Stop Household Clutter: 50 Things to Get Rid of Right Now

Ready to declutter your house? Start here with these items you're sure not to miss.

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Start Clearing Clutter Today

Decluttering your home can have many positive benefits, from better sleep to improved memory and focus. If you want to know how to get rid of clutter but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve compiled a list of 50 things you won’t mind parting with. Letting go of these unnecessary items might just give you the motivation you need to tidy up your entire home. Need more decluttering inspiration? Try these small decluttering projects that make a big impact, tips for taming kitchen clutter and parent-approved hacks for controlling kid messes.

Also See: Decluttering for Self Care

Wire Hangers

No wire hangers! Ditch those dry cleaner hangers for matching plastic, velvet or wooden versions; they're visually cohesive and gentler on your clothes.

ALSO SEE: How to Organize a Closet: Tips for Clearing Closet Clutter

Cardboard Food Boxes

Ditch the cardboard boxes and plastic bags that go with your cereal, snacks and dry goods. They're ugly, take up lots of space and don't keep your food fresh. Instead, opt for glass canisters or jars (as in HGTV Urban Oasis 2022’s sleek pantry, where bins and baskets also corral clutter) or airtight food storage containers.

ALSO SEE: 60 Organizers for a Picture-Perfect Pantry

Your Kitchen Sponge

When was the last time you replaced the sponge in your kitchen sink? If it's been more than a month, toss it. In between, sanitize it with a spin in the dishwasher.

ALSO SEE: 15 Germiest Things in Your Kitchen

Dirty Air Filters

It’s important to schedule a maintenance checkup for your HVAC system every spring and fall, but in the meantime, filters need to be checked once a month. When they’re dirty, change them; dirty filters shorten the lifespan of your system.

Also See: When to Change Things Around the House

Old Shoes

Get rid of any shoes that are broken beyond repair, worn out or missing a mate. Can't remember the last time you wore a still-good pair? Donate them to a thrift store.

ALSO SEE: 34 Ways to Store Shoes in Your Closet

Clothing You Don't Wear

Those pieces quietly becoming vintage in the back of your closet deserve to see the light of day — and you deserve their real estate. Donate or sell any items of clothing you've had for more than a year without wearing.

ALSO SEE: Where to Donate Gently Used Items After Decluttering

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Too-Small Kids' Clothing

The same applies to clothing your children can no longer wear. Unless it's an heirloom, pass it on to another family through your local Buy Nothing community, donate it or sell it to free up space.

ALSO SEE: 10 Steps Towards Having an Organized Kids' Closet

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Old Toys

Donate toys your child has outgrown or get ideas for upcycling hand-me-downs they can't bear to part with. Beach buckets as snack servers, kiddie pools as party coolers, plastic critters as planters — we could do this all day.

ALSO SEE: 37 Smart Toy Storage Ideas

Old Halloween Costumes

If they've moved on from ninjas to superheroes, go ahead and donate that old costume. An organization we love? Pennsylvania's Halloween Helpers, a nonprofit that both collects and redistributes secondhand costumes and offers tips and signage for organizing a costume drive in your community.

ALSO SEE: 45 Buy or DIY Family Halloween Costume Ideas

Filled Coloring Books

Display your child's favorite works of art in a gallery wall or a photo album, then recycle the rest. Want to squeeze one more round of use out of that paper? Use it as gift wrap or snip it into greeting cards.

ALSO SEE : 6 Design-Friendly Ways to Display Kids' Artwork

Socks Without a Mate

We all have that bag of socks without their, ahem, sole mate. If you've done a full round of laundry without finding their partner, it's time to let them go.

Also See: 40 Clever Ways to Clean Up and Organize Your Laundry Room

Expired Makeup

How long have those cosmetics been lurking in your makeup bag? Mascara should be replaced every three months. Foundation and concealer are good for about a year, while lipstick, eye shadow and blush should be replaced every two years.

Also See: 15 Ways to Organize Your Makeup and Beauty Supplies

Makeup Samples

Give away anything you know you won't use. That perfume could be a massive hit as the centerpiece of a DIY spa gift for your loved one.

ALSO SEE: 5 Ways to Corral Cosmetics

Expired or Unidentifiable Medication

Dispose of old prescriptions and anything you can't identify, but — because meds are considered hazardous waste — it's important that you follow the FDA's guidelines. Also, check with your local pharmacy or law enforcement agencies as many offer year-round or seasonal drug take-back days so you can safely drop off unwanted meds for proper disposal.

ALSO SEE: 8