I’m a very tidy, organised, Type A sort of person and I hate with all my being having too much “stuff” and too many possessions. I hate mess, I hate having drawers heaving with crap and I hate keeping stuff I don’t really need. I know I sound like a bit of a clutter Nazi right now but literally the only stuff I have on display in my bedroom is what is on my bookcase (because no matter how much I hate clutter, I still take pride in my books). I think we can all benefit from having a bit of a de-clutter a couple of times a year but I know not everyone finds it as easy as I do to just throw things away without a second thought. So, if you’re in a position where you know you need to have a clear out but don’t know where to start, then consider this your handy guide of simple things you can de-clutter if you find it hard throwing stuff away.
Bathroom
- Old toothbrushes
- Empty products
- Products that are collecting dust in the back of the cupboard
- Products which are out of date
- Towels with holes in them
- Out of date medication
Bedroom
- Underwear with holes in it
- Socks without a partner
- Clothes which you haven’t worn in over 2 years
- Clothes which don’t fit anymore
- Shoes which are damaged
- Swimwear which no longer fits
- Old bedding which has marks on / is discolored / gross
- Pyjamas with holes in them
- Empty make up products
- Make up which has gone “off” (e.g crusty mascara)
- Shades which you’d never wear
- Empty hair / body products
- Products which are out of date
- Unusable nail polish
- Empty packets (e.g medication)
Kitchen
- Old receipts
- Pens which don’t work
- Food products which are out of date
- Food products which have been sitting in the cupboard longer than a year
- Cutlery which is chipped / damaged
- Old notebooks which are full
- Kitchen aids which you never use
- Tea towels / cloths with holes in them
- Dead flowers
- Dead batteries
- Tupperware boxes without a lid
Other
- Books you didn’t enjoy
- Books you’ll never read again (consider giving these to charity!)
- Games for consoles you no longer own
- Ornaments which you don’t like
- Used candles
- Coats which no longer fit
- Any electronics which don’t work and you don’t use
- Packaging and manuals
- Dog / cat / pet toys which are broken
- Chargers / leads for electronics you no longer own
- VHS tapes and audio cassettes
Very useful! Thank you!
I’m such a mix between having a good clear out & keeping things for sentimental purposes. I have to say, I have definitely got a lot better at throwing crap out the past couple of years!
http://twinklexthoughts.blogspot.com/
That’s great! I definitely have some sentimental items, I’m not completely cold hearted haha!
Great comprehensive list Jenny. Yes, I’m serial – parting is such sweet sorrow, lol 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
Im not a huge mim=nimalism person, but de-cluttering helps sooo much, its unreal.Throwing away my old stuff, and for me personally, even cutting my nails and hair short makes me de-stress and de-clutters my mind.Its so weird, yet so simple.Love this, great post!
Decluttering ourselves can also have the same effect for sure! 🙂
Good post, I also have to do a clean out every now and then.
Thank you – it’s very beneficial 🙂
I very rarely read books multiple times, so I keep books around after I read them just because I like to hang on to them. A few weeks ago I convinced my parents to let me throw away all the old toothbrushes, there were about a million of them. I keep my living space very tidy but it used to be a disaster area, I just realized how much more I like being in my room when there isn’t crap piled to the ceiling. 🙂
It’s so much better isn’t it 🙂 Keeping toothbrushes seems a bit pointless haha!
This is such a helpful list Jenny! My worst place for clutter is my wardrobe, I always just shove everything in there and intend to deal with it later 😂🙊. I really should have a clear out soon though. I actually enjoy it when I get going, it’s so relaxing. Thanks for sharing! 💖 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
I find it so relaxing too, I’m planning one next week! My wardrobe is looking a little worse for wear atm too! xxx
Definitely a useful post and yes I’m definitely a mix of both , I’m constantly decluttering because I let things go once I get too busy , so every week I’ll reorganize once things start getting too crazy
Yeah I’ve definitely let things go at the moment as I’ve been so busy! Planning a declutter next week 🙂 xx
💕
Decluttering always helps my mental space!
