16 Things to Declutter RIGHT NOW

If you’re feeling the urge to declutter, you’re in the right place! Sometimes, clutter builds up in our homes, and we hold onto things because of the “what ifs.” But, it’s time to let go. Grab a trash bag and a donation box and start throwing things out! Decluttering is not about having the perfect method; it’s about action. Today, we’re going through my house to see what we can get rid of. There may be some surprises, and some things might be controversial to toss out, but let’s get started.

First up is my kids’ artwork. How do you decide what to keep when everything seems precious? My approach is to have a holding spot. I sit down with my kids and ask them what they’re ready to let go of. It’s important to declutter without guilt. Take instruction manuals, for example. We don’t need them because everything is available online. Despite the sense of responsibility to keep them, they just take up space. When something breaks, I head to YouTube for a fix, not the instruction manual in six languages! Chuck them out and move on.

Another thing that takes up unnecessary space is cords. We had a box full of random cords that we didn’t even know the purpose of. It’s easy to feel like you can’t throw them away because they “might” be useful, but it’s okay to let them go. If you happen to toss one you need, replacing it is usually inexpensive. Free yourself from the cord box!

Mystery parts are another challenge. We tend to keep things because we think we’ll eventually remember what they belong to. But let’s be honest—most of the time, that doesn’t happen. After checking with your spouse, if no one can identify what it’s for, it’s time to let it go. If it’s been sitting there for ages, it’s probably not going to be useful.

Next up is the issue of items we tell ourselves we’ll fix someday. For example, my vacuum cleaner recently started making a loud noise, but it’s still functional. However, there are items that have been sitting around broken for years with no real plan to fix them. Sometimes, you just have to accept that it’s not going to happen. While fixing things is great, there’s a point where you need to admit that it’s time to let go and move on.

Kids’ clothes can also pile up. After my first child, I saved every piece of clothing. But, after years of sorting through bags of clothes, I realized I was holding onto far more than we needed. I became more selective about what to keep, which made it easier to manage their wardrobes. Now, I can clearly see what they have and only buy what’s necessary. Pass on the excess clothes to someone else who can use them.

Jars and vases are another category of items that can accumulate. If you’re not actively using them, they take up a lot of space. Keep only what you need for your current lifestyle and let go of the rest. The same goes for kitchen gadgets—many of them collect dust and take up valuable space. Letting them go can feel incredibly freeing.

Speaking of dust, my Crock-Pot has been sitting unused for quite some time. I have an Instant Pot that I use regularly, and it has replaced my need for the Crock-Pot. It’s time to say goodbye. It’s easy to get attached to these things, but if you’re not using them, it’s time to let them go.

Empty boxes are another culprit. We tend to keep them “just in case,” but most of the time, they aren’t necessary. My husband and I keep a small stash for occasional use, but we don’t need every box that comes into the house. If you’ve been hoarding boxes, it’s time to face the truth and let them go.

Medications and vitamins can also build up over time. Don’t just toss them in the trash—look up how to safely dispose of them. Decluttering this area will give you more space and peace of mind.

DVDs are another item that some of us still have. While many have moved on to streaming services, there are a few classic movies that I just can’t part with. But if you’re not using them, they’re another great category to declutter.

Toiletries can also pile up quickly. If you’re like me, you might have products that you don’t even use anymore, but they still take up space in your bathroom. Decluttering this area will make your daily routine smoother and more enjoyable.

Old cleaning products are another thing to tackle. When I have a lot of extra cleaning supplies that I don’t use, it makes cleaning feel like a chore. Decluttering these items makes the task more enjoyable and motivating.

Maps and college textbooks are other items that tend to linger. Maps can become outdated, and textbooks are often kept with the hope of revisiting them someday. But if they’re just collecting dust, it’s time to let them go.

Finally, clothes that don’t fit can take up unnecessary space in your closet. After having kids, my body changed, and I’ve had to accept that some things won’t fit again. It’s okay to let go of clothes that no longer serve you and make room for the ones that do.

Let me know in the comments below what items you would declutter today! And if you’re interested, I have a free guide with five easy steps for decluttering any space in your home. See you in the next video!