Decluttering. The word alone can send shivers down the spines of hoarders while sparking joy in the hearts of minimalists. Whether you’re gearing up for a fresh start or just tired of tripping over that exercise bike moonlighting as a clothes rack, this checklist will guide you through the satisfying art of tidying up. It’s time to get ruthless (but make it fun, of course)!
The golden rules
- Set a timer
Nobody wants to spend all day decluttering. Commit to 15-minute power sprints. - One room at a time
Don’t get sidetracked and end up reorganising the shed when you started in the kitchen. - The three-bin rule
Label three bins: Keep, Donate and Bin. Be ruthless. - Question everything
“Do I love it? Do I use it? Does it spark joy?” If the answer’s “meh”, you know what to do. - Take before-and-after photos
Because instant Instagram gratification is a great motivator!
The kitchen
- Expired spices
If your paprika has a pre-Brexit expiry date, it’s time to say au revoir. - Duplicate utensils
No one needs four garlic presses. Not even Nigella could justify that. - Tupperware lids with no mates
Match ‘em up or chuck ‘em out. Life’s too short. - Mystery freezer bags
If you can’t identify it, let it go. - Old appliances
That bread maker you used twice in 2016? It’s time to move on. - Junk drawer
Even the infamous junk drawer can be tamed. Start small. - Unloved mugs
Keep your favourites and donate the rest.
The bedroom
- Clothes that don’t fit
Let go of the ‘someday’ wardrobe. - Unworn shoes
If they pinch or hurt, they’re out. - Damaged jewellery
If it’s not worth repairing, say goodbye. - Old pyjamas
Keep the cosy ones; ditch the rest. - Excessive bedding
Two sets per bed. Stay strong and be ruthless. - Books on the nightstand
Keep it simple: one book at a time and store the rest out of sight.
The bathroom
- Expired medications
Dispose of them safely – don’t throw them in the bin. - Empty shampoo bottles
Recycle or toss. One at a time, folks. - Crusty old razors
Bin them immediately. No excuses. - Make-up you haven’t touched
If it’s dusty or funky, it’s the end of the road. - Hotel freebies
Keep a few for guests and donate the rest. - Towels past their prime
Use them as rags or let them go.
The living room
- DVDs and CDs
Be honest – when’s the last time you actually used them? - Old magazines
Recycle and move on. - Decor that doesn’t spark joy
Time to donate those dated picture frames. - Cable clutter
Label what you need and ditch the mystery wires. - Unused gadgets
That virtual reality headset from 2018? Game over. - Books
Only keep the ones you truly love or plan to reread. - Board games
Keep the fun ones and donate the duds.
The office
- Old receipts and paperwork
Digitise and shred. - Pens that don’t work
Why are they still here? - Unloved notebooks
Keep the good ones; donate or recycle the rest. - Tech from the Stone Age
Goodbye, floppy disks. - Broken office furniture
Fix it, repurpose it or bin it. - Excessive stationery
You really don’t need 500 paper clips.
The wardrobe
- Clothes you haven’t worn in a year
Let someone else love them. - Sentimental T-shirts
Snap a photo, then let them go with love. - The ‘just in case’ pile
Be realistic about what you’ll actually wear. - Socks with holes
Toss them. Seriously. - Worn-out underwear
You deserve better. Treat yourself. - Seasonal swaps
Pack away what you’re not wearing.
The kids’ stuff
- Broken toys
If it’s unfixable, it’s unkeepable. - Outgrown clothes
Share the love and pass them on. - Duplicate toys
No child needs five stuffed unicorns. - Books they’ve outgrown
Donate them to a local school, library or charity. - Art projects
Keep the masterpieces and take photos of the rest.
Miscellaneous
- Unused tools
That tool you borrowed for one DIY project? Let it go. - Sentimental clutter
Keep the memories, not the stuff. - Christmas and Easter decorations
If it’s broken or outdated, it’s time to call it a day. - Gifts you hate
It’s the thought that counts, but you don’t have to keep it.
Let’s wrap this up
- Reward yourself after each decluttering session with something you love – a cuppa, a biscuit, or a quick Netflix binge.
- Commit to a ‘one in, one out’ rule to keep clutter at bay going forward.
- Don’t feel guilty about letting go. Remember, it’s about creating space for what truly matters.
And there you have it: 50 (well, 52 – because we’re overachievers) tasks to help you declutter your home and life. Now, get cracking and embrace the bliss of organised living!
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