25 items to start decluttering now
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Frustration has a way of hitting us when we least expect it. We may be searching everywhere, but the answer usually lies in simplicity – give your place an overhaul and you might just find what you’re looking for!
You’re in a total bind, unable to hunt down your trusty pair of scissors.
Necessity is the mother of invention – and so you march off to buy yourself some new shears, only to find your old scissor later the same day!
No need for an extra car ride (and expense!) just to get the job done right!
It’s funny how the things we own have a way of multiplying and taking over our homes.
We think we’ll never need them again, but then one day something catastrophic happens–like your passport gets lost or you forget where that property title is when you urgently need it.
And instead of feeling like The Terminator dealing with nonsense, suddenly all those shopping receipts don’t seem so bad!
Minimalism is useful for clearing our minds and reducing stress levels by being aware of all we own and where it is.
Not only will this keep our purses full, but it also ensures we never have to worry about replacing those pesky documents that mysteriously vanish!
And what is more valuable than money?
Life is too short to be spent searching for misplaced items!
Stay mindful of your possessions, and you’ll never waste precious moments needlessly replacing them.
Trying to keep your home organized can be a hefty feat – especially when you’re trying to juggle all of the belongings that come with being an adult and/or having children.
It’s easy for chaos (and additional costs) to ensue if we try but fail, so it might just be time take matters into our own hands!
Implementing small yet effective decluttering strategies may seem tedious in the moment, but they will pay off dividends in terms of peace-of-mind down the line.
Don’t let adding up numerous possessions leave your head spinning; whip things back into shape and reclaim control over unruly clutter today!
Minimalist lifestyle + design
Minimalism is the key to a simpler lifestyle and design that allows us mobility, convenience, and less physical clutter.
Adopting minimalistic habits also saves our loved ones from having to deal with all of our “stuff” when we’re no longer around!
So live life lightly – you never know where your journey will take you next.
Taking a minimalist approach to life is never an easy task.
Even before you begin the process decluttering your home, it feels like Rome could have been built faster than this overwhelming undertaking!
But just think of what awaits once all those possessions are pared down – freedom from selfishness and inconsiderateness that comes with things beyond your control in our old age.
It’s time for some positive change starts now!
But before you discover the items to declutter today, check out the following feature.
I was named an expert in an ApartmentGuide article. Check out the featured article: How to Declutter Your Home Fast: Tips From Our Experts | ApartmentGuide
25 things to start decluttering today
DVD’s and Blurays
Minimalism has its rewards, and one of them is having a DVD collection that’s actually manageable.
Before I embarked on this path, my movies totaled up to 200 — none of which were even Netflix-worthy!
But after some wise decision making, now all I have left are the five films whose awesomeness simply can’t be streamed or downloaded – so if you’re considering going minimal with your movie stash too then ask yourself.
Have you seen it several times? Do (really) like it? If not… go ahead and hit delete already!
CDs, Cassettes and Vynils
Don’t be fooled by the physical: buying CDs may seem like a cool hobby, but listen up – they devaluate faster than you can say ‘disc-o’.
Unless your attachment is mythical, don’t bother investing in them.
If all else fails, digitize for posterity’s sake … or just get groovin’ on Spotify and take the nostalgia elsewhere!
Magazines
If you’ve been hoarding hundreds of magazines and recipes, there’s only one thing to do – it’s time for a major clear-out!
Don’t feel guilty about sending unread items or those special dishes into the recycling bin.
Instead, snap pictures with your phone so that worthwhile reads live on in digital form forever.
Newspapers
Have you ever noticed that newspapers tend to turn yellow and attract an unpleasant odour over time?
Not only is their newsprint quality lacking, but they can also become host homes for mold-causing bacteria and pesky silverfish – luckily it’s easy enough to get rid of them!
For your health sake, toss those old papers out the door.
Medicine
Make sure safety is top of your grocery list – always check expiry dates before loading up the trolley and quickly toss anything out-of-date.
Remember to find local disposal regulations, so you can be an ecofriendly shopper!
Personal Hygiene and Beauty
Society has unfortunately acquired a not-so-great habit of buying too many body lotions and other products far more often than needed.
Instead, try to make the most out of what you already have by giving away unused items or donations them to shelters – and only buy something new when your current product is completely empty!
Craft Items
We all fantasize about being able to do everything ourselves and never have a need for assistance, but in reality it’s not always possible.
If you find yourself with numerous projects that remain unfinished due to lack of time or skill set, why not make the most out of them?
Put those DIY items into action finally – or donate them so someone else can benefit instead!
Electronics
Out with the old and in with the new!
If your house is overflowing with ancient cell phones from yesteryear, televisions that barely function or scanners gathering dust on a shelf – it’s time for them to go.
Put those retro relics up for sale if they still work, or take ’em to an electronics recycling center – you don’t need any of these items taking up valuable space anymore.
Decoration
If your home is a case of overbearing decorations, it’s time for some organization!
Don’t feel like you have to keep the commemorative vases and ornaments from every single celebration.
Choose what matters most to you instead – this isn’t just good tidying advice: You won’t needlessly be running around dusting items as often either.
Furniture
Get the most bang for your buck – it’s all about finding furniture that will never go out of style, can stand up to everyday wear and tear, and won’t break down without a fight.
