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Feeling overwhelmed by clutter in your home is a common experience. Many individuals wish for more storage space, only to discover that their homes are filled with items they no longer need. A typical example is the kitchen drawer overflowing with cookie cutters and various gadgets, many of which have not been used in years. Often, we can identify areas in our homes where space is available, but it is occupied by items that serve no real purpose.
This clutter occupies physical space and contributes to mental stress. Professional organizer Bridget Urgo, co-owner of The Settler, states, “Many people underestimate how much clutter affects their mental well-being.” Embarking on a decluttering journey can simplify your life, help you find belongings more easily, and even save money by avoiding duplicate purchases.
Items to consider removing from your home
A common source of clutter is the accumulation of vases, particularly those received with flowers. Once the flowers fade, these vases often end up tucked away, gathering dust. Maura Fitzgerald, founder of Fitz Just Right, emphasizes, “You’re unlikely to use those vases again, especially when you have a favorite that you prefer.” Instead of letting them collect dust, consider returning them to your local florist, who may welcome them back for reuse.
Kitchen gadgets that take up space
The kitchen is another area often filled with excess. Many households have a myriad of gadgets that serve little function. For example, do you really need both an apple corer and a mango slicer? According to Urgo, a simple knife will suffice for most fruit preparations. Additionally, trendy appliances like Instant Pots frequently end up gathering dust. Fitzgerald notes, “Many clients have these unused appliances taking up valuable cabinet space.” To reduce clutter, consider donating kitchen gadgets that no longer serve a purpose.
Time to tackle your tech clutter
Technology also contributes to clutter. Many homes have a drawer or cabinet filled with outdated electronics, such as cracked phones and old laptops. While it may be tempting to hold onto these items for potential future use, it is advisable to let them go—after ensuring that all personal data has been wiped. Urgo advises, “Always reset your devices to protect your information before disposal.”
Once your devices are ready to go, you can recycle or sell them back to manufacturers, potentially earning credit toward new devices. This approach is an eco-friendly way to declutter and upgrade simultaneously.
Streamlining your bags and paper clutter
Many homes accumulate an astonishing number of reusable bags over time, often tucked away in closets or garages. Fitzgerald suggests, “Limit your collection to five bags.” The surplus can be used to transport items to donation centers or local food pantries, providing a second life to those bags.
Papers can also create significant clutter, particularly for older generations who may hold onto old receipts, manuals, and files. Young families face a similar issue with their children’s artwork. Professional organizer Nikki Boyd recommends that parents select their children’s most cherished pieces to keep while photographing others for digital storage. This approach allows for memory preservation without the physical clutter.
Repurposing gift supplies and toys
It is common to find closets overflowing with gift-wrapping supplies. According to Shira Gill, author of Minimalista, many people buy these supplies simply because they find them appealing. Instead, she suggests consolidating your gift supplies into a dedicated space that limits the collection to what you truly need. A gift-wrapping station can help you stay organized and make gift-giving more efficient.
Additionally, take a critical look at old toys, expired items in your pantry, and beauty products that have long surpassed their shelf life. Urgo has a simple rule: “If you don’t use it or eat it, then it’s time to toss it.” For paint, contact local recycling centers for proper disposal methods.
Streamlining your tea collection
This clutter occupies physical space and contributes to mental stress. Professional organizer Bridget Urgo, co-owner of The Settler, states, “Many people underestimate how much clutter affects their mental well-being.” Embarking on a decluttering journey can simplify your life, help you find belongings more easily, and even save money by avoiding duplicate purchases.0