25+ Things to Declutter From Your Home RIGHT NOW

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There are many things that we cling to for good reason. Travel souvenirs, family treasures, and sentimental greeting cards are all acceptable keepsakes. Then there are the miscellaneous items we gather just because we think have the space to store them. You know, the things that make you think, “But what if I need this one day?”

It appears to be a harmless habit—until the non-essentials accumulate and render your cabinets and closets into living nightmares.

Sounds like you? This is when the turmoil comes to an end. It’s time to recycle, repurpose, or toss them out.

While I’m not here to promote a hyper-minimalist lifestyle, I do believe that each item in your home should have a specific function or, at the absolute least, improve your day. I doubt your overflowing tote bag collection or junk drawer stuffed with rubber bands is providing you with much.

Here’s a room by room look at lots of things you are probably holding onto that are causing troublesome clutter you should let go of that you can declutter – or organize – quickly.

Things to Declutter From Your Kitchen

The ominous cloud of plastic bags under the sink – if you really can’t get them up (they are useful) at least invest in an organizer like this one to keep them organized.

All those spices that are past their prime – Spices do have expiration dates, and should be thrown away when they reach them. And do you really need three dozen different ones? Most recipes can be created using a core of about a third of that.

Mismatched Tupperware taking over your cabinets—get containers that stack neatly instead, or at the very least keep the lids in a container like this one.

Single-use accoutrements from your last takeout order. Think: chopsticks, napkins, straws, ketchup packets etc. Buy big bottles of things like ketchup and soy sauce if you use them often, and throw out all the take-out extras with your leftovers after the meal is over.

The logo-heavy cups and shot glasses from your college days. One or two are nice mementos, but it really is time to invest in some grown up dinnerware and glassware and let go of the plastic stuff from the past.

Specialized cleaning solutions. A single all-in-one concentrate will leave your house just as pristine for most tasks. You may need a few extras – polish for hardwood floors perhaps – but try to keep them to a bare minimum.

Any subpar tote bag you snagged just because it was free

All those boxes that your small appliances came in that are littering your cupboard/pantry. Are you really going to return a 12-month-old toaster that cost $40? No, of course not, not even if you could.

Things to Declutter From Your Bedroom

Wimpy hangers from the dry cleaner. Not only do they create closet clutter, but they are bad for your clothes too.

Beat-up shoeboxes and the accompanying protective bags. Take some time to streamline your shoe collection with a tiered rack or over-the-door hanger. And at the same time declutter the whole collection and only keep the shoes you actually wear.

The stack of books you’re done reading. Donate them to a used-book store—or pass along to a fellow bibliophile. The same is true of magazines. You could move a few to the bathroom if you like, but only if they are organized in a proper magazine holder like this one.

Curtains that are too long. Make sure your curtains are the right size for your room. If there is a lot of curtain on the floor this can make a room look cluttered even if if it is not.

The obscene amount of decorative pillows you purchased during your boho phase. Maybe one or two on a bed looks nice, but any more than that is overkill and will instantly make your bedroom look more untidy.

Things to Declutter From Your Bathroom

Every hotel toiletry you’ve ever stolen – they really aren’t that great, and you didn’t need to do that in the first place. Decent shampoo really isn’t expensive these days.

Sad towels with holes or makeup stains

That ugly shower caddy—invest in a teak storage stool or over-the-tub tray that won’t make you cringe every morning

Expired medications, makeup, and sunscreen (yes, they all have expiration dates!) While you are decluttering, take the time to organize what will remain. Ensure that things like these are stored in cool, dry places (like an organized bathroom cabinet) as too much light can reduce the effectiveness of some medications and will ruin many cosmetics too.

All those bodywash/shampoo/conditioner bottles and dead razors from the sides of your bath/shower. Make good use of the tray/stool I suggested earlier and only leave out what you really need.

Things To Declutter From Your Living Room

The dead plants you keep trying to revive. Give them a good send off and then, if plant nurturing is not your forte, consider investing in some very easy to care for plants that will still enhance your decor (and even health and wellbeing) instead.

Subpar vases from those very kind flower arrangement deliveries. One or two all-purpose, high quality vases are all you need.

All those DVDs/video games/board games that are cluttering up your shelves and entertainment unit. If you still use them, organize them. If you haven’t touched them in ages, sell them on if they have value (have you seen how much some in good condition old video games are going for now?!) or take them to a thrift store. Those that are too old or broken, recycle as responsibly as you can.

Things to Declutter From Your Home Office

All those extra pens- If you’re like me, you favor a certain style of writing instrument and get easily annoyed when your pen doesn’t feel good in your hand (or requires a ton of effort to write effectively). Do yourself a favor and do a “pen purge”. Get rid of any pen that’s broken, chewed on, or doesn’t function at an optimal level.

Junk mail – Unsubscribe from that stuff and save a few trees in the process. To do that, head to the DMA Choice website and complete their forms.

Old books and magazines you haven’t looked at in years

Chargers that belong to old devices, and old devices with no charger at all.

Clunky filing cabinets. Go all digital or keep super-important documents in thin transparent envelopes.

Need help with a bigger decluttering project? Have no time/lack the inclination to declutter at all? That’s OK, Just Organized by Taya can help. Whatever the project, book an appointment here and let’s get started!

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Just Organized By Taya

Taya Wright, Owner and Principal at Just Organized by Taya

Just Organized by Taya, led by Professional Organizer Taya Wright, offers home organization, office organization and life organization services, in addition to interior styling services to residents across the Greater Houston area.

Working with Taya and her team is easy. You can book an appointment easily on her website, or contact her directly at 832-271-7608