When you invest in furnishing like couches or beds don’t be tricked by the low price tag – make sure they meet those standards before putting them into your home!
Clothing
Has your wardrobe become a creaky graveyard of ill-conceived purchases?
You’re not alone – most people’s closets are crammed with items they never wear!
Streamline what you own, and focus on the clothes that make YOU look good.
There’s no need to waste money on styles or colors that don’t work for you; know yourself (and your pocketbook) better than ever before.
Shoes
Shoes can be every bit as duplicitous as clothes.
I used to have a closet full of shoes, but all in the same shades—it was something like three peas in a pod!
The solution?
Investing in go-to pieces with classic appeal that you can wear and rewear for any occasion.
Less is more when it comes to keeping those shoe collections streamlined and stylishly savvy!
Jewels and Clocks
When it comes to jewelry and watches, life’s too short (by which I mean ‘you don’t have enough time or energy’) so choose the pieces you really love!
If your wardrobe is overflowing with real gems from fabulosa fantasies, pick out a few of the best items.
Otherwise if money talks more than memories for you – why not make some cash by selling off those fantasy jewels?
And when it comes to wristwatches in today’s tech-age there certainly no need for masses of them – one office style watch plus another sporty option should do just fine!
Bags, Backpacks, and Suitcases
When it comes to backpacks and bags, I‘ve had my fair share of experience.
Over the years, some have been great companions while others didn’t last long enough for me to remember their existence – no hard feelings!
To avoid any collateral damage in future bag investments (or over-investment!).
I decided that a multifunctional option was what would work best for me.
Thus came into play my trusty Samsonite with its impressive capacity; plus allows laptop carry and is an ideal travel buddy too – even though buying it took quite a bite out of my pocket money!
Towels and Bedding
If your towels and bedding have seen better days, it’s time to say goodbye!
Rather than discarding them in the trash, give these relics a chance at a new life.
Donate them to an animal rescue or use as pet bedding – that way you’ll be doing some good while making room for shiny items with more years ahead of ’em.
Office Items
Do papers and office supplies have you feeling like the battlefield of a long forgotten war?
Put aside your weapons! It’s time to establish peace on that desk of yours.
Instead of hoarding multiple sets, why not spread some victory by donating them to a local children’s library – show those kids who really runs this place.
The Refrigerator
My refrigerator’s starkly white landscape is only lit up by my grocery list – a single notebook page taped to the side, begging for something more interesting than just another trip to the store.
But hey, if life gives you lemons… put them in your fridge!
Postcards
Let’s face it: physical postcards have had their time in the sun.
Whether for Christmas, birthdays or anniversaries – who actually hangs onto them?
Instead of feeling guilty about throwing those cards away, why not take a snapshot and store your memories digitally instead?
Now that makes more sense than having to dust off bundles of old paper!
Cardboard Boxes
Appliance and object documents may seem like pesky reminders of clutter, but they can come in handy if you need to service or return something.
Sure, it’s not ideal to have them collect dust on your shelf – unless you don’t mind having a few eight-legged roommates around!
To avoid regretting that pile up later, be sure to store them safely before time runs out.
Toys
Let your kids know that the fortunate ones in life can be superheroes.
Ask them to pick their favorites among all those toys they’ve collected, and let them help others by donating what they no longer use!
Teach kindness with an act of charity – it’s priceless for everyone involved.
Stuffed Toys
Oh, so you’re not a fan of stuffed toys?
That’s understandable! They can be quite dust and mite-ridden. Instead of having an overflowing collection that seems impossible to keep clean.
Why don’t your kids pick their top five favorites and donate the rest – opt for easy-to-clean smooth surface alternatives instead!
Bath Toys
Kids wouldn’t think twice about turning bath time into a water park, but parents should take note: let the toys go and teach your children to conserve.
Otherwise, those old playthings could become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold–yikes!
Pre-School, School, and College Stuff
If your kids have grown up and moved out, don’t let those piles of paperwork linger around! Free yourself from the clutter of yesteryear – donate it or recycle it.
After all, life is too short to keep tripping over yesterday’s memories!
Duplicate Kitchen Utensil
Not sure how many spatulas and slow cookers you need?
Well, the simple solution is having one less than you think.
Declutter your kitchen with a time-saving exercise of donating, recycling or gifting those extra items to really maximize productivity in the culinary zone!
Your Wallet
Clear out all that clutter from your wallet – it’s time to say goodbye to those old receipts, forgotten gift cards and coins spilling everywhere.
Give everything a thorough clean with some antibacterial wipes, then get organized!
Grouping bills by ‘low’ or ‘high’, sorting through credit/debit cards into colourful piles – these steps may seem intense but they’ll keep you in order when the situation arises (no more hunting for an ID!).
What can you do with all these decluttered objects?
I recently tackled a massive decluttering project, selling off mementos that were no longer needed and gifting or donating the rest.
Ready to really be brave?
I recycled what couldn’t even find a new home – talk about saying goodbye for good!
Soon I’ll offer up some tips on how you can get specific rooms in your house looking their neatest; watch this space!
Here are some other Minimalist Lifestyle posts you might find interesting.
A Minimalist Is Not A Cheapskate
Avoid These Minimalist Mistakes
Reasons To Take Your Shoes Off Before Entering Your Home
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