As the year comes to a close, you might feel the urge to start fresh and create a calm, organized space. Taking some time to declutter before the New Year can help you feel lighter and more in control of your environment.
Decluttering a few key items can free up space, reduce stress, and set a positive tone for the year ahead. You don’t need to overhaul your entire home—small steps can make a big difference.
Old clothing you haven’t worn in over a year
If you haven’t worn certain clothes in over a year, it’s likely they no longer fit your style or needs. Holding onto these items can take up valuable space in your closet.
Try letting go of clothes you haven’t used to make room for pieces you love and actually wear. You can donate or sell them to give them a second life.
Keeping a small selection of seasonal clothes is fine, but if an item hasn’t been touched for over 12 months, it’s usually safe to say goodbye.
Expired beauty and skincare products
You might not realize it, but many of your beauty and skincare products have expiration dates. Using expired items can cause skin irritation or reduce effectiveness.
Take some time to check labels and toss anything past its prime. This includes makeup, creams, serums, and sunscreens.
If you’re unsure, look for changes in smell, texture, or color. These are signs your product is no longer safe to use.
Clearing out expired products helps you create space and keeps your skincare routine fresh and effective into the new year.
Broken or unused electronics and chargers
You probably have old chargers and gadgets hiding in drawers or closets. These items take up space and add to clutter without serving a purpose.
If you haven’t used a device or charger in over a year, it’s a good sign you can let it go. Broken electronics should be recycled responsibly to avoid environmental harm.
Keep only devices and chargers you use regularly. Donate or sell functional items to someone who might need them. This helps clear space and reduces electronic waste in your home.
Outdated paperwork and receipts
Start by gathering any old bills, bank statements, and pay stubs that are more than a year old. Most of these documents don’t need to be kept and can be shredded to protect your information.
Next, look at your receipts. Keep only those tied to items with warranties or for tax purposes. Junk mail, ATM receipts, and expired coupons can go straight into the recycling.
By clearing out this clutter, you’ll find it easier to stay organized and keep track of important documents when you really need them.
Worn-out kitchen gadgets and utensils
If you notice your kitchen gadgets or utensils are cracked, rusted, or no longer working properly, it’s time to let them go. These items can become unsafe or just frustrating to use.
Holding onto tools you rarely use or that take up too much space can make your kitchen cluttered. Clearing them out helps you focus on the utensils you actually enjoy and need.
Replacing worn-out gadgets also makes cooking easier and more efficient. You’ll feel better using tools that work well and keep your kitchen tidy.
