Declutter Checklist: Here's Everything You Should Toss Right Now

declutter checklist
Our Declutter Checklist Makes Organization Easy Getty Images

Decluttering the house can be stressful. That's why it's important to start small and tackle it one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. A detailed checklist can help you set your decluttering goals and stay on track. Plus, there's the satisfaction of checking tasks off your to-do list — "cleared out mismatched hangers in the closet, check!"

If you're wondering where to start, we've got you covered: Our decluttering checklist breaks down exactly what to tackle in every room of the house. Before you begin, gather a few donation boxes and trash bags.

Keep in Mind While Decluttering:

Decision-making is one of the hardest parts of the decluttering process, so remember to give yourself patience and grace. "Focusing on one pain point, like a drawer or cabinet, will allow you to build your decluttering muscle with small, quick wins," says Laura Kinsella, founder of Urban OrgaNYze, who suggests setting a 10-15 minute timer to stay focused and accountable. "Decluttering is contagious, so as you build momentum, it will make it easier to tackle larger projects."

How to Declutter Room by Room:

how to declutter your home
Hearst Owned

Entry

  • Old mail, newspapers and magazines

  • Reusable shopping bags

  • Shoes and jackets you don't wear regularly

  • Seasonal items

property hallway interiors
John keeble - Getty Images

Kitchen

  • Expired foods and spices

  • Take-out containers

  • Chipped or cracked dishes

  • Old dishtowels and table linens

  • Duplicate kitchen items (bottle openers, measuring cups, can openers)

  • Excess reusable water bottles

  • Extra coffee mugs

  • Specialty appliances you rarely use (panini press, holiday-themed waffle maker, shaved ice machine)

  • One-off party supplies (birthday napkins or holiday plates)

  • Takeout menus

property kitchen interior
John keeble - Getty Images

Living Room

  • Miscellaneous cords, wires and chargers

  • Games or puzzles with missing pieces

  • Old remote controls

  • Home decor and furniture you no longer enjoy

  • Excess throw pillows

small living room design

Bathrooms

  • Old medications

  • Expired or unwanted toiletries

  • Excess packaging from products

  • Worn or old towels

  • Hair tools you rarely use

  • Cosmetic samples

  • Random hair accessories and brushes

contemporary country home cabin bathroom design with vanity and linen storage
YinYang - Getty Images

Bedrooms

  • Clothing that no longer fits

  • Unpaired socks

  • Uncomfortable shoes

  • Accessories you don't wear

  • Damaged jewelry

  • Mismatched hangers

  • Old magazines or books

  • Worn sheets and pillowcases

chest of drawers with hand clothes
Kseniya Ovchinnikova - Getty Images

Laundry Room

  • Unused cleaning supplies

  • Expired laundry detergent, fabric softener and stain removers

  • Out-of-place items

  • Ripped or stained clothing

  • Broken hampers or laundry baskets

laundry room
Fancy/Veer/Corbis - Getty Images

Kids' Spaces

  • Unworn or outgrown clothing

  • Toys children have outgrown or no longer enjoy

  • Duplicate items

  • Incomplete toy sets, games or puzzles

  • Damaged books, dried-out markers, etc.

a young boy's room
Petri Oeschger - Getty Images

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