Same! So so much. I’m planning a declutter next week!
I definitely need a serious de-clutter – I’m such a hoarder!
It’s that bad that there’s still a vase of flowers in the bedroom from my birthday. In May. They’ve dried really well so look super pretty but it’s been four months I should probably chuck them haha.
Cora | http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
Oh gosh haha! I’m the complete opposite of you! xxx
I am a perpetually messy person so this was so so helpful! Thank you so much!
So glad you found it helpful!
I’ve just had a massive de clutter as we’re moving flats so I’ve said goodbye to some things!😂 Now I have the challenge of going through my wardrobe which will be 10 times harder for me!
Brooke x
http://www.brooke-pearson.co.uk
Oh no! Fortunately I don’t have many clothes so wardrobes aren’t an issue 🙂 Best of luck with it! xxx
Omg this is so me! I am one of those people who just can’t stand having things around when I don’t need it and if it doesn’t have a place then it needs to go. Having moved out recently really got me excited with getting rid of things I don’t need or we’re hiding anyway and I couldn’t be happier to have that fresh start!
Jessica & James | http://www.foodandbaker.co.uk / http://www.foodandbakertravels.co.uk
That sounds perfect! I’m so similar if it doesn’t serve a purpose, it’s probably going to go in the bin! xxx
Love this post Jenny! I love decluttering but always struggle with throwing things away because I can see a possible use in everything. It’s a double edged sword! xx
True! I figure that if you haven’t used something in 3 months and haven’t thought about it, then it can go 🙂 xxx
My husband would never let me get rid of old electronics… he always has a pile waiting to be taken apart for spare parts. 😉 Otherwise this is a great list, and it would also be a good declutter before you move list.
I suppose if they will have a use (the spare parts) then that’s okay! xxx
I don’t like clutter but I am a little bit of a hoarder. I’m very much a ‘just in case’ person so I like things to be tidy, but don’t mind if I have 3000 products. Really need to clear my kitchen cupboards though! x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Oh gosh the thought of having 300 products fills me with dread haha! I figure if you haven’t used something in 3 months then it can go 🙂 xzz
I guess I have to declutter now haha. I love decluttering so much, but I’m lazy and never know where to start, so this is very useful for me!
Megan // https://pixieskiesblog.wordpress.com
It can be really overwhelming for sure. I say start small. Just one drawer. Then the next drawer. Then the next. And eventually you’ll get into a rhythm 🙂 xx
I love nothing better than a de clutter and this time of year is when I always seem to get the bug! I try not to keep or buy items we don’t need but with 5 of us in the house it’s inevitable! I actually have a post scheduled for next week about decluttering and why everyone should do it! Great post Jenny it’s always useful to have a list when completing jobs and yours is very comprehensive 😃
Melanie | http://www.frasersfunhouse.com
Oh yay can’t wait to read that post! I always get the declutter bug this time of year too – usually when a new season is approaching 🙂 xxx
I’m having a huge declutter right now in preparation for the baby. I’ve boxed up so many old books and placed most of their soft toys in a toy hammock up on the ceiling so their rooms don’t look so messy.
Roxie | thebeautifulbluebird.com
Sounds great! Hope it’s all sorted before the new arrival! 🙂 xxx
I have waaaaay too much clutter. But I just can’t bring myself to get rid of even the smallest bits of candles that I have left in the bottom – They smell too nice… (Eeeek!)
Oh no! Well when they’re finished, make sure you get shot of them! 🙂
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Some great ideas here. I’m currently sorting through my belongings after moving back into my parents house, so this list will come in handy. I find myself getting attached to objects though, for sentimental reasons. How do you combat that?
I don’t have any advice for you there I’m afraid, I don’t get attached to many things sentimentally!
That’s OK, thanks for your reply. 🙂