It’s Time to Declutter: 25 Things You Can Get Rid of This Weekend

During a busy season of life, non-essential household tasks like decluttering tend to fall by the wayside. It’s one of those things that’s easy to put off while you have more pressing matters to attend to, and then suddenly you look around and realize your apartment resembles something off the TV show Hoarders. Instead of putting that decluttering session on your “to-do someday” list only to forget about it as the weeks go by, why not just knock it out right now? 

I get it: Not knowing where to start can make the whole process feel daunting, especially for those of us with more than the optimal amount of clutter. Instead of getting discouraged before you even start the project, focus your attention on your biggest clutter hot spots. Below you’ll find a list of the top 25 things to purge from your home, all of which can be tossed or donated without too much thought. Start with these key areas to make decluttering a breeze. 

Why declutter for the new year?

I know cleaning isn’t the most exciting resolution to put on your 2026 moodboard, but starting the year with a decluttering session can do more than just clear your physical space. It frees up your headspace, too. As you move through your home, discarding what no longer serves you, you’re also reflecting on the person you want to be in the year ahead. It might sound a little woo-woo, but I am a firm believer that your space is a reflection of you and the energy you bring into the world. By clearing out the unnecessary stuff, this gives you room to start fresh in the new year—both physically and mentally.

And it doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as it sounds, either. Break decluttering into manageable, actionable steps by tackling one drawer, one shelf, or one corner at a time. Or, make it more of an event by queuing up a playlist or your favorite podcast (might I suggest this one?), and emphasize the small wins along the way.

Decluttering isn’t about perfection. It’s about clearing out what’s weighing you down, simplifying your routines, and giving yourself a visual and mental reset. By the time you’re done, your space will feel lighter, your mornings more refreshing, and your energy noticeably clearer (trust me).

1. THAT drawer

Yeah, you know the one. The drawer that’s currently housing old envelopes, Christmas cards from three years ago, random cords, and other junk. Hiding it all away is an easy short-term fix, but if that drawer is starting to get a little hard to close, this is a great time to empty it out. Sort through all the contents, decide what actually needs to stay, and toss or recycle the rest. As you reload the drawer, use small bins or drawer dividers to organize the contents into tidy groups.

2. Holiday decor you didn’t use this season

Now that the holiday season has passed, take a look at the decorations that never made it onto the tree, mantel, or table this year. Instead of letting them sit in storage for another full year, consider donating or selling the pieces that no longer fit your rotation. It’s a satisfying way to spread a little cheer to someone else’s home, while also decluttering yours!

3. Your camera roll

While physical cleanouts are immensely helpful, doing a digital declutter and clearing out your phone’s photo backlog can be just as therapeutic. If your camera roll is currently maxing out your phone’s storage, make room for new memories you’re going to make this year. To make this task more manageable, go through snapshots by month. Starting in January, check all the photos from that month in previous years. Delete random screenshots, duplicate images, and any photos that no longer spark joy. Then set a reminder to repeat this task in subsequent months. Every time you hit the delete button, you’re making space for new memories in 2026.

4. Unused tech items

For some reason, I’ve held onto my old iPhones from middle and high school as if they might one day be useful or valuable—even though they’re completely obsolete. There’s really no point in hanging on to these tech relics of the early 2000s. Instead of letting them collect dust and take up space, why not donate or recycle them?

Several options make it easy to part with old electronics. Apple, Amazon, and Best Buy offer trade-in programs where you can either mail in devices for credit or recycle chargers and outdated tech for free. Goodwill also accepts most electronics, but check your local store’s guidelines before donating. When in doubt, websites like Earth 911 and Green Citizen can help you find recycling options in your area.

5. Expired coupons and old gift cards

Few things are more disappointing than pulling out a gift card, ready to treat yourself, only to find out there’s nothing left on it. If your wallet is cluttered with coupons you swore you would use or gift cards with mystery amounts left, check the dates and balance. If a card is expired or empty, recycle it. When you do find one with something still on it, it’s the perfect excuse to buy something for the new year.

