Decluttering is a habit that gets faster and easier the more you do it. So, if you struggle to let go, starting with “easy” items is a great way to build momentum and confidence. Towards that end, below are 75 easy things you can declutter to kick-start your decluttering journey; quick wins that will make your home (and your mind) feel lighter!

What Constitutes Easy?

What do I mean by easy?  I mean items you haven’t been using because they are broken, stained, worn, expired, or missing parts. For the most part, these are unsentimental items that will just be tossed out (make sure you have a garbage bag). However, some things can’t be thrown in the garbage, so here is a Guide to help with the proper disposal of specialty items. And at the end, there is a free 1-page printable of this list.

Now let’s get started!

Bathroom and Linen

1) Makeup: Any you don’t use, like, or are expired. Click here for a printable makeup expiry guide.

2) Nail Products: Nail polish, products & accessories you don’t like, don’t use, or that have gone bad. the oldest ones first as they are less likely to be current/relevant and easiest to make decisions about.

3) Hair Accessories: Overstretched elastics/headbands, any you don’t like, and extra elastics, scrunchies, clips, barrettes, bobby pins, etc.

4) Toiletry Samples: Any expired items & brands you don’t like. Only keep what you’ll realistically use.

5) Skin Care Products: Any you no longer use or are duplicates of a product you like better. Empty and near-empty bottles you haven’t used up in the last 2 months.

6) Hair Products: Any you don’t use, like or are duplicates of a product you like better. Empty and near-empty bottles you haven’t used up in the last 2 months

7) Medications: Expired & unused medications/prescriptions & empty bottles.

8) Towels and Linens: Worn, torn, or stained bath & hand towels, wash cloths, pool towels, and bedding.

Toys and Crafts

9) Puzzles: Puzzles with missing pieces, that have been outgrown, or that are no longer enjoyed.

10) Games: Games with missing pieces, that have been outgrown, or that are no longer enjoyed.

11) Broken Toys: Toys with missing or broken parts.

12) Outgrown Toys: Outgrown toys or toys that are no longer loved.

13) Crayons: Crayons that are broken or very small nubs.

14) Glue: Dried-up glue.

15) Paint: Dried-up paint.

16) Markers: Dried-up markers.

17) Play-Doh: Dried-up Play-Doh.

18) Colouring/Activity Books: Colouring and activity books that are full or are no longer used.

19) Craft leftovers: Leftovers from prior crafts that won’t be repurposed/used up.

Basement/Garage

20) Paint: Any dried-up paint and paint colours you no longer have in your home.

21) Rusty Items: Anything rusty or mildewed.

22) Tools: Any broken or rusty tools, tools you have duplicates of, or tools you never use.

23) Exercise Equipment: Anything broken or that does not get used.

24) Baby Items: Outdated baby gear and items that have been outgrown.

25) School Items: Old high school and college textbooks and notes that are outdated or not relevant to your life any longer.

26) Home Decor: Home décor items that are broken or are no longer your style.

27) Outdoor Items: Outdoor toys, games, and accessories that are broken, outgrown, or no longer your style.

Electronics

28) Old Phones: Old phones and chargers

29) Mystery Chargers and Cords: Mystery chargers and cords or ones you have more than two of.

30) Computers: Old computers and laptops and their power cords..

31) Outdated Electronics: Electronics you have upgraded from or no longer use.

32) Old Media: Old DVDs, VHS, CDs, and cassette tapes.

33) Boxes: Boxes from electronics purchases.

34) Ink Cartridges: Old ink cartridges.

Kitchen

35) Mugs: Chipped, stained, mismatched, promotional freebies & any you don’t like or use.

36) Cookbooks: Any you don’t use or only keep for a few recipes. Copy the recipes & let go of the book. Remember, you can find most recipes online.

37) Expired Foods and Spices: Expired items or things you tried & didn’t like or otherwise aren’t going to use.

38) Food Storage: Containers without their matching top/bottom or that are not in good condition.

39) Dishes and Glasses: Chipped, stained, mismatched, promotional freebies & any you don’t like or use.

40) Small Appliances: Broken appliances that haven’t been fixed for months and any that haven’t been used for a year.

41) Water Bottles: Ones you don’t like or use, that are missing parts, or are no longer in good condition.

42) Cooking Utensils: Duplicates, broken ones & ones you don’t use. Consider specialty gadgets whose purpose can be achieved with a different utensil you use more frequently.

43) Cutting Boards: Worn, warped, or stained ones.

44) Serving Dishes: Any you don’t like, are duplicates, or haven’t been used in the last year.

45) Cookie Cutters: Consider which ones you actually use and let go of the rest.

46) Linens: Worn or mismatched dishtowels, cloths, tablecloths, and napkins, and ones you don’t like or use.

47) Warranties and Manuals: Any for items no longer owned or can be found online.

48) Coupons: Expired coupons and coupons you won’t use.

49) Take-Out Menus: Almost everything is available online.

50) Junk Mail: Flyers, notices, magazines, etc. that are junk mail.

51) Cleaning Supplies: Old cleaning products you no longer use and old cleaning cloths/sponges.

Clothes and Accessories

52) Socks: Any with no mate, holes, that aren’t comfortable, or you just don’t like.

53) Earrings: Broken earrings, earrings missing a mate, no longer your style, or that you don’t otherwise wear.

54) Necklaces/Bracelets: Anything broken, no longer your style, or you don’t otherwise wear.

55) Belts/Wraps: Anything not in good condition, that’s no longer your style, you aren’t comfortable in, or haven’t worn for the last year.

56) Shoes/Heels: Any that are no longer your style, are uncomfortable, aren’t in good condition, or you haven’t worn in a year.

57) Clothes: Items that are torn or stained, uncomfortable, or no longer your style.

58) Bags and Purses: Any that are no longer your style or aren’t in good condition.

59) Nylons and Tights: Any with runs, holes, or that are otherwise uncomfortable.

60) Underwear: Pairs that have holes, stains, have lost elasticity, or aren’t comfortable.

61) Bras: Any that have holes. stains, aren’t comfortable, or you just don’t like.

62) Lingerie: Anything that is not in good condition, that isn’t comfortable, no longer fits, or you just don’t like.

Mudroom/Entryway

63) Gloves/Mittens: Any that aren’t liked, worn, have no mate, are too small, stained, or have holes you won’t repair.

64) Sunscreen: Any bottles that are expired, empty, or that you tried & didn’t like.

65) Sunglasses: Any that are broken, have been outgrown, or you don’t like/wear anymore.

66) Umbrellas: Any broken ones or ones you don’t like or use.

67) Hats: Any that are too small, stained, damaged, uncomfortable, or otherwise don’t get worn.

Miscellaneous

68) Eyeglasses: Any old or broken pairs you no longer use.

69) Batteries: All dead batteries.

70) Lightbulbs: All burnt out lightbulbs.

71) Pillows: Any that are too flat or stained.

72) Vases: Any broken vases, duplicates, or excess ones.

73) Writing Instruments: Dried-up pens, highlighters, sharpies etc.

74) Reusable Bags: Any excess reusable bags and those that are not in good condition.

75) Cardboard boxes: Excess boxes you have saved because they are “good” boxes.

Conclusion

If decluttering feels overwhelming, starting with these 75 easy items is just what you need.  These quick wins will strengthen your ability to “let go,” and the relief that comes with lessening the physical and mental load will motivate you to take on larger, more challenging decluttering projects and decisions moving forward.

For a free 1-page printable of this list, click here.

Happy organizing!