Decluttering feels overwhelming when you look at the whole house at once. It feels easy when someone hands you a short list of specific things to look for. This checklist does exactly that: room by room, it lists the items most homes have too many of, so you can grab a bag and get going.
What’s inside
Thirty-three items in six sections, each with a checkbox:
- Kitchen: duplicate gadgets, extra mugs, containers without lids, expired pantry food, old papers and unused appliances.
- Bathroom: expired medicine and sunscreen, old makeup, worn towels, products you don’t like and hotel toiletries.
- Bedroom and closet: clothes that don’t fit, unworn shoes, odd socks, old bags, nightstand clutter and extra hangers.
- Living room: old magazines, unused DVDs and games, tired pillows and throws, decor you don’t love and old cables.
- Kids and toys: broken or outgrown toys, incomplete puzzles, dried-out markers and outgrown clothes.
- Entry, office and storage: old mail, dead pens and batteries, manuals, extra shopping bags, unused gifts and boxes you never unpacked.
How to use it
- Get three bags or boxes: keep, donate and toss.
- Pick one small area, like a single drawer or shelf, not a whole room. Set a timer for 15 minutes.
- Go down the list for that room and pull out anything that matches.
- Get the bags out of the house the same day. Put the donate bag straight into your car.
Tips
- Start with the easy wins. Expired products and broken things need no decisions, and they build momentum.
- If you hesitate, ask: “Would I buy this again today?” If not, it can probably go.
- Kids can help with their own toys. Let them choose what to donate, and they’ll be far more on board.
FAQ
Where should I start decluttering?
The bathroom or kitchen, because they have lots of items that expire or break. Sentimental things like photos and keepsakes are best left until last.
How long does it take to declutter a house?
It depends on the home, but 15 minutes a day, one area at a time, gets most homes noticeably lighter within a month.
What should I do with the things I get rid of?
Donate what’s in good condition, recycle what you can (old electronics and batteries often need a special drop-off), and toss the rest.
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