Want less clutter? 5 things in your home that need to go!

Did you know that the average household uses 20% of their things 80% of the time? That means 80% of your stuff is mostly just sitting there - collecting dust and taking up space.

Lately, I have been OBSESSED with home decluttering and paring things down to the absolute essentials OR things I really love.

This has left my home feeling like it has room to breath! I have less stress knowing I can find, organize, and clean things more easily. It’s also great for my family - I know my kids aren’t going to throw a tantrum over the too small shirt that they can’t wear (and somehow managed to find in their closet) and my husband isn’t going to put our old sheets with a tear in the bottom onto our bed!

Here are the top 5 things in your home that need to go - from an organizing and decluttering professional.

Need a little extra help & motivation to declutter? Check out our decluttering checklist for four weeks of decluttering tasks!

Bedding

The linen closet is a great place to start because you probably have things in there that you can easily throw away or donate. When it comes to decluttering and getting rid of things, it gets easier as you go! Old bedding that is stained or torn can be thrown away, or in some cases donated to local dog rescues. Crib sheets, changing table covers, and linens your kids have grown out of can also go. Lastly - take stock of your blanket collection. I know it’s easy to pick up a new, cute & cozy blanket a little to often! Pick out your favorites and get rid of the rest.

Bonus: Our linens are meant to breath! More room means fresher, cleaner blankets & sheets.

Clothing

On to clothing! This step is especially important if you have to organize a small closet. To begin with, torn & stained items need to go. An exception is a set or two of clothes for if you do messy home projects or yard work - but you probably don’t need 15 old t-shirts for this ;)

Next - what clothes do you have that don’t fit or you don’t wear? The clothes you wear should help you feel comfortable and confident. If you don’t like wearing something, consider it may be time to donate it to someone else who will.

For your kids, take time to see what clothing pieces no longer fit them or are to worn to keep. Keeping a few special items that no longer fit is totally fine, put storing every piece of clothing your child has ever worn takes up way to much space! Ask yourself: what sentimental clothing items would I take the time to look at, and what positive memories would it bring back for me?

Exception: planning on having more kids or does your child have a younger sibling? If you have the space, it’s okay to keep the things you know they will use!

Decor

Thanks to our BFF target and the world of DIY, most of us now have access to affordable and stylish home decor choices.

Aside from seasonal decor, if you don’t see yourself using (and loving) the decor piece within the next six months, it’s probably good to go.

Questions to ask yourself include: Does this still match my style? Is it something I love the look of? Does it enhance my home in some way? And - does the stress of storing this piece outweigh the happiness it will bring me when I get to decorate with it?

Personally, I love to keep a small storage bin of decor pieces I love for when I want to refresh my space. It feels great to peak into my bin and find only pieces I love and know I want to use.

Pro tip: need a home decor refresh but short on storage space? Try working with what you already have - it’s amazing how moving a piece of art or decor can completely switch up a space!

Food

Confession: we frequently help clean and organize pantries full of food that expired over ten years ago.

Seriously. Go get rid of your expired food.

Not only does avoiding expiration dates cause food waste, it also takes up valuable space within your kitchen & pantry.

Common culprits include canned food, seasonal baking items, and spices.

Once you declutter expired items, it’s easier to see what you need to purchase (probably not fifteen more cans of black beans).

Makeup

Raise your hand if you are guilty of keeping (and using) old makeup. It’s okay - we are all raising our hands.

Honestly - I had no idea, but makeup does not last as long as we think it does. Check out these expiration timelines for makeup and go get rid of your biggest offenders to instantly rid your bathroom of excess clutter (and bacteria).

Concealer and foundation lasts 18 months.

Lips products - around 18 months.

Mascara and eyeliner, 3-6 months.

While you’re at it, old and non-washable makeup brushes or sponges need to go!

Done decluttering and ready to organize? Read our practical steps for home organization here.

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. That means I get a small commission if you purchase through the link. However, I make it a point to only share tools and resources I truly love and use.