6. Dead batteries

My battery collection is just a chaotic drawer full of assorted batteries rolling around every time I open it. Every time I need a battery, it’s like playing roulette to see what works and what’s dead. Of course, I usually just toss the dead ones back in the drawer as a problem for future me. I haven’t tackled this project because I genuinely didn’t know how to dispose of batteries properly, but it’s pretty simple. Grab a battery tester to identify the dead ones, then use resources such as Call2Recycle or your local municipality’s waste management website to find a nearby recycling location.

7. Expired condiments in your fridge

My fridge is far from aesthetically pleasing, mostly due to the rows upon rows of nearly empty condiments taking up space. This year, I’m finally tackling the mess by going through all my condiments and tossing anything expired. Don’t forget to take the extra step to rinse out the bottles for recycling. Nothing is more satisfying than that first grocery trip after a cleanout when you can stock up on what you need and put everything away easily without random, unused items taking up precious space.

8. Expired makeup and skincare

We all know it’s important to get rid of old makeup, but it’s easy to forget that skincare has an expiration date, too. Some products, like sunscreen in particular, can basically become null and void once they’re past the expiration date. Check the labels on your skincare products, and keep a record of when they were purchased to make this step easier. 

9. The contents of your tote bag or purse

My bags tend to collect random sticks of gum, stray hair ties, old lip balms, or emergency granola bars over time. As you rotate your bag for a new season, take a moment to empty out previously used ones, giving each one a quick wipe down and repacking only the essentials. This easy decluttering task can help you feel more put-together and ready for coffee dates, weekend strolls, or spontaneous adventures.

10. Expired medications

Medications can decrease in effectiveness over time, so it’s best to go through your medicine cabinet periodically to toss the old stuff. Most medicines have the expiration date printed right on the package, but if not, Google the medication to check its shelf life. According to the FDA, the safest way to dispose of medications is by dropping them off at a drug take-back location. If there aren’t any near you, you can flush medications on this list or follow these guidelines if they’re not on the flush list.

11. Extra items in your shower

Most of us like to have a few options when it comes to our shower items, but what about all those things you’ve stopped using that still take up space on those extremely small shower ledges and organizers? From half-used body washes to almost-empty shaving creams to skincare products you swore you’d use but don’t, it’s time to toss the rejects and make space for what you actually use.

12. Old sheets and bedding

Buying new duvet covers and sheets to brighten up (or cozy up, depending on the season) your space is fun, but what happens when your closet is overstuffed with sheets and bedding you’ll likely never use again? It’s good to keep a few extras (especially for guests!), but you don’t need an entire linen closet full of bedding. Pare down your sheets stash to only what you regularly use, then donate the rest.

13. Canned goods you won’t use

I’ll admit that my eyes are bigger than my stomach sometimes, so I end up buying canned beans, fruits, or veggies thinking I’ll “get to them eventually,” but I never do. To streamline my stash, I like to go through my canned goods by looking through recipes I want to try on Pinterest. If nothing I want to make calls for a can of peaches (and I know myself—I won’t eat them on their own), I know it’s time to donate them.

14. Broken pens

You know the frustration of reaching for a pen to find that it doesn’t work? So then you grab another, and that one also doesn’t work? I’m known to toss them to the side (pens come back to life sometimes) rather than just throwing them away right then and there. Eliminate that frustration by decluttering your pen stash. Grab a piece of scrap paper and make sure all of your writing utensils are smooth and inky. It will make journaling all your 2026 goals so much easier.

15. Old gifts you know you’re never going to use

Let’s be honest: that one gift you received years ago that’s still sitting untouched? It’s probably time to let it go. You likely received a whole new influx of presents this holiday season, so if there are any gifts from years past that no longer hold any emotional or practical value, consider donating or returning them if possible. Giving that item a new home is kinder than letting it sit forgotten in your closet, and your space will thank you.

16. Books you won’t read

Whether it’s been on your bookshelf for years and still doesn’t strike your fancy, or you know you’ll never re-read it, consider these books past their shelf life. Go through your book stash and get rid of anything that doesn’t serve a purpose anymore. Of course, books can function as decor, too, but if they don’t make your shelves prettier, they can go. 

