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Jump Start Your Decluttering: 15 Items to Toss NOW!

Ready to declutter, but not sure where to start? As professional organizers, we’ve compiled a list of 15 easy to declutter items to get you moving! READY, SET, DONATE!

  1. expired medicine

    This is an easy one. Open up that medicine cabinet and get to work! Make sure you make a note about any medicines you may need to replace.

  2. outdated electronics

    Are you still holding on to your iPhone 6? The remote for a TV you no longer have? Your boombox from middle school? Get outdated or no longer needed technology out of your house. Staples will recycle most electronics for you!

  3. socks without a mate

    Are there lonely socks sitting in your laundry room pining for their partner? If you’ve managed to catch up on all the laundry (first of all- GREAT JOB!) and still no match is found, it’s time to toss.

4. candles that are more than half-used

5. business cards & flyers

I feel like everyday a new flyer or business card somehow makes it’s way into my house. Most of the time, if we need a service or even the contact information for a business associate, we can just Google it. Toss these clutter sources as quickly as they come in! If you are absolutely sure you may need someone’s info in the future, add them to your contacts! Or you can take a picture and create a folder or drive specifically for business cards.

6. shoes that hurt your feet

7. cookbooks

Unless you LOVE cooking and actually read your cookbooks, scan your favorite recipe or two from each and free up some valuable shelf space.

8. take-out containers

9 clothes that are too small

Whether the kids have outgrown them and their sentimental or you are REALLY hoping to be your goal weight again, we know this can be hard! But do it! You’ll thank yourself in the long run.

10. half-used notebooks/ old school supplies

11. books

Only save the books you are sure you’ll re-read. Don’t hang on to them in case a friend might want to borrow one- just go ahead a give them to a friend you know will enjoy them!

12. worn-looking linens

13. puzzles & games that are missing pieces

14. reusable shopping bags/ free totes

Where do these keep coming from? TOSS! Or even better, use these to collect your other donations.

15. old calendars

 

How many of these can you declutter today?

Hi, I’m Meghan,

Professional organizer, mom, former educator, wife, and auntie. I am dedicated to minimalism, greener living, and community service.

I believe organization can relieve stress and help all aspects of your life function more smoothly. I hope the information here can help you create a more peaceful home and lifestyle!

Why Decluttering is Self-Care

When you think about self-care, you probably think of bubble baths, massages, a good book, or a great cup of coffee. While those are all wonderful and enjoyable ways to pamper yourself, I would argue that true self-care goes a bit deeper.

True self-care is creating a life for yourself that you don’t have to escape from. True self-care is about doing things that protect your well-being, reduce stress, and support a happier healthier you. True self-care is therapy, self-growth, working on your communication and your relationships, creating necessary boundaries, taking care of yourself physically, finacially, and….decluttering. Self-care isn’t pampering, and it isn’t easy. It’s work. Creating a life you love takes a lot of intentionality and reflection, and it is worth every second of work you put in.

The Link Between Clutter and Mental Health

Research shows that clutter leads to feelings of anxiety, overhwhelm, shame, and depression. It’s widely known that therapy and exercise is a great way to combat these feelings, but decluttering your house is rarely talked about as a possible solution.

Visual clutter overwhelms the brain and lead to a constant fight or flight response. Causing a reduction in working memory, lack of focus, and decreased productivity.

And if you think that having these feelings of anxiety and overwhelm isn’t affecting your sex life, think again.

“Clutter can make us feel stressed, anxious and depressed. Research from the United States in 2009, for instance, found the levels of the stress hormone cortisol were higher in mothers whose home environment was cluttered.”
— theconversation.com

The Link Between Clutter and Physical Health

Studies have shown that clutter is correlated to poor eating habits. Partipants in a cluttered spaces eat more junk food, and in more quantity, than those in a tidy space. Those with cluttered homes are also more likely to be overweight.

On the contrarty, those with tidy homes tend to exercise more.

 

My Challenge To You

My challenge to you is this: pay attention.
Pay attention to how your body and mind feel when your home is out of order vs when its in order. Pay attention to the moments that you feel particuarly close to your kids or husband - what is the state of the room you’re in?
When you’re feeling a lack of patience, bitterness, resentfulness - look around you. Just observe. Then talk about what you’ve observed to your partner and/or a therapist.

 

Make a Change

It’s time. Here are a few fun ways to get started!

  • Call some girlfriends over, drink wine, declutter together. Next weekend, go to another friend’s house and repeat.

  • Start small. You don’t have to tackle the garage you can’t walk into. You can start with a drawer, a shelf, a cabinet.

  • Make it a game. Whoever fills their box first gets ice cream! Or try the miniamlism game.

  • Make it entertaining. Turn on the Home Edit, Marie Kondo, or listen to a decluttering podcast while you work.

  • Reward yourself. Celebrate your wins by doing something you enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Self-care is about showing up for yourself - not just in the fun and pampering ways, but in the practical ways that make your day to day life more enjoyable. Decluttering isn’t just about your home. It's about your mental health, your physical health, your time, your peace, and your relationships.

So next time you feel overwhelmed, try clearing off a surface instead of taking a bath. Chances are you’ll feel lighter and more energized. That is the magic of decluttering.

 

Hi, I’m Naomi!

Founder of Charming Spaces, professional organizer, wife, mom of three and passionate advocate for women.

I hope this blog is everything you’re looking for, but feel free to shoot us a message and follow us on Instagram!

Clutter-Free Stocking Stuffers

Fill Their Stockings Without Filling Your Home With Clutter!

Christmas is less than a month away! We’re here to help you prepare for a holiday with less stress and less clutter!

Years ago, a friend commented that so much of what is marketed to moms as stocking stuffers is, in fact, “disposable plastic crap!” So we set out to brainstorm a list of more useful stocking stuffers.

Ideas for Everyone

  • Toothbrushes & toothpaste

  • Socks

  • Reusable Water Bottle

  • Gloves/Mittens

  • Card Games

  • Popcorn for family movie night

  • Art Supplies

  • Hot Chocolate Bombs/ Packets

  • Chapstick

  • Sun Glasses

  • Cookie Cutters

  • Bathbombs

Ideas for Little Kids

  • Play-Doh

  • Stickers

  • Bathtub Finger Paint

  • Hot Wheels

  • Fruit Snacks

  • Hair bows

  • Mall Carousel Tokens

  • Hermann Park Mini-Train Tickets

  • Crayons


Ideas for big Kids

  • Phone case

  • Chargers

  • Make-up/ Hair Care

  • Fancy Pens/Markers

  • Gaming/iTunes gift cards

  • Shampoo/Shower Gel

  • Takis/Flaming Hot Cheetos

  • Rubik’s Cube

  • Candy

  • Nail Polish

  • Fuzzy Socks

Important Pro Tip: Anything can become clutter if you have too much of it! Check what they already have before you buy.

Hi, I’m Meghan

Professional organizer, mom, former educator, wife, and auntie. I am dedicated to minimalism, greener living, and community service.

I believe organization can relieve stress and help all aspects of your life function more smoothly. I hope the information here can help you create a more peaceful home and lifestyle!