Room-by-Room Decluttering: Simple Things You’re Overlooking, But Should Toss!
Declutter Room by Room: A Simple Guide
Kitchen and Dining Areas
- Wire Hangers: Replace with velvet or wooden hangers.
- Cardboard Food Boxes: Transfer contents to glass jars or airtight containers.
- Kitchen Sponge: Replace monthly; sanitize regularly in the dishwasher.
- Expired Spices: Test by smell; discard if there's no scent.
- Unlabeled Frozen Items: Safely discard or compost.
- Take-Out Condiments and Menus: Digitize menus; dispose of unused condiments.
- Chipped Plates or Glasses: Repurpose for crafts or discard.
- Extra Coffee Mugs: Keep favorites; donate the rest.
- Broken or Duplicate Utensils: Toss broken ones; donate extras.
- Outdated Pantry Items: Check dates and discard as needed.
Bedroom and Closet
- Old Shoes: Donate or discard damaged pairs.
- Unworn Clothing: Donate or sell items unused for over a year.
- Kids’ Clothing That No Longer Fits: Pass along or donate non-sentimental pieces.
- Formalwear: Donate gowns, tuxedos, or other formal attire.
- Old Glasses: Donate prescription or nonprescription pairs.
- Worn-Out Bedding: Replace damaged sheets and pillows.
- Unused Jewelry: Sell, donate, or gift items you never wear.
- Single Socks: Repurpose or discard.
- Belts and Accessories: Donate unused items.
- Excess Hangers: Keep only the number you use regularly.
Bathroom
- Expired Makeup: Dispose of cosmetics following safety guidelines.
- Old Toothbrushes: Replace every three months.
- Partially Used Products: Donate unopened items; discard used ones.
- Worn-Out Towels: Repurpose for cleaning or donate.
- Dull Razors: Replace or safely discard.
- Expired Medications: Dispose of through a pharmacy or take-back program.
- Travel-Size Toiletries: Donate unopened extras to shelters.
- Damaged Hair Accessories: Toss broken clips and stretched-out bands.
- Outdated Skincare Products: Discard expired items.
- Empty Bottles: Recycle.
Office and Miscellaneous
- Unused Keys: Recycle responsibly.
- Last Year’s Calendar: Recycle outdated planners.
- Old Business Cards: Digitize contact details.
- Dried-Out Pens and Markers: Toss or recycle.
- Outdated Software Discs: Dispose of securely.
- Old Notebooks: Digitize notes and recycle.
- Excess Printer Paper: Donate or use as scrap.
- Broken Office Supplies: Discard or recycle.
- Outdated Manuals: Recycle if no longer useful.
- Unused Filing Folders: Repurpose or recycle.
Living Room
- Unloved Movies: Donate or sell DVDs you no longer enjoy.
- Old Electronics: Recycle responsibly.
- Magazines and Newspapers: Recycle old issues.
- Worn Throw Pillows: Replace or recover.
- Broken Decorations: Discard or donate.
- Unused Remote Controls: Recycle.
- Extra Cables and Chargers: Recycle duplicates or damaged ones.
- Books You Won’t Revisit: Donate or sell.
- Unused Blankets: Donate to shelters.
- Incomplete Board Games: Recycle or donate.
Kid’s Items
- Unused Toys: Donate or repurpose.
- Filled Coloring Books: Recycle or use for crafts.
- Outgrown Books: Donate to schools or libraries.
- Broken Crayons: Melt to create new ones.
- Puzzles Missing Pieces: Repurpose or recycle.
- Extra Craft Supplies: Donate to art programs.
- Worn Stuffed Animals: Donate or recycle if in good condition.
- Outgrown Sports Gear: Donate to charities.
- Duplicate Toys or Games: Pass along or donate.
- Broken Toys: Discard or recycle.
Seasonal & Holiday Items
- Old Holiday Cards: Save updated addresses; recycle the rest.
- Unused Costumes: Donate to organizations like Halloween Helpers.
- Broken Lights: Recycle.
- Outdated Decorations: Donate or discard.
- Unworn Seasonal Clothing: Repurpose or donate.
- Extra Wrapping Paper: Organize and donate extras.
- Unused Gift Bags: Reuse or donate.
- Expired Party Supplies: Toss them.
- Damaged Outdoor Decorations: Recycle or replace.
- Unused Seasonal Dishes: Donate or repurpose.
Miscellaneous
- Expired Medications: Dispose of properly.
- Unidentified Items: Let go of unused items over a year old.
- Damaged Luggage: Donate or discard.
- Broken Tools: Repair or replace.
- Unused Sporting Equipment: Donate or sell.
- Duplicate Housewares: Donate extras.
- Outdated Maps and Guides: Recycle or repurpose.
- Old Greeting Cards: Keep sentimental ones; recycle the rest.
- Unknown Keys: Recycle.
- Unwanted Souvenirs: Donate or repurpose.
Tips for Staying Organized
- Focus on One Area: Tackle one room or category at a time.
- The One-Year Rule: If you haven’t used it in a year, let it go.
- Use Practical Storage: Invest in bins, baskets, and jars to keep spaces tidy.
Decluttering your home isn’t just about getting rid of things—it’s about creating a space that feels lighter, calmer, and more enjoyable. By letting go of these 80 items, you’ve made room for more clarity, ease, and peace in your daily life. An organized home brings a sense of relief and energy, making it easier to relax and focus on what truly matters. If you’re ready to take your organizing to the next level, I’m here to help! Let’s work together to create a space that feels good every day.
For more expert tips, visit us again here at Mercury Organizing.