Last year, I was drowning in clutter. The moment it truly hit me was the day before I gave birth to my second son. Past my due date and eager to stay busy and mobile, I wandered into my closet. The stuffiness, the overwhelming excess, and the years of “I’ll wear this when I lose weight” and “I only wore it once” seemed to scream at me all at once. Right then and there, I knew it was time to declutter.
I didn’t use the Marie Kondo method of removing everything at once—honestly, that felt overwhelming and physically impossible in my condition. Instead, I started small, focusing on one category at a time.
First, the shoes. Then, the leggings. Blouses, shirts, coats, purses, and belts—each item that had taken up residence in my closet got its turn. It was manageable. And with each category I tackled, I made real progress—and it felt good.
Now, after plenty of trial and error, I’ve created a practical list to help you get rid of all the sh*t living rent-free in your space.
Here are 25 things to declutter in 2025. Ready to clear the chaos?
Let’s get started:
1. Digital Subscriptions
Looking at my bank statement was eye-opening. I had THREE different streaming services I hadn’t used in months, plus some random app subscriptions I’d completely forgotten about. Do a subscription audit – you might be surprised how much money you’re spending on digital clutter.
2. Old Charging Cables
You know that tangled mess of cords in your drawer? Yeah, me too. I counted 17 charging cables, and most were for devices I didn’t even own anymore! Keep one backup for each current device, and remove the rest.
3. Expired Kitchen Items
This one was humbling. I found a spice jar from 2018 hiding in the back of my cabinet! Here’s a quick reference guide I wish I’d had sooner:
- Ground spices: Toss after 2-3 years
- Whole spices: Good for 4 years
- Baking powder: Replace every 6 months
- Olive oil: Use within 2 years
- Dried herbs: Replace yearly
4. “Just in Case” Items
That fancy blender I bought for smoothies? Used it twice in three years. Those pair of jeans that “may someday” fit? Those “someday” craft supplies? Still sitting in their original packaging. If you haven’t used something in 18 months, it’s time to be honest with yourself about whether you ever will.
5. Email Subscriptions
This was a game-changer for my mental clutter. I spent one Sunday afternoon unsubscribing from everything that didn’t bring value. Went from 100+ emails daily to about 20. My inbox hasn’t been this peaceful since 2010!
6. Outdated Paperwork
Let’s talk about paper hoarding. Did I really need warranty cards for appliances I no longer own? Or instruction manuals for everything (when they’re all online now)? Keep only:
- Tax documents (last 7 years)
- Property records
- Birth certificates
- Marriage licenses
- Car titles
- Everything else? Scan and shred.
7. Half-Empty Product Bottles
I found six different bottles of hand lotion, all about 10% full. Now I have a rule: finish one before buying another. And those hotel toiletries I’ve been collecting since forever? Get rid of them!
8. Social Media Connections
This might sound different from typical decluttering advice, but your digital relationships need cleaning, too. I unfollowed accounts that made me feel bad about myself or added no value. My social media feeds actually make me happy now!
9. Phone Photos and Videos
I kept getting the notification to buy more memory for my phone. I almost gave in and purchased more but that was not going to fix the real problem. I needed to delete all the blurry and duplicate photos. Don’t forget about those old screenshots that are no longer relevant.
10. Mismatched Food Storage Containers
You wouldn’t believe how long I held onto containers without lids. Did a big container matching party and discovered I had 34 containers and only 19 matching lids! Now, I stick to one brand, two sizes. Game changer for cabinet organization.
11. Expired Medications
This one’s actually important for safety. I found medications from 2019 hiding in my cabinet! I also got rid of an ancient first-aid kit that was no longer safe! Here’s what to check:
- Pain relievers: 3 years
- Antihistamines: 4-5 years
- Liquid medications: 1 year after opening
- Vitamins: Generally 2 years
12. Old Tech
I had three old phones “just in case” and two broken tablets I was “going to fix.” Reality check: they were just collecting dust. Most electronics stores offer recycling programs, and some even give store credit for old devices.
13. Duplicate Kitchen Utensils
I found six spatulas in my drawer! Unless you’re running a restaurant, you probably don’t need multiples of most utensils. I kept the best one of each and donated the rest.
14. Unused Gifts
This was a tough one emotionally. That scented candle set from three Christmases ago? Still unopened. The fancy tea collection I never drink from? Time to pass these on to someone who’ll actually enjoy them.
15. Old Magazines and Catalogs
I had a stack that was literally collecting dust. Most content is online now anyway. Took photos of any articles I wanted to save and recycled the rest. My coffee table looks so much cleaner!
16. “Someday” Projects
The half-finished scrapbook from 2018? The yarn for that sweater I was “going to knit”? If you haven’t touched it in a year, it’s time to be realistic.
17. Old Receipts
I used to keep every single receipt “just in case.” Now I only keep:
- Major purchases (1 year)
- Tax-related items
- Warranty items
Everything else gets digitally scanned or tossed.
18. Unused Exercise Equipment
That resistance band still in its package? The workout DVDs from 2010? If you haven’t used it in six months, it’s probably not happening.
19. Nostalgic Items
This was emotionally challenging. Had boxes of old concert tickets, birthday cards, and random mementos. Took photos of everything, kept the most special pieces, and let go of the rest.
20. Books You’ll “Read Someday”
I had over 60 unread books collecting dust. I created a rule: if I haven’t read it within six months of buying, it goes to the library or used bookstore. Now I actually read the books I keep!
21. Old Cleaning Supplies
I found half-empty bottles of various cleaners under every sink. I consolidated similar products and now stick to a few multi-purpose cleaners. Less confusion, more space!
22. Duplicate Tools
Unless you’re a contractor, you probably don’t need three hammers. I kept the best quality items and donated the extras.
23. Old Linens
Those mismatched towels and sheets I was saving for “emergencies”? They were just taking up valuable closet space. I donated good ones to an animal shelter and used worn ones as cleaning rags.
24. Unused Pet Supplies
Old toys, outgrown collars, extra leashes – if your pet hasn’t used it in six months, someone else’s furry friend could benefit from it.
25. The “Junk” Drawer
Everyone has one! Mine had 4 tape measures, 50+ spare buttons, countless rubber bands, and mysterious keys to unknown locks. Now it’s organized with only useful items.
Here’s what surprised me most: the more I got rid of, the easier it became to let go. I started seeing empty space not as something to fill, but as room to breathe. My favorite unexpected benefit? Cleaning takes half the time now because there’s just less stuff to deal with.
Remember, decluttering isn’t a race – it’s a journey.
It took me one months to work through this list, doing a little bit each day. And yes, sometimes I still buy things I don’t need, but being mindful of what comes into my space has become second nature.
Want to know the best tip I learned? I start with something easy – like those old charging cables. Build up your “letting go” muscles before tackling the emotional stuff. And celebrate every small win – even if it’s just finally recycling that stack of old magazines!
Need specific tips for any of these categories? I’ve learned some tricks that make the process way less overwhelming!
This blog post was all about the 25 things to declutter in 2025!
