7 Things You Should Declutter Immediately to Simplify Your Life – Clutter-Free Living Starts Here.
Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? You’re not alone. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for items to pile up in every corner of your home. Whether it’s your kitchen, closet, office, or garage, clutter can sneak in before you even realize it. But don’t worry—decluttering doesn’t have to be a huge, time-consuming task. With the right strategy and mindset, you can quickly start creating a cleaner, more organized space.
If you’re wondering where to start, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of 7 things you should declutter immediately to give your home a refreshing, more spacious feel. Getting rid of these items will help you simplify your surroundings and free up more space for the things that truly matter. Plus, it’ll create a peaceful environment, so you can breathe easier and enjoy your home without the burden of excess stuff.
7 Things You Should Declutter Immediately to Simplify Your Life
Let’s dive into these 7 things that are prime candidates for decluttering today!
1. Old Magazines and Newspapers – Declutter Immediately
Do you have stacks of magazines and newspapers piling up around your house? Maybe you’ve been holding onto old issues thinking you might go back to read them someday. But let’s be real: if you haven’t read them in months (or years), you probably never will. These items take up valuable space and can collect dust, making your living space feel cluttered and cramped.
The first thing you should do is sort through the piles and recycle any magazines or newspapers that are no longer of any value. If there are a few special issues you’ve been meaning to keep—like magazines with articles you love or newspapers with significant events—consider scanning them or taking a picture, so you can digitally preserve them without holding onto the physical copies.
By removing the old magazines and newspapers from your home, you’ll instantly free up space and create a tidier, more organized environment. Plus, it’s one of the quickest ways to declutter.
Pro Tip: Set a rule that you’ll only keep magazines and newspapers for a set period (e.g., 6 months) before recycling them. It helps you stay on top of the clutter.
Expert Insight: For more advice on decluttering and organizing your home, check out professional organizer Marie Kondo’s tidying tips.
2. Expired Food in the Pantry and Fridge
How many times have you opened your pantry or fridge, only to be greeted by expired food that you had completely forgotten about? We’ve all done it—buying items in bulk, hoping to use them in the future, only to let them sit untouched for months. Expired food takes up valuable space and can create unpleasant odors, especially when it’s left forgotten for too long.
It’s time to declutter your pantry and fridge by getting rid of anything past its expiration date. Start by checking all canned goods, snacks, and refrigerated items for any expiration dates that have passed. Not only does this create more room for fresh, usable ingredients, but it also makes your kitchen feel cleaner and more organized.
Bonus Tip: Consider setting a weekly routine where you check the expiration dates of your pantry items. That way, you stay on top of your food inventory and avoid unnecessary waste.
Quick Hack: If you’re someone who buys in bulk often, consider organizing your pantry by expiration date so you can use up older items before they expire.
3. Worn-Out Shoes and Clothes You Don’t Wear
Your closet can easily become a cluttered mess, especially if you’re holding on to shoes and clothes that no longer fit or are too worn out to wear. It’s tempting to keep these items for sentimental reasons or the hope that you’ll wear them again, but honestly, if you haven’t worn something in over a year (or even longer), it’s probably time to let it go.
The next time you go through your closet, be honest with yourself: Have you worn that jacket in the past 6 months? Do those shoes really fit anymore? If the answer is no, then it’s time to donate or toss them.
Start by taking everything out of your closet and sorting through it. Try the “one in, one out” rule: for every new item you buy, get rid of one that no longer serves you. This will help keep your wardrobe fresh, functional, and free from the clutter of things you no longer use.
Tip: Donate gently used items to local charities or consignment stores, and consider recycling clothes that are too worn out for resale.
4. Duplicate Kitchen Tools and Appliances
Your kitchen is probably one of the busiest areas in your home, and over time, it can become filled with duplicates of kitchen tools and gadgets you really don’t need. Do you really need three wooden spoons, five spatulas, or multiple versions of the same kitchen appliance?
Start by taking stock of what’s in your kitchen. Remove any duplicate items, such as extra measuring cups, mixing bowls, or utensils. You likely have one or two that work just fine—so get rid of the rest! You’ll be surprised at how much more space you’ll have to work with, and your kitchen will feel far more organized.
Also, check your kitchen gadgets: If you haven’t used that smoothie maker or bread machine in a year, it might be time to pass it on.
Pro Tip: Keep only the kitchen tools and appliances you use regularly. Store or donate the rest. A more streamlined kitchen will help you feel less stressed when cooking.
5. Broken or Outdated Electronics
If you’ve got a drawer or box filled with old electronics—like busted headphones, old phones, or outdated chargers—it’s time to declutter. These items not only take up space but can also collect dust and get tangled up with other things.
Start by going through your electronics and assessing what’s broken, outdated, or no longer functional. If something’s beyond repair, it’s time to recycle it. For example, old cell phones can often be recycled at electronics stores or donated to charities that refurbish them for those in need. You can also sell or donate working electronics that you no longer use.
Tip: Be mindful of electronic waste—never throw your old devices in the trash. Instead, use proper recycling services to help reduce environmental impact.
6. Unread Books and Magazines
How many times have you bought a book with the intention of reading it, only to let it sit on your shelf collecting dust? Or maybe you’ve been holding on to magazines that you think you’ll read “someday.” If you haven’t read a book or magazine in the past year, it’s time to get rid of it.
You can donate books you no longer plan to read or sell them online. Magazines can be recycled or donated to libraries, schools, or doctors’ offices.
A cluttered bookshelf can make your space feel crowded, so decluttering it by getting rid of books you don’t need or have no intention of reading again will not only free up space but also help you feel more organized.
Quick Tip: If you’re an avid reader, consider creating a library where you can donate books after you’ve read them. This keeps your collection manageable and helps others in the community.
7. Excess Paperwork and Documents
One of the most common sources of clutter in homes is excess paperwork. Whether it’s old receipts, bills, tax forms, or random notes, paper can quickly pile up and overwhelm you. The good news is that most of it can be decluttered immediately.
Start by sorting through the piles of paper in your home. Recycle documents you don’t need, like expired bills or outdated receipts. For important documents, consider scanning them and storing them digitally. You’ll reduce the clutter while also having important papers organized and easily accessible.
Tip: Set up a system for managing paperwork by using digital tools, such as cloud storage for documents and receipts, to stay organized and avoid accumulating paper.
Conclusion: Start Small, Stay Consistent – declutter immediately,
Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By removing these 7 things from your home—old magazines, expired food, worn-out clothes, duplicate kitchen tools, broken electronics, unread books, and excess paperwork—you’ll instantly feel a sense of relief and order.
Remember, the key to successful decluttering is consistency. Start small by tackling one area at a time, and you’ll gradually see the difference. You’ll create a space that is not only more organized but also more peaceful and functional.
And if you ever need help organizing your home, check out professional organizer Marie Kondo’s tidying tips for expert advice on decluttering and simplifying your life.
