If you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter, you’re not alone. Letting go of things can be tough, especially when you’re not sure what to get rid of without regretting it later.
This list will help you identify everyday items you can declutter without missing them at all, making it easier to create more space and reduce stress. Clearing out these items can give your home a fresh start without disrupting your daily routine.
Old magazines and newspapers
You probably have stacks of old magazines and newspapers lying around. They take up space and usually don’t get looked at again.
Getting rid of them is simple and fast. Set a timer for 10 minutes, quickly sort through, and toss what you don’t need.
If there are articles you want to save, tear them out and recycle the rest. It’s a quick way to clear clutter without feeling overwhelmed.
Expired coupons and gift cards
You’ve probably held onto coupons that expired ages ago. They don’t save you any money now, so it’s okay to toss them.
Gift cards can be tricky. If you have ones with no balance or you won’t use, get rid of them to clear space.
Keeping these items just adds clutter without any benefit. Let them go and simplify your life a bit.
Single socks without pairs
You probably have a stash of single socks hiding somewhere. Holding onto them won’t help if their partners never turn up.
It’s okay to let those solo socks go. Keep them for a short time, but if no match appears, declutter without guilt. You won’t miss them as much as you think.
Worn-out makeup brushes
If your makeup brushes look frayed or feel rough, it’s time to let them go. Old brushes don’t apply makeup evenly and can even irritate your skin.
You don’t need a huge collection. Keep just the ones you actually use and replace the rest.
A good rule is to clean your brushes regularly and toss them once they start to shed or lose shape. Your skin and makeup routine will thank you.
Duplicate kitchen utensils
You probably have more spatulas or peelers than you actually need. Keeping multiples of the same utensil just clutters your drawers and makes it harder to find what you want.
Focus on keeping your favorites and donating or tossing the rest. This simple step can free up space and make your kitchen feel less crowded.
Tangled charger cables
You probably have more charger cables than you actually use. Keeping all of them tangled in a drawer just creates clutter and frustration.
Try sorting cables by type and purpose, then store them in labeled boxes or use simple hacks like wrapping them around cardboard tubes. You’ll find it easier to grab what you need without the mess. Getting rid of extras you never use will clear up space and reduce stress.
Unused travel-size toiletries
You probably have a stash of travel-size shampoos, lotions, and soaps hiding somewhere. These mini products often expire before you get around to using them.
If you’re not planning a trip soon, it’s okay to let them go. Clearing them out frees up space and keeps your bathroom clutter-free. Plus, you won’t miss single-use bottles taking up room.
Broken or chipped mugs
If you have mugs with chips or cracks, it’s time to let them go. They’re no longer safe for drinking and can quickly clutter your space.
You might feel attached, but you probably won’t miss them once they’re gone. Instead, consider turning them into planters or other small craft projects to give them a new purpose.
Faded or stained T-shirts
You probably have a bunch of old T-shirts that don’t look great anymore. If the colors are dull or there are stains you can’t get out, it’s time to let them go.
These shirts take up space but rarely make you feel good wearing them. Clearing them out frees up room for clothes you actually like and wear.
Dusty candle stubs
You probably have some candle stubs collecting dust in a drawer or on a shelf. These little leftovers don’t add much to your space or scent anymore.
Instead of keeping them, gather a few and melt them down to create one new candle. Or simply toss the ones that are too small to use. You won’t miss those burnt-down bits.
Expired spices in the pantry
You probably have some spices in your pantry that have been hanging around way too long. Over time, they lose their aroma and flavor, so they don’t really do much for your cooking anymore.
If a spice smells stale or weak, it’s a good sign it’s time to toss it. Clearing out expired spices might even improve the taste of your dishes without you realizing it.
Outdated phone cases
You probably have old phone cases lying around for devices you no longer use. They take up space but don’t really serve a purpose anymore.
If they’re in good shape, consider donating or selling them. Otherwise, recycling is the best way to go to avoid clutter and reduce waste.
Old receipts and bills
You probably have old receipts and bills piling up that you don’t really need anymore. If they’re paid and not needed for taxes or warranties, it’s safe to toss them.
Keeping every little paper just creates clutter. Try digitizing anything important to keep your space tidy without losing track of what matters.
Empty or dried-up pens
You probably have a bunch of pens that don’t write anymore. Holding onto these just takes up space in your drawer or pen holder.
Get rid of any pens that are empty or dried out. It’s easy to replace them if you need one later.
Keeping only the pens that work helps you stay organized and makes your workspace less cluttered.
Scratched DVDs and CDs
If you have scratched DVDs or CDs lying around, they probably aren’t serving you much. They often skip or won’t play at all, which can get frustrating fast.
Instead of keeping them, consider recycling or donating if they’re still playable. If not, let them go—you’re unlikely to miss those damaged discs. Streaming or digital copies have made these less necessary for most people.