50 Things You Should Absolutely Toss Out Today to Declutter and Organize Your Home and Life

Is your home feeling chaotic? Overwhelmed by stuff you no longer need? Decluttering is the fastest way to restore peace and create space for what truly matters. At Organizers & Co., we follow a simple three-rule method when helping clients edit their belongings — and now you can too.

The 3 Decluttering Rules

Rule #1: If it’s broken or expired — it goes.

Rule #2: If it hasn’t been used in a year — it goes.

Rule #3: If it doesn’t bring value or purpose — it goes.

Now, let’s walk through 50 things you can let go of right now — room by room — with examples and pro tips along the way.

Kitchen & Pantry (10 items)

·         Expired canned goods

·         Stale spices (over 2 years old)

·         Duplicate utensils (4 peelers? Let’s keep 1!)

·         Chipped mugs and dishes

·         Unmatched Tupperware lids

·         Broken appliances

·         Takeout menus & condiment packets

·         Unused water bottles

·         Rusty baking trays

·         Old vitamins or supplements

Tip: Wipe each shelf as you go. It makes the reset feel fresh and complete.

Closets & Bedrooms (10 items)

·         Clothes that no longer fit or flatter

·         Shoes you haven’t worn in 12+ months

·         Wire hangers (switch to velvet or wood)

·         Stretched-out socks and undergarments

·         Worn-out handbags or wallets

·         Single earrings or broken jewelry

·         Unused scarves, belts, or hats

·         Excess t-shirts or logo wear

·         Old pajamas with holes or pilling

·         Empty or expired perfume bottles

Tip: Turn all hangers backwards—flip them as you wear items. Anything still backward in 3 months = donate.

Bathroom (10 items)

·         Expired medications

·         Empty shampoo and lotion bottles

·         Old razors or shaving cream

·         Dried-out nail polish

·         Makeup past its prime (especially mascara!)

·         Duplicate styling tools

·         Half-used hotel toiletries

·         Stretched hair ties or broken clips

·         Cracked or discolored loofahs

·         Unfinished sample products

Tip: Use a drawer organizer to keep go-to products visible and corral the clutter.

Living Room & Entryway (10 items)

·         Old magazines or newspapers

·         Cords and remotes for unknown devices

·         Random batteries (test or toss)

·         Worn throw pillows or blankets

·         Decor you’ve fallen out of love with

·         DVDs or CDs you no longer watch/play

·         Books you’ll never read (or reread)

·         Dead houseplants

·         Duplicate picture frames or candleholders

·         Shoes or mail piling up by the front door

Tip: Use decorative bins to create quick drop zones for keys, mail, or pet leashes.

Garage, Office & Misc. (10 items)

·         Broken tools or parts you’ll “fix later”

·         Empty cardboard boxes “just in case”

·         Old paint cans or chemicals

·         Duplicate extension cords or chargers

·         Outdated tax papers (beyond 7 years)

·         Old calendars and expired coupons

·         Junk drawer randomness (test pens, toss trash)

·         Gifts you never used or liked

·         Unused craft supplies or fabric

·         Toys, games, or gear your kids have outgrown

Tip: Keep a donation box in your garage year-round. Fill it gradually and donate monthly.

Final Thought

Decluttering doesn’t mean you have to throw away everything. It means making room for what truly matters—mentally and physically. Let go of the excess, and invite clarity and calm into your life.