mugs or glasses: If it’s not safe or pleasant to use, let it go.
  3. Expired food and spices: You’re not going to eat it—check the dates.
  4. Appliances you never use: If it’s gathering dust, donate or sell it.
  5. Plastic containers without lids: A common clutter culprit!
  6. Cookbooks you never open: If you only use 1-2 recipes, digitize them.

Quick Win: Take 10 minutes to clear your spice rack. You’ll be amazed how many expired jars are lurking there.

Paper Clutter

  1. Junk mail: Shred and recycle it immediately.
  2. Receipts you don’t need: Scan important ones and toss the rest.
  3. Expired coupons: If they’re past due, you’re not saving money.
  4. Old magazines: Keep only current issues or tear out what you’ll use.
  5. Instruction manuals: Most are online now.
  6. Old greeting cards: Keep only the ones with sentimental messages.

Digital Declutter

  1. Unused mobile apps: Free up space and reduce distractions.
  2. Duplicate or blurry photos: Keep only the best shots.
  3. Emails you’ll never read: Unsubscribe and delete.
  4. Old downloads: Check your “Downloads” folder and clean it out.
  5. Unorganized desktop files: A clean digital space = a clear mind.
  6. Contacts you don’t recognize: Keep your phonebook streamlined.

Helpful Tool: Use cloud services like Google Photos or Dropbox to organize and back up important digital files.

Living Room & Décor

  1. Throw pillows you never use: Or that have lost their fluff.
  2. Décor that doesn’t spark joy: Outdated styles or gifted items you don’t love.
  3. Candles with no scent left: Toss them guilt-free.
  4. Remote controls for devices you no longer own – Easy toss!
  5. Old electronics: Recycle broken or obsolete devices.
  6. Extra coasters, trays, or vases: Keep only what you use regularly.

Kids & Pets

  1. Toys your kids have outgrown: Donate to a local shelter or center.
  2. Broken crayons or dried-up markers: Clean out the art bin.
  3. Pet gear no longer used: Leashes, collars, or toys that sit untouched.
  4. Board games missing pieces: If it’s incomplete, it’s useless.
  5. Baby gear you no longer need: Pass it on to someone expecting.

Car & Garage

  1. Old car chargers: Especially ones for devices you don’t own.
  2. Unused sports gear: Donate what no one uses anymore.
  3. Broken tools: Either fix them now or toss them.
  4. Paint cans from past projects: Especially if they’ve dried up.
  5. Empty oil bottles or windshield cleaner containers: Recycle properly.

Bags & Purses

  1. Old receipts and gum wrappers: Clean out your bag weekly.
  2. Loyalty cards you never use: Most stores have digital versions now.
  3. Broken sunglasses or keychains: Quick and satisfying toss.
  4. Old wallets or bags: If it’s worn out, it’s time to replace.

Decluttering Checklist Table

Here’s a simple printable-style reference chart for your decluttering session:

Decluttering ZoneExample ItemsDecluttered? ✅
ClosetSocks, shoes, accessories
BathroomToiletries, makeup, old razors
KitchenUtensils, expired food, mugs
Office/PaperMail, receipts, manuals
Digital SpaceApps, photos, email
Living RoomDecor, electronics, remotes
Kids/PetsToys, pet gear, games
Car/GarageTools, chargers, cans
Bags & PursesReceipts, cards, accessories

Bonus Tips for Staying Clutter-Free

Decluttering once is great—but staying clutter-free requires a bit of planning. Use these strategies to keep things tidy:

  • One in, one out rule: Every time you bring in a new item, let go of one old one.
  • Schedule mini-declutter sessions: Even just 10 minutes weekly helps.
  • Use baskets and organizers for frequently used items to prevent chaos.
  • Label storage bins for clarity and simplicity.
  • Digitize what you can: From documents to recipes, going digital reduces physical clutter.

Final Thoughts

Decluttering doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. By breaking it into manageable pieces and using this list of 50 easy things to declutter, you’ll build momentum and enjoy the calm and space that follow.

Remember, you’re not just clearing space—you’re making room for what matters.