17 Things To Get Rid Of NOW To Help Declutter Your Life

It’s easy to accumulate a lot of junk and things you don’t really need anymore. Clutter starts slowly and then snowballs until before you know it, there’s an avalanche of stuff ready to bury you and your sanity alive. Avoid feeling suffocated by your own things by starting with this list of items you can easily get rid of right now. Keep in mind that many of these items can be recycled, sold, or donated to avoid sending them straight to a landfill.

1. Books and Magazines

Via earthhero.com

Although most of what you’re reading is probably online, that doesn’t mean you don’t have hidden piles of paper somewhere. This can include old books, magazines, or newspapers that are just sitting collecting dust and taking up precious space. Unless you have books for a specific purpose or are keeping first or collector’s editions, then it’s probably time to say buh bye! 👋 Try donating these items to your local library, school, or donation/recycle center.

2. Mail

Josh Kahen / Via dailycal.org

When it comes to your mail, here's a pro-tip that will keep you in check. Instead of just letting all the post pile up in that “designated spot,” go ahead and sort through it the moment you check your mailbox. Any flyers, ads, and junk mail can immediately be recycled or thrown out. If it’s something of more importance that you will need again later, then you can hold on to it or file the document away. This will prevent you from stock piling mail you don’t need or want. Plus, it creates a good habit of functionality.

3. Expired Products

Via technotes.alconox.com

EVERYTHING has an expiration date.... seriously, everything. Meat, cheese, and other refrigerated or dairy products are something you probably check pretty frequently. However, your spice rack is most likely being neglected and yes, those expire too. Medications, makeup, and other body products can go bad as well, even sunscreen. That Coppertone may have once been 100 SPF, but it sure won't be if it's been shoved in the back of a cabinet for the past 7 years. Talk about a sunburn... OUCH! Clearing out expired household products will not only save you some frustration later, but it is also a nice space saver.

4. Excessive Cups or Mugs

Kendall Smith

Coffee mugs and plastic souvenir/restaurant cups are repeat offenders in my house. That funky coffee mug collection you were trying to build up can quickly turn into a cluttered cabinet catastrophe. Coffee mugs are usually popular birthday and Christmas gifts so even if you feel like you could use another one, you will most likely receive one during the holiday season or for a special occasion.

Souvenir cups from sporting events, the movies, or restaurants can also be quick to stack up. Yes, it was probably only $1more to make the upgrade, but you seriously don't need a cup from every single place you visited or restaurant you've eaten at. If you really want to commemorate the outing, maybe just take a picture instead.

5. Clothes

Via istockphoto.com

This one may seem obvious, but can actually be quite a challenge for most people. Often times there are clothes we are hoping to get the chance to wear again whether it be for a specific occasion, or simply because we believe those skinny jeans will slip right on again one day. Nobody stays the same size forever, and it's ok if something you once wore has become rather snug. Just don't hold on to clothing you haven't worn in years simply because you have convinced yourself it "might" fit again someday. Do yourself the favor of making room in your closet for the items you actually wear.

6. Shoes

Via bobvila.com

Ok, so you have cleared out articles of clothing that don't work for you. Now do that exact same thing with your shoes! If you are holding on to a pair of shoes just because they go with one singular outfit you have... it's time to get rid of them. Unless you are a cartoon character and wear the same exact thing everyday, these need to go. If you have shoes that are too tight, rub blisters, or make walking severely miserable, it's time to part with them. Both your closet and your feet will thank you.

7. CDs... if you even still have them

Via google.com

Although records have made a nostalgic comeback, CDs are becoming obsolete. If you are keeping a collection of CDs that haven't been touched since the early 2000's, it's time to say goodbye... period.

8. DVDs you don't watch and Video Games you don't play

Kendall Smith

This is kind of along the same lines as CDs. You can stream a ton of movies and tv shows online without taking up any space at all. If you have DVDs you didn't even know you owned, or duplicates of the same exact movie, go ahead and get rid of them.

Again, most video games are digital now, so having a physical copy is not really a necessity. If there is a game you haven't played in a long time, but you think someone else will enjoy, try selling it to a place that sells used games for less (Game Exchange, Game Stop, and Movie Trading Co. are just a few examples). This will not only cut down on clutter, but potentially put some extra money in your pocket.

9. Business cards from people you don't need for anything

Via austinmmp.com

Business cards can be good for the person giving them, but not always the case for the person receiving them. If this is a person you need to get in contact with for something, save their information in your phone. Otherwise, there is no need to hold on to these.

10. Toys for pets which they don't even play with

Kendall Smith

It can be fun to spoil our pets, and while we might have good intentions when purchasing toys to keep them entertained, it's never a guarantee. No matter how cute that smiling avocado toy is, if your pet doesn't like it, there's really no need to keep it. Remember, you can donate these kinds of items to a local animal shelter.

11. 10. Your old prom outfit

Natalie Hammond / Via google.com

Oh prom night.... it was such a big deal in high school, and you found the perfect dress or suit. You may have been the Belle of the Ball or Prince Charming himself that night, but your outfit is now shoved somewhere in your closet or under the bed for lack of storage. There is absolutely no need to keep these things, and let's be honest, it most likely doesn't fit now anyway. You probably have pictures from prom night and that will suffice. Don't hold on to the outfit you wore at prom... it's time to close the yearbook and move on.

12. Rusty or broken jewelry

Via gem.app

You know the old saying "if it's not broke, don't fix it?" In the case of inexpensive or costume jewelry "if it's broke, trash it" plain and simple.

13. Old wedding invitations or baby announcements

Shutterfly / Via shutterfly.com

If the couple who sent their wedding invite are way past the honeymoon phase, it's time to toss it. The same goes for baby announcements. If the child is going on 2 years old, go ahead and throw out the birth announcement. No one is going to be offended, unless they are just petty. The invite has served its purpose.

14. Old pillows, blankets, or linens

HGTV / Via hgtv.com

It can be useful to have an extra set of a few of these things if you have company overnight. However, nobody wants to sleep in bedding that is permanently stained, torn, or tattered beyond repair. Only keep what you need or what you would feel comfortable sleeping in.

15. Writing utensils that no longer work

Via cfo.asu.edu

Pens, markers, or any other writing utensil that is dried up and can't actually be used to write are a must go. These things are literally useless and there is no need to keep them. Also, just how annoying is it to grab a pen to write down something important only to realize there is no ink left?

16. Receipts you don't need

Stever Robinson / Via quickanddirtytips.com

Really just about the only receipts you should be keeping are ones for large purchases or gift items that could potentially need to be returned. Everything else, like that burrito from Taco Bell, really doesn't require a receipt. Also, try having a receipt e-mailed to you and create a folder specifically for that instead of getting a hard copy. There are also apps out there that allow you to take pictures of receipts and store them all in one place, saving you space and the headache of losing one later on.

17. Outdated or broken electronic devices/accessories

Paul Lalonde / Via lavergne.ca

So you still have that old iPod shuffle from years ago, but absolutely no way to charge it. Chances are you HAVE NOT and WILL NOT use it ever again. That digital camera that was the best purchase ever until your cell phone camera got more megapixels and takes better photos. This is another item that may be worth trying to re-sell or recycle. Electronics are always upgrading and updating. If it's not something you use regularly, then it's time to permanently shut it down.