75 Quick Decluttering Tips (What To Throw Away Now)

Is your living space overrun with a pile of stuff that’s been accumulating for far too long? Do you want to reclaim your home, your mental health, and your time? If so, you’re in the right place!

I am sharing 75 quick decluttering tips to help you kickstart your decluttering journey and achieve a clutter-free home. Whether it’s your living room, home office, kitchen cabinets, or even that dreaded junk drawer, we’ve got you covered with quick decluttering hacks and easy ways to make your space more organized.

I’ll be the first to admit that while I love the holidays and holiday decor, I do not love the clutter. Once Christmas is over, it can feel a bit suffocating.

That is why I typically like to start the New Year off with a clean and organized space and that is where these decluttering tips can help you do the same too!

Plus, if you’re looking for a way to stay on track, I’ve made a Printable 30 Day Declutter Challenge you can use to keep track of everything you’ve purged!

How to Start Decluttering Your Home (Quick Start Tips)

Start with a Plan: The first step in any decluttering project is to have a clear plan in mind. Set decluttering goals and establish a time limit for each task.

Enlist a Family Member: Don’t tackle the entire house alone. Get a family member involved to make the process more efficient and share the hard work.

Declutter in Small Areas: Begin with a small area, like your kitchen countertop or coffee table. It’s a great way to get started without feeling overwhelmed.

Clear Flat Surfaces: Make it a general rule to keep flat surfaces in your home clutter-free. This applies to your living room, kitchen table, and home office.

Use Proper Storage: Assign a proper place for everything you keep. Storage bins, containers, and cabinet space can be a lifesaver.

Set a Time Limit: Give yourself a specific amount of time for each decluttering session. Even a 20-minute break can make a difference.

Start with the Easiest Way: Begin with the easiest areas and work your way up to more challenging spaces.

Sort Similar Items: Group similar items together while decluttering. This helps in identifying duplicates and streamlining your possessions.

Get Inspired by Marie Kondo: Embrace the “spark joy” philosophy by Marie Kondo. If it doesn’t bring you happiness, it’s time to let it go.

Make Use of Drawer Dividers: Keep smaller items organized by using drawer dividers in your kitchen cabinets and bathroom cupboards. Dollar Tree has great options for this!

Prioritize Your Living Room: As the heart of your home, your living room should be a clutter-free zone. Focus on decluttering this space first.

Set Up a Donation Box: Have a donation box ready to go. Whenever you come across unwanted items, toss them in. Then drop them off at your local Goodwill.

Tackle Paper Clutter: Declutter your home office by sorting through daily routine paperwork and recycling what’s not needed.

Clear the Junk Drawer: We all have one! Take a deep breath and tackle that daunting junk drawer by sorting items and tossing what you don’t need.

Take It One Room at a Time: Don’t try to declutter your entire home in one go. Take it one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Schedule Regular Decluttering Efforts: Make decluttering a part of your daily or weekly routine to prevent clutter from accumulating.

Recycle and Donate: Be eco-friendly by using recycling bins for items you no longer need, and donate what’s still in good condition to your local library or charity.

Declutter Sentimental Items: While it may be hard, consider whether sentimental items truly add value to your life. Keep only those that truly matter.

Start at the Front Door: Create a clean slate by decluttering the area near your front door. It sets a welcoming tone for your home.

Embrace Minimalism: The fewer possessions you have, the less clutter you’ll have to deal with. Follow the simple rules of minimalism.

Keep Beauty Products in Small Containers: For your beauty products, use small containers to keep them organized and easy to access.

75 Things to Throw Away (or Donate) for Quick Decluttering

Expired medications

Old and worn-out shoes

Broken or mismatched hangers

Damaged or useless kitchen gadgets

Dried-up paint cans

Chipped or cracked dishes

Outdated spices

Unused cookware

Takeout menus you never use

Excessive coffee mugs

Empty cleaning product bottles

Worn-out bath towels

Scratched non-stick cookware

Expired canned goods

Old magazines and newspapers

Unwanted or duplicate kitchen utensils

Expired makeup and skincare products

Outdated electronics (e.g., chargers, cables)

Torn or faded bed linens

Empty candle jars

Dried-up markers and pens

Unused or broken jewelry

Expired sunscreen and lotions

Broken or outdated umbrellas

Scratched and chipped glassware

Broken holiday decorations

Worn-out, holey socks

Outgrown children’s clothing

Receipts and bills over a year old

Expired condiments in the fridge

Old, outdated calendars

Expired coupons

Empty perfume bottles

Unwanted promotional items

Broken or incomplete board games

Old, worn-out pillows

Unused or expired gift cards

Duplicate kitchen appliances

Unnecessary paper clutter

Damaged or outdated wall art

Expired food in the pantry

Old greeting cards

Outdated software and CDs

Expired batteries

Broken or tangled headphones

Scratched CDs and DVDs

Unused pet supplies

Old, worn-out handbags

Broken phone cases

Old, unused phone books

Duplicate kitchen gadgets

Unneeded user manuals

Expired tea bags

Unworn or out-of-style clothing

Old, worn-out bras and underwear

Unused luggage or bags

Outdated textbooks and reference materials

Damaged or expired food storage containers

Unwanted or broken holiday lights

Outdated event tickets

Worn-out gardening tools

Broken or unused sports equipment

Outdated calendars and planners

Expired toiletries

Empty and dried-out glue

Scratched or broken sunglasses

Old and broken cell phones

Unused craft supplies

Broken or outdated kitchen appliances

Expired pet food

Empty, dried-out nail polish bottles

Unused wedding or party favors

Outdated travel brochures

Broken or incomplete puzzles

Old, unused stationery and envelopes

Tossing these items can help free up space and create a more organized and clutter-free living space. Remember, decluttering is not just about throwing things away but also about creating a more intentional and peaceful environment.

Happy decluttering!