A no-stress decluttering checklist to get the ball rolling
The idea of decluttering can be oddly paralyzing. You look around your house and think, Where the heck do I even begin? One minute you’re standing in the kitchen holding a broken spatula, the next you’re in the garage trying to figure out why you still own three yoga mats and zero motivation.
Getting started is the hardest part. Once you clear just a few corners, the momentum builds. That’s where this decluttering checklist comes in. We’re starting simple, with 10 easy things to declutter that won’t require a full weekend or emotional breakdown.
So grab a bin (or a laundry basket, no judgment) and let’s go.
1. Expired Food in the Fridge and Pantry
Nothing screams “instant progress” like tossing out moldy cheese and half-used sauces from 2021. Check:
- Condiments with crusty lids
- Wilted produce hiding in drawers
- Canned goods past their “best by” dates
- Open bags of snacks that no longer crunch
This small task clears real space and gives you a morale boost. Plus, it makes planning dinner way less chaotic.
2. Junk Drawer Chaos
Ah yes, the infamous junk drawer — home of the lost, the broken, and the mysterious. Every home has at least one. Here’s what to declutter:
- Dried-out pens and markers
- Random screws you swear belong to something
- Expired coupons or old receipts
- Rubber bands and bread ties you haven’t touched in a year
Toss what’s useless, group the rest, and maybe (just maybe) add some little dividers for function.
3. Mismatch Sock Mountain
This one’s oddly satisfying. Dump out the entire sock drawer and:
- Match what you can
- Let go of socks with holes or missing pairs
- Keep only the ones you actually wear
No one needs 28 mismatched socks “just in case.” Add this to your go-to things to declutter every season.
4. Bathroom Products Past Their Prime
The bathroom is a clutter magnet. Scan your shelves and toss:
- Expired medicine or vitamins
- Crusty old nail polishes
- Makeup that’s been sitting since your pre-pandemic phase
- Toiletries you never use (we’re looking at you, hotel shampoo bottles)
Your morning routine will feel 100% better without digging through clutter every day.
5. The Entryway Dump Zone
Shoes, mail, masks, receipts, dog leads… sound familiar? The entryway often turns into a “temporary” dumping ground that’s… not so temporary. Try this:
- Recycle unread mail and catalogs
- Put away anything that lives elsewhere
- Store shoes you don’t wear daily
- Designate a tray or basket for essentials like keys, wallets, and headphones
This tiny zone sets the tone for your whole home. Clear it, and you’ll feel calmer the second you walk in.
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6. Old Magazines, Books & Catalogs
Unless you’re building a paper fort, you probably don’t need stacks of old reading material. Declutter by:
- Recycling old magazines and catalogs
- Letting go of books you’ll never read again (donate the good ones!)
- Releasing unread books that don’t spark curiosity anymore
Keep only the ones you truly love or plan to read in the next 6 months.
7. Kitchen Towels & Sponges That Have Seen Better Days
This is one of those sneaky items we forget to replace. Check your drawers and sink area:
- Toss dishcloths with holes or stains that won’t budge
- Ditch smelly sponges (if you wouldn’t wash your face with it, it’s time)
- Keep a manageable number—no need for a collection
This one’s quick and makes your kitchen feel instantly fresher.
8. Your Phone’s App Graveyard
Let’s not forget digital clutter! Scroll through your apps and remove:
- Anything you haven’t opened in months
- Duplicate or similar apps (do you really need 4 weather apps?)
- Games or productivity tools you downloaded but never used
This lightens your mental load every time you unlock your screen.
9. Random Freebies and Swag
We all have a collection of branded pens, ugly tote bags, and stress balls from events we barely remember. Be honest:
- Will you ever wear that promo t-shirt?
- Do you really need three identical mugs from different companies?
- Is that lanyard sentimental or just… a lanyard?
If it doesn’t serve you or spark joy, it’s okay to let it go.
10. The “Just in Case” Box(es)
The ultimate trap. You know the one. Full of:
- Chargers for electronics you don’t own
- Old cords and cables “just in case”
- Weird tools or gadgets you forgot the function of
- Clothes you might fit into someday
Set a timer for 15 minutes and see how much you can release without overthinking it.
A Simple Decluttering Checklist (Recap)
Here’s your starter pack of things to declutter when you don’t know where to begin:
✅ Fridge & Pantry Expired Items
✅ Junk Drawer Clutter
✅ Sock Drawer Orphans
✅ Old Bathroom Products
✅ Entryway Chaos
✅ Outdated Reading Material
✅ Worn Out Kitchen Items
✅ Unused Phone Apps
✅ Event Freebies & Swag
✅ “Just in Case” Piles
Print it, pin it, screenshot it — whatever works for you. This list is your non-intimidating, judgment-free jumping-off point.
Start Today!
You don’t need to become a minimalist or do a weekend-long cleanout. Just start with one drawer, one shelf, one little pocket of space. Decluttering doesn’t have to be intense — it just has to feel doable.
Try one thing today. Then reward yourself with a snack or a nap (both are excellent choices).
And hey — if this was helpful, save it for later or share it with someone who’s stuck in clutter limbo too.
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