If you’re anything like me, you might have an eclectic array of collections that have accumulated over the years. These collections, while initially started with passion, can sometimes take up more space than we realize. The decision to declutter can be a liberating experience, providing not only physical space but mental clarity as well.
In this post, I’ll share 12 things I stopped collecting that instantly freed up space, and how this decision impacted my life positively.
1. Books
Books have always been my weakness. I would buy them faster than I could read them, and soon, every corner of my house was filled with towering stacks of unread books. While it pained me to part with them, I realized that books are meant to be read, not stored.
So, I donated the majority of my books to libraries and schools, keeping only my absolute favorites. For future reads, I’ve shifted to e-books and library loans, effectively freeing up a considerable amount of space. This decision not only decluttered my living space but also helped others gain access to books they might not be able to afford.
2. Clothes
Clothes are a common source of clutter in many households; mine was no exception. I had clothes dating back to my college years – some that didn’t fit, some that had gone out of style, and some that I hadn’t worn in years.
I decided to adopt the “one in, one out” rule – for every new piece of clothing I buy, I donate or recycle an old one. This practice has drastically reduced my wardrobe, freeing up closet space and also making it easier to choose what to wear each day. Plus, donating clothes is a great way to help those in need.
3. CDs and DVDs
In the age of streaming services, CDs and DVDs had become obsolete in my home. Yet, I had shelves full of them, collecting dust. I realized that I was holding onto them out of nostalgia, but they were taking up valuable space.
By selling or donating these, I cleared out an entire shelf. Now, I stream all my music and movies, which has also reduced the clutter of cables and devices needed for playing CDs and DVDs. Plus, I’ve discovered so many new artists and movies through streaming services.
4. Magazine Subscriptions
Like many others, I used to have a pile of magazines that I never found time to read. They were cluttering my coffee table and filling up my recycling bin.
I decided to unsubscribe from all physical magazines and switch to digital versions. Now, I can read them anytime, anywhere, without them taking up physical space. This small change has made a big difference in reducing paper clutter in my home.
5. Kitchen Gadgets
I used to be a sucker for every new kitchen gadget on the market. I soon realized that most of them were one-hit wonders, used once and then forgotten in the back of a cupboard.
Now, I stick to multi-purpose kitchen tools that save space and are used frequently. I donated the rest of the gadgets, creating more kitchen space and making it easier to find what I need when I need it.
6. Unused Furniture
I had furniture that was hardly ever used, but I held onto it “just in case”. These pieces were taking up a lot of space and making my home feel cramped.
I decided to sell these items, creating more open, breathable space in my home. Now, each piece of furniture serves a purpose and contributes to the overall aesthetic and functionality of my living space.
7. Decorative Items
I used to collect various decorative items from my travels. While they were beautiful, they were also dust collectors and made cleaning a chore.
Now, I choose to collect experiences and photographs instead of physical items. My home is easier to clean, and I still have beautiful memories of my travels – they’re just stored digitally instead of on a shelf.
8. Old Electronics
We all have that drawer filled with old electronics that we no longer use. I decided it was time to recycle these items and free up that drawer for something else.
Now, I make a point to recycle or sell my old electronics as soon as I upgrade. This keeps my technology up-to-date and my drawers clutter-free.
9. Sports Equipment
I had sports equipment from hobbies I no longer pursued. These items were taking up a lot of storage space and gathering dust.
By selling them, I’ve made room for the hobbies I currently enjoy and made a little money on the side. Now, my storage spaces are filled with things I actually use.
10. Old Documents
I had a file cabinet filled with old documents that I no longer needed. They were taking up space and were a potential fire hazard.
I spent a weekend shredding old documents and digitizing the important ones. Now, my file cabinet is half the size, and I have peace of mind knowing my important documents are safe and accessible.
11. Memorabilia
I had boxes filled with memorabilia that I rarely looked at. While they brought back fond memories, they were also taking up a lot of storage space.
I decided to keep only the most sentimental items and digitize the rest. Now, my memories are safely stored and accessible at the click of a button, and I’ve freed up a lot of storage space.
12. Craft Supplies
I used to buy craft supplies for projects I never got around to doing. These supplies were cluttering my workspace and causing stress.
I donated the majority of these supplies to schools and kept only the essentials for my current projects. Now, my workspace is clean and inspiring, and I’ve helped art programs in need.
