Declutter Like a Pro! 101 Everyday Items You Can Toss Today

To declutter like a pro break down large projects into bite size chunks to make what feels overwhelming manageable. These items are common in many homes, and letting go of them can help you create more space, reduce stress, and make your living environment more comfortable.

For a double win donate your gently used items to a local charity! If you need help getting rid of big old clunky stuff be sure to check out the free resource guide I made.

1. Old Towels

Get rid of towels that are stained, torn, or beyond repair.

2. Expired Food in the Pantry

Check your pantry for expired canned goods, snacks, and other food items. Dispose of anything that’s past its use-by date.

3. Old Cleaning Supplies

Empty bottles of cleaning supplies or products you no longer use can take up valuable space.

4. Unworn Clothes

Take a look at your closet and get rid of clothes you haven’t worn in over a year. Donate or sell what’s still in good condition.

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5. Shoes You Don’t Wear

Old or uncomfortable shoes that no longer fit or are worn out should be donated or tossed.

6. Unused Small Appliances

If you haven’t used a blender, toaster, or coffee maker in months, it’s time to let it go.

7. Excess Tupperware

If you have mismatched lids and containers, it’s time to purge the collection.

8. Expired Medications

Check your medicine cabinet for expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Dispose of them safely.

9. Broken Electronics

Old phones, chargers, and other electronics that no longer work should be recycled properly.

10. Old Magazines

Magazines tend to pile up quickly. Recycle old magazines or create a designated space to store your favorites.

11. Old Magazines and Newspapers

Declutter by tossing out old reading materials. Keep only the ones that are relevant or valuable.

12. Unused Kitchen Gadgets

From avocado slicers to garlic presses, if you’ve never used a gadget, it’s time to part with it.

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13. Stale Spices

Check your spice cabinet for expired spices and get rid of ones you no longer use.

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14. Paperwork You Don’t Need

Sort through your piles of paper—bills, receipts, junk mail—and shred or recycle what you don’t need.

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15. Old Paint Cans

Dispose of old or unused paint cans. Some may be recyclable!

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16. Unused Purses and Bags

Go through your collection of purses, backpacks, and bags. Donate or sell the ones you don’t use.

17. Extra Bedding

Keep only what you use. Donate old sheets, pillowcases, or blankets that are in good condition.
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18. Old Pillows

Pillows lose their support over time. Get rid of those that are flattened or worn out.

19. Holiday Decorations You Don’t Use

Sort through holiday decorations and get rid of the ones you don’t display anymore.

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20. Old Cell Phones

Recycle old cell phones that you no longer use or upgrade.

21. Kids’ Toys You Don’t Use

If your children have outgrown their toys, donate or sell them.

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22. Old Books

Books that you won’t read again or that you’ve outgrown can be donated or sold.

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23. Unused Exercise Equipment

If you’re not using your treadmill or dumbbells, it might be time to sell or donate them.

Get Your Free Declutterbuzz Resource Guide!

This 17-page e-book has a list of places to donate everything from small items to big heavy stuff.

24. Old Coupons

Check the expiration dates on coupons and get rid of the ones you’ve missed using.

25. Unnecessary Duplicate Items

Do you have multiple pairs of scissors, measuring cups, or spatulas? Get rid of the extras.

26. Old Appliances You Don’t Need

Things like microwaves, irons, or juicers can be donated or recycled if they are no longer useful.

27. Broken Furniture

If it’s been sitting there broken for a while, it’s time to discard or donate.

28. Old Home Décor

Tired of those outdated knick-knacks? Donate or recycle décor that no longer fits your style.

29. Mismatched Glasses and Mugs

Throw away or donate mismatched cups or glasses that you don’t need.

30. Old Laptop Bags or Briefcases

If you haven’t used a laptop bag in a year, donate it to someone who might need it.

31. Expired Passports

If your passport is expired and you’re not planning to renew it, dispose of it securely.

32. Extra Batteries

Check your battery drawer for old, corroded batteries and safely dispose of them.

33. Old Calendars

If your calendar is out of date, it’s time to toss it.

34. Dried-Up Markers and Pens

Go through your pens and markers and dispose of those that no longer work.

35. Expired or Unused Gift Cards

If you have gift cards you won’t use, either use them up or give them to someone who will.

36. Junk Mail

Toss out junk mail immediately to prevent it from piling up.

37. Old Wallets

Old torn, unused wallets and change purses – donate or discard.

38. Unused Stationery

If you’ve got notepads, envelopes, or sticky notes you’ll never use, recycle them.

39. Paper Bags

You can recycle or reuse your paper bags, but don’t let them pile up.

40. Old Phone Cases

If your phone case is broken or you’ve upgraded your phone, get rid of the old case.

41. Broken Jewelry

If you have broken or tangled jewelry, either repair it or discard it.

42. Unused Art Supplies

Sort through your craft supplies and get rid of items you no longer use.

43. Unmatched Socks

Go through your sock drawer and toss any socks that have lost their partners.

44. Broken Dishes or Glassware

If you have chipped or cracked dishes, it’s time to say goodbye.

45. Old Rugs

Rugs that are worn out or stained beyond repair can be replaced or discarded.

46 . Outdated Technology

Old computers, fax machines, and printers should be recycled or donated if still functional.

47. Expired Makeup

Check your makeup collection and get rid of anything that’s expired or unused.

48. Old Hair Tools

Flat irons, curling wands, or hairdryers that no longer work should go.

49. Old Cameras

If you’ve moved on to digital photography, consider selling or donating old film cameras.

50. Extra Hangers

Get rid of those cheap wire hangers or the extras cluttering up your closet.

51. Outdated User Manuals

Most manuals are now available online, so recycle the paper copies.

52. Old Travel Maps

If you’re holding onto maps from trips years ago, let them go.

53. Empty Picture Frames

Donate or repurpose picture frames that are empty and collecting dust.

54. Unused Garden Tools

If you no longer use certain gardening tools, donate them to a community garden.

55. Empty Jars and Bottles

Recycle jars and bottles that were saved “just in case” but never used.

56. Old Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes that are shedding or haven’t been used in ages should go.

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57. Duplicate Keys

Keep only the essential copies of your keys and get rid of duplicates.

58. Old Car Accessories

Throw away unused car chargers, air fresheners, or old seat covers.

59. Extra Blankets

Keep only the number of blankets you actually need and use.

60. Old Planners and Journals

If you don’t need to reference old planners or journals, recycle them.

61. Broken Lamps

Dispose of lamps that no longer work or fit your style.

62. Unused Craft Kits

If you’ve got unopened craft kits, consider donating them to schools or craft groups.

63. Stained Tablecloths

Replace tablecloths that are stained or worn out..

64. Old Suitcases

Donate or toss suitcases you no longer use, especially if they’re damaged.

65. Expired Skincare Products

Like makeup, skincare products have expiration dates. Declutter your bathroom cabinets.

66. Duplicate Tools

If you have multiple hammers or screwdrivers, pare down your toolbox.

67. Unused Sports Equipment

Sell or donate sports gear that’s collecting dust in your garage.

68. Outdated Decorations

Home décor that no longer fits your aesthetic can be donated.

69. Old Board Games

If pieces are missing or it’s no longer played, let go of old games.

70. Unused Baby Items

If your kids have outgrown baby gear, consider donating it to families in need.

71. Boots and Outerwear

Consider donating unused outerwear, homeless shelters will love to receive your gently uses outerwear.

72. Unused Office Supplies

Sort through your home office and donate excess supplies.

73. Broken Picture Frames

Replace broken frames or let them go entirely.

74. Excess Kitchen Utensils

Keep only the utensils you use regularly.

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75. Outdated Recipes

Recycle torn-out magazine recipes you’ll never make.

76. Rusty Tools

Replace or discard tools that are rusty or broken.

77. Leftover Party Supplies

Dispose of half-used packs of party napkins or balloons.

78. Stretched-Out Hair Ties

Throw out hair ties that have lost their elasticity.

79. Extra Vases

Keep only the vases you actually use for flowers.

80. Broken Holiday Lights

Test your holiday lights and discard the broken strands.

81. Yarns

Use up all the old bits and pieces of yarns by making a random design scarf!

82. Empty Perfume Bottles

Recycle or upcycle perfume bottles that are empty or nearly so.

83. Old Bedding

Discard old sheets, pillowcases, or duvet covers that are torn or stained.

84. Broken Jewelry

If it’s not worth repairing, get rid of broken or tangled jewelry.

85. Expired First Aid Supplies

Check your first aid kit and dispose of expired medications or supplies.

86. Unused Phone Cases

Donate or recycle phone cases for devices you no longer own.

87. Stained Coffee Mugs

Get rid of mugs with permanent coffee stains or chips.

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88. Outdated Electronics

Recycle old devices like MP3 players, DVD players, or outdated gaming consoles.

89. Unused Pet Supplies

Donate pet toys, collars, or leashes your pet doesn’t use anymore.

90. Duplicate Kitchen Gadgets

Do you really need two garlic presses? Donate the extras.

91. Old Remote Controls

Recycle remotes for electronics you no longer own.

92. Outdated Calendars

Recycle last year’s calendar or planners you no longer need.

93. Unused Candle Holders

If you rarely use candle holders, consider donating them.

94. Broken Toys

Clear out broken toys that are beyond repair.

95. Old Makeup Bags

Discard makeup bags that are torn, stained, or no longer functional.

96. Expired Pantry Items

Check for expired canned goods, spices, and other pantry items.

97. Dried-Up Markers and Pens

Test your pens and markers, keeping only the ones that still work.

98. Outdated Cookbooks

If you haven’t opened a cookbook in years, donate it.

99. Old Sunglasses

Toss scratched or broken sunglasses you’ll never wear again.

100. Holiday Decorations You Don’t Use

Donate or discard decorations that don’t fit your style or needs anymore.

101. Sentimental Items with No Meaning

Be honest about keeping sentimental items that no longer hold true emotional value.

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Wrap-Up

Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming—tackling it one category at a time can make the process manageable and even satisfying. Whether you’re starting with old magazines or duplicate kitchen gadgets, every item removed is a step closer to a clutter-free home and mind.

If this all sounds like too much work how about picking one item a day to declutter. Just imagine in one hundred days you will feel mountains of clutter lighter!