Where to begin decluttering? Get inspired by this 25-point list
So much extra stuff—where do you even start decluttering? TV personality and landscape designer Kati Jukarainen decided to go through every item in her family’s huge house. She put together a 25-item decluttering list that’s perfect for anyone fed up with a chaotic home. “In my opinion, it’s ok to pass on gifts, too,” Kati says.
1. Old cosmetics.
“I weed these out regularly. For example, certain eyeshadow shades or leftover sunscreen can expire if they’re not used.”
2. Unnecessary furniture.
“For instance, we had a lovely rocking chair in good condition that nobody ever sat on.”
3. Unnecessary papers.
“We’ve had a recycling room for 18 years, and I take ads and other unnecessary papers there right away. I don’t save any Christmas cards. I also go through important business or health documents every couple of years and discard what isn’t needed.”
4. Extra cords.
“It’s easy to forget about cords that pile up in drawers over time. It’s worth gathering them all in one place and checking which belongs to what.”
5. Old electronics.
“We had an old gaming console nobody used. We gave it away in a local Facebook giveaway group, and an overjoyed little boy came to pick it up from our door.”
6. Unnecessary craft supplies.
“I get rid of things like dried-up markers and old glitter jars. Craft supplies sell well at flea markets.”
7. Unnecessary handicraft items.
“Some went to my mother. I’m still figuring out where to donate the rest if they don’t sell at the flea market.”
8. Kids’ old hobby equipment.
“We’ve already given away our old beach toys, but I’m sure there are still some soccer clothes the kids have outgrown in the closets.”
“It’s easy to start with food.”
9. Unused outdoor gear.
“Skiing and ice hockey equipment that have gotten too small should go.”
10. Shoes that no longer fit.
“I’ve sold most of the shoes. Some have also gone to the kids’ cousins, for example.”
11. Clothes that no longer fit.
“We have plenty that have been sorted but never passed on. Now I’m selling them cheaply because they’re out of style.”
12. Gift wrapping paper I don’t use.
“I’ve kept lots of gift bags I no longer need. I’ve also stored gift wraps carelessly, so now they’re wrinkled. I’m embarrassed I haven’t taken better care of them, because now they’re no longer usable.”
13. Expired foods.
“I added these to the list as a reminder that it’s good to go through them regularly. It’s easy to start with food. I clean my kitchen cabinets regularly, and while I’m at it, I check the contents.”
14. Unused dishes.
“We got a fondue pot as a gift but never used it. In my opinion, it’s ok to pass on gifts, so the pot went to a charity thrift shop. It’s also easy to end up with too many salad tongs, for example.”
15. Containers without lids.
“It’s a mystery where those lids disappear, just like the pairs for certain socks.”
“I donated planters by setting them out by the road, and people from my neighborhood picked them up.”
16. Extra yard tools.
“For example, some tools are so heavy that I can’t use them comfortably.”
17. Extra planters.
“I donated planters by setting them out by the road, and people from my neighborhood picked them up.”
18. Extra vases.
“I have a lot of vases, and people on social media were surprised by the fact I could part with some of them. I am, indeed, quite attached to them because I love making arrangements from my homegrown cut flowers.”
19. Unused decorations.
“Tealight holders, candle stands, and porcelain items pile up quickly. While packing away Christmas, I went through all my decorations and got rid of any that were broken.”
20. Expired medications.
“Sometimes leftover prescription meds stay in the cupboard and expire.”
21. Houseplants.
“I have loads of plants, and I end up with a huge number of cuttings. I compost some, but there’s always someone looking for a free plant, as well.”
22. Board games for young kids.
“We played a lot when my kids were little. I took most of the seldom-used games to the flea market and kept around 20.”
23. CDs and DVDs.
“We used to collect them in our twenties, but now they’re not needed. We’ve donated most of them, but there are still some left.”
24. Worn-out sheets.
“We use our sheets until they’re so worn-out that they’re only good as rags.”
25. Unused decorative cushions.
“I’m going to sort through the pillow covers I don’t plan on using anymore.”