17. Expired herbs and spices

When was the last time you went through your spice rack? Although spices often come in small packages, they can expire more quickly than you realize—and might derail your cooking process if you go to use cumin in a recipe and realize it expired eight months ago. If they stop smelling like they normally do, it’s time for them to go.

18. Excess clutter on your countertops

If you often notice your kitchen counters, desk, vanity, or bathroom counters get cluttered easily, you’re probably setting the same items on them over and over again—think mail, your skincare stash, notebooks, dishes, cords, and more. You might not be ready to throw those things away, but you can get rid of the clutter by giving them all a permanent home, such as a dedicated basket or a spot in a cabinet.

19. Next season’s clothes

While it might sound tempting to declutter your coats, sweaters, and scarves right now, it’s actually a better plan (for your wallet and your wardrobe) to focus on the items you’ll wear in the upcoming season. Do those eight off-the-shoulder blouses you bought two summers ago still fit your style in 2026? Do you like the denim shorts you bought last year, or are they uncomfortable now? This will help you plan your wardrobe for the upcoming season. When fall rolls around, that’s when you’ll want to see if your staple winter items from this past year still make the cut. You might be bored with your sweater collection by now, but after putting them away for months, they might bring you joy again!

Also, this is a great idea if you like to sell your clothes on sites like Poshmark or in a consignment shop. People are looking for spring and summer pieces right now, so these items will likely sell better than a bunch of chunky sweaters. 

20. Storage containers without lids

We all have a stash of meal prep containers that have somehow lost their lids. If you can’t find the matching lid, wash the container and put it in the donation pile, or determine whether it can be recycled. This is also a great project to help you start organizing the cabinets—win, win!

21. CDs and DVDs

OK, maybe you can prove me wrong, but I haven’t listened to a CD since 2014. While some might hold sentimental value (me @ all of my signed pop-punk albums from the Warped Tour), others were likely purchased on a whim and then forgotten about. Now that we’ve got Spotify and Apple Music at our fingertips, it’s time to say goodbye to your old CDs. The same goes for DVDs. If it’s a movie you can watch on Netflix or another streaming service, goodbye. 

22. Earrings without a match

I have a tendency to keep single earrings even though I’ve lost their match. IDK, maybe I’ll find it one day? Let this be your sign that it’s time to give up the chase and just get rid of those unmatched pieces.

23. Old paperwork

Keeping a folder (or a few) of all the paperwork you might need at some point is a great idea, but those folders can get overloaded quickly. Go through what you have and really prioritize what you might need. A bank statement from 2012 might not serve you when you’re applying for a loan, just as you probably don’t need receipts for furniture you’ve had for years. 

24. Accessories you don’t wear often

How often do you go through your hair accessories, jewelry, scarves, and hats? While you might go through your clothes often, those other items can easily get passed by when you’re decluttering. If you only wear the same five necklaces out of your whole jewelry stash or if your hat collection is getting out of control, give those accessories a look and decide whether to donate, sell, or toss them.

25. Anything you haven’t used in six months

This is where you can expand your decluttering efforts to all those little odds and ends you just don’t need. These may not be items you think of immediately, but pay attention to what you use and love and what’s been sitting in the same place for a long time. The mug that just doesn’t hold as much coffee as you need in the morning, the candle that always burns weirdly, the lipstick you never quite like on your skin tone—these items hide in plain sight and take up precious space in your home. Consider this your sign that it’s time to say goodbye.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor

As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.

READ LAUREN’S FULL BIO

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Madigan Will, Assistant Editor

As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Madigan writes and edits content for every topic under the digital media sun. As the oldest of four siblings, she enjoys utilizing her big sister persona to connect and inspire readers—helping them discover new ways to maximize their everyday.

READ MADIGAN’S FULL BIO

The post It’s Time to Declutter: 25 Things You Can Get Rid of This Weekend appeared first on The Everygirl.