24 Ways to Remove Clutter in 2024

Do you have clutter that is causing stress and overwhelm? Is your goal to have less clutter so you can live with simplicity? Many of my clients have a difficult time getting rid of things because they think about what they are losing! I tell them to think about what they are gaining by getting rid of the unused items.

#1 – Unused Holiday Decor

Consider parting ways with holiday décor you did not use or display during the Christmas season. Or just keep the decor that you love and use. You might hand it down to another family member to use.

#2 – 2023 Items

Now is the time to throw out your 2023 calendars / planners to get ready for the new year. Be sure to write down any significant dates or notes first, then recycle them.

#3 – Kitchen Utensils / Gadgets

Rid yourself of duplicate items or gadgets rarely used that take up space. You do not need 5 spatulas! Minimize these items so they are easily found and accessible.

#4 – Pet Supplies

Go through and get rid of items that are duplicates, damaged pieces, and no longer needed.

#5 – Old Books / Magazines /Cookbooks

Consider getting rid of books you don’t plan to reread or will never read. They can be sold or recycled. Cookbooks – Well, most recipes can be found online. Only save those books/pages, family recipes, that you truly use currently!

#6 – Unused Electronics or Cords

Donate electronic items you are no longer using. If you are unsure of whether certain cords belong to something else in the home, you can put those aside in a closet or storage room temporarily until you have time to locate each item that needs a cord to see if they match before discarding.

#7 – Expired Makeup Products and Beauty Samples

First, it's always a good idea to write the date opened in a sharpie on the bottom of the product.  This can be a real eye opener in the future, LOL!  As a rule, liquid and cream products have a much shorter shelf life than powders.  Here are some general expiration rules for different types of makeup:

·   Mascara– 3 months

·   Lipstick– 2 years

·    Foundation– 1 year

·    Eyeshadow– 1 year

·  Concealer– 1 year

#8 – Expired Items (Food, Medicine, Spices, & Sunscreen)

Check your medicine cabinet and pantry/fridge for unused or expired items.  Safely dispose of any unused or expired medications. Throw out items that are past the expiration date.  Don’t forget to check expired sunscreens for the upcoming season!!

#9 – Toys and Games

If your kids have outgrown the toys or you have duplicates, consider donating them to younger kids or preschools. Do this with old board games too. It feels freeing to donate items to kids who can appreciate and enjoy them.

#10 – Jewelry

Sort through your jewelry and get rid of earrings that are singles (that you have been hoping one day to find the missing partner) Declutter pieces you have never worn or have not worn in the last year. Decide which pieces you wear consistently and keep those. You’ll be making room for new pieces to be added.

#11 – Excess Towels, Blankets, Pillows, and Linens

Get rid of any that are stained, have holes, or are extras. Keeping 2 sheet sets per bed is all you really need.  Keep only the towels that are needed based on the number of people living in your home.  Donate the extras to animal shelters and they will be put them to good use and appreciate them!

#12 – Instruction Manuals (For Old & Current Items)

Toss ALL of these!  They are ALL online!  You don't have to keep a single one!

#13 – CD’s/DVD’s

It’s time to get rid of these physical discs or digitize them. You can create digital libraries for music and movies. This is a great space saver.

#14 – Water Bottles/Cups & Mugs

How many water bottles/cups do you REALLY need? Many of us seem to accumulate these items over the years, whether they are from work, kid’s activities/sports, trade shows, or gifts. Keep what you really need and donate the rest to free up space.

#15 – Exercise Equipment

If your New Years resolution was to exercise more, but you are still using your treadmill to hang clothes on, it might be safe to sell or donate it. After all, they take up a lot of space.

#16 – Tupperware & Plastic containers

Discard mismatched Tupperware & plastic containers that have missing lids or are damaged.

#17 – Broken Items

For these items, take a look at them and be honest with yourself, are you going to fix them? I think if it’s been on the to-do list for close to a year, it might be time to toss them or donate them to others who have the time to repair them.

#18 – Old Craft Supplies

We all know that craft supplies can add up quickly. Take some time and get rid of the ones you don’t use. Think how much easier it will be to get to the supplies you use more regularly.

#19 – Shoes

This can be a seasonal check! Only you know how much space you have for shoes. Shoes/boots/sandals that you rarely wear and are in good condition can be donated to a shelter or someone who is less fortunate and will really appreciate them. (Shoes For Souls)                        Make space for the shoes you truly love and wear more often. 

#20 – Unused Picture Frames

I am guilty of this one! I do have multiple unused picture frames that I have kept around for years thinking one day I will take the time to put some of my favorite pictures in them and put them all over the house!  Nope, still haven’t done that. I won’t part with all of them, but I can commit to getting rid of some of them.  Guess it is also helpful in this case to give yourself a realistic deadline to put these frames to use, otherwise it will most likely stay the same! Think about how you will feel to see those special pictures surrounding you each day! Now set your date and write it on your calendar

#21 – Old or Damaged Nonstick Cookware

It is time to get rid of any cookware that is scratched or has the black coating chipping off because that will go into your body and not be good for you.

#22 – Unused Toys/Games

Donate toys & games your children have outgrown or lost interest in.

#23 – Unused or Unwanted Inherited Items

If you have items that you have inherited, but never use or you don’t even like them, it is ok to donate them to someone who will use and appreciate them. Keep those items that trigger a happy feeling and let the rest go!

#24 – Look For Larger Unwanted Items

If you walk through your home and just focus on any larger item you no longer use or need, discarding them will free up more space for the things you use!

Hopefully this list gives you some ideas of things to let go this year!  Most are relatively painless but can get you off to a good start!  Let me know in the comments if there are other things, you're letting go in 2024!

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