50 Ways to Declutter Your Life (and 5 Best Practices to Do It Right)
It starts with a single drawer.
You open it, sigh, and wonder how so many random things could fit in one place—old batteries, tangled cords, receipts from three years ago. Maybe there’s a flashlight that doesn’t work, a key you no longer recognize, or a phone charger for a model you haven’t owned in years. You tell yourself you’ll get to it “someday,” but that day never seems to come. Life gets busy, and before long, another drawer, closet, or storage bin joins the list of things you’ll tackle “when you have time.”
The truth is, clutter rarely arrives all at once. It creeps in quietly, piece by piece, blending into the background of daily life until it begins to weigh you down in ways you don’t even realize. The more we accumulate, the harder it becomes to see what we actually use, love, or need. What starts as physical clutter can quickly become mental clutter—creating stress, distraction, and that subtle feeling of being out of control.
But here’s the good news: the same way clutter builds slowly, it can be undone the same way—through small, intentional steps. Decluttering doesn’t have to mean a weekend-long purge or a massive overhaul. It can start with a single decision: to let go of what no longer serves you. Each drawer, box, and closet you clear becomes a victory—a small reclaiming of peace and order.
And decluttering is about far more than “cleaning up.” It’s about creating space for what truly matters—space to breathe, to think clearly, and to enjoy the things you love without distraction. Whether you’re sorting through a junk drawer, a packed garage, or an entire home filled with memories, the process can be deeply freeing.
Here are 50 ideas to help you let go of the unnecessary and embrace simplicity—along with five best practices to make your decluttering efforts meaningful, effective, and sustainable for years to come.
🧺 50 Things You Can Declutter Today
Clothes and Accessories
1. Clothes you haven’t worn in a year
2. Shoes that pinch or don’t fit
3. Socks with holes or no match
4. Outdate or broken jewelry
5. Old handbags or tote bags you never use
Paper & Office
6. Expired coupons
7. Old bills you’ve already paid
8. Duplicate paperwork
9. Pens that don’t work
10. Instruction manuals (you can find most online)
Kitchen
11. Duplicate utensils
12. Expired pantry items
13. Plastic containers without lids
14. Chipped mugs or mismatched dishes
15. Old cookbooks you never open
Bathroom
16. Expired medications
17. Half-empty products you no longer use
18. Old makeup or brushes
19. Worn-out towels or washcloths
20. Extra travel-sized items from hotels
Bedroom
21. Worn-out bedding or pillows
22. Excess decorative pillows
23. Jewelry boxes filled with unworn pieces
24. Clothing tags or packaging you forgot to toss
25. Unused candles or decor items
Living Room
26. Stacks of magazines
27. Old remote controls
28. Movies you no longer watch
29. Decorative pieces that no longer bring joy
30. Extra throw blankets or pillows
Garage & Storage
31. Broken tools
32. Paint cans that have dried out
33. Duplicates of the same item
34. Old sports equipment
35. Unused holiday decorations
Digital Life
36. Duplicate photos on your phone
37. Unread emails and subscriptions
38. Apps you never open
39. Outdated files or downloads
40. Old contacts you don’t recognize
Kids’ Items
41. Broken toys
42. Outgrown clothes
43. Board games with missing pieces
44. Art supplies that have dried out
45. Books they’ve outgrown
Miscellaneous
46. Expired gift cards
47. Pet supplies no longer needed
48. Greeting cards you don’t plan to keep
49. Event souvenirs with no sentimental value
50. Random cords and chargers with no home
🪞5 Best Practices for Decluttering with Purpose
1. Start Small, Finish Strong.
Begin with one area—just a drawer, a shelf, or a closet. Small victories build motivation. Once you see progress, it becomes easier to move on to larger projects without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Use the “One-Year Rule.”
If you haven’t used or worn something in the last year, it’s a strong sign it doesn’t serve your current lifestyle. Exceptions may exist for seasonal or sentimental items—but even then, ask if it’s worth the space it occupies.
3. Sort Into Clear Categories.
Create four boxes: Keep, Donate, Recycle, and Trash. This prevents second-guessing later and helps you see how much you’re actually letting go. Donating gently used items is a wonderful way to give them new life while helping others.
4. Think Function, Not Just Aesthetics.
Decluttering isn’t just about how things look—it’s about how they work for you. Keep what supports your routines and values. A clear countertop or organized closet should make daily life easier, not just prettier.
5. Maintain Systems for the Future.
Once you’ve decluttered, establish habits to keep order. Schedule a “mini reset” once a month. Keep a donation bin in your closet for items you outgrow or no longer need. Organization is a mindset—one that grows stronger with consistency.
🌿 Bringing It All Together
Decluttering is not a punishment for having too much—it’s a gift to your future self. Every item you choose to release makes more room for peace, focus, and joy. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s intention.
When your spaces reflect your values—clear, functional, and calm—you’ll feel the same way inside. Start with one drawer, one shelf, one decision at a time. Before long, you’ll find that simplicity doesn’t just change your home—it changes your life.