The Ultimate Declutter List: 102 Things to Get Rid Of Right Now
When it comes to decluttering your home, one of the hardest things is knowing where to start.
But in working with clients, I know that there are some things that almost every home has that are particularly prone to accumulating clutter.
To make the decluttering process as easy as possible for you, I’ve created this Decluttering Checklist with 102 things to declutter, organized room by room in your home.
I even created a free printable version, so you can easily take it with you as you go through your home.
Quick Tips As You Go Through Your Declutter List
As you go through this declutter list, I want you to ask yourself if you have more than you need for each category (or more than can be stored effectively).
I know how easy it is to let the excess pile up (and bog you down in the process), so my goal is that you can use this to jump-start your decluttering journey.
I encourage you to think critically about how many of each item you have.
The “right” number of items in a category will be different for everyone.
For example: I love to wear makeup, but my collection is pretty minimal. The right number of makeup brushes for me might be around 7. That said, if you’re the type of person who loves makeup tutorials and practicing new techniques, the right number for you might be closer to 25.
And that’s fine, too!
Just remember that even collections can become cluttered, and too much of a good thing is still too much.
As you’re decluttering, I also suggest that you take a look at categories even if you’ve already recently gone through them.
I find that decluttering is like a muscle.
When you’re in the decluttering zone, you’re going to be more ruthless about your decision-making.
So even if you went through your closet six months ago, there’s a good chance you’ll still find 3-4 bags of donations ready to go once you’re in the zone (this happens to my clients all the time).
You’ll find that if they don’t fit those criteria - you’re better off without them.
For more tips on the decluttering process, including how to get started, and tips for getting unstuck, check out my 7 Tips for Decluttering Any Space.
Now let’s get into this list and start decluttering your home for good!
Room-by-Room List of Things to Declutter
This list is regularly updated with items for each room, all of which I’ve decluttered with my clients.
Prefer a printable list that you can take from room to room as you declutter? Download the free printable version here!
Things to Declutter in the Living Room
Magazines nobody has read
Books you’re not going to read again
Bills / papers to recycle, shred or file
Excess throw blankets
Figurines or vases you no longer like
Decorative pillows you no longer like
Framed photos that no longer suit you
Artwork that no longer suits you
Collections that can be gone through
Excess electronics
Movies you don't watch anymore
Video games / systems you don't use
Declutter List for the Utility / Linen Closet
Torn towels & sheets
Rags (thin out your collection)
Excess small appliances (irons, steamers etc.)
Dead batteries
Cleaning / household supplies you don't use
Worn out bed pillows
Comforters that are no longer used
Items from another life phase (ex: college)
Used up candles
Home decor items you no longer like
Declutter List for the Coat Closet
Excess hangers / wire hangers
Coats people not longer want / need
Shoes people not longer want / need
Things to Get Rid Of in the Office
Shred old/unneeded documents
Old torn/tattered files or manila folders
Pens & pencils - decide on a number
Excess pads of paper/envelopes
Crumpled blank printing paper - recycle it
Reduce your scrap paper to what you'll use
Old stationery you no longer like
Gift cards & coupons - check balances
Digital cameras that are now outdated
Business cards - your old ones or others'
Books you won't read again
Excess USB drives (delete contents first)
Trade show freebies you don't need or use
Also, check out my guide to getting rid of paper clutter to help with this room!
Declutter List for the Pantry
Expired and/or stale food
Food you can donate (still good)
Single-use utensils/plates you don't use
Expired spices/spices you never use
Pantry organizing items you never utilize
Excess plastic or reusable bags
Things to Get Rid Of or Declutter in the Kitchen
Fridge cleanout - take everything out, toss expired food, wipe all shelves
Excess cooking tools
Excess glassware
Excess sauce packets & take-out items
Old unusable rubber bands
Too many extra bread ties / twist ties
Appliances you never use
Excess serving platters / hosting items
Excess barware
Dishware you inherited but don't use
Dish towels that are old & dirty
Cleaning supplies you don’t use
Excess pots & pans
Fridge magnets you don't care about
Cleaning sponges - only need a few in use
Extra or unmatched food containers
You might also like my post 8 Items I love for Kitchen Organization & Styling
Things to Declutter in the Bedroom
Paper clutter on surfaces
Create a home for loose change
Random items under the bed
Too many books next to the bed
Go through all clothes in dressers
Declutter your bedside table
Declutter List for the Bedroom Closet
Off-season items (swap seasonally)
Clothes you no longer wear or doesn't fit
Excess hats
Old undergarments & socks
Handbags you don't use
Thin out your t-shirt collection
Shoes you never wear
Excess scarves
Swimsuits that are worn out or dated
Broken or old sunglasses
Sentimental items you no longer want
Broken or old jewelry
Decor that is no longer your taste
Formal items that you won't wear again
Also make sure you check out my Ultimate Closet Detox Guide.
Declutter List for the Bathroom
Old / expired makeup & brushes
Old / expired sunscreen
Old / expired medication
Excess hair brushes & tools
Worn out hair ties or bobby pins
Beauty products you don't use or like
Dried out / separated nail polish
Beauty / travel samples you haven't used
Cleaning products you tried but don’t like
Things to Declutter in the Playroom
Broken toys
Toys the kids don't like / outgrown
Markers that have dried out
Games or puzzles with missing pieces
Declutter collections (Barbies / Legos)
Used up coloring / activity books
Play-Doh that has dried out
Too-small dress up / costumes
Declutter List for your Pet Items
Old toys they’ve destroyed or aren’t interested in anymore
Pet clothes that no longer fit
Treats they aren’t interested in or are expired
Grooming items you no longer use
Expired pet medications
I hope this guide and declutter list helps you along your organizational journey.
If you’re overwhelmed (102 items is a lot!) and don’t know where to start, begin in the room that’s driving you the most crazy or would make the biggest impact on your day-to-day life.
That way, you’re getting a big win right away! This will help keep you motivated along the way through the rest of your home.
Don’t forget to download the convenient printable version of this list so you can take it with you from room to room as you start your decluttering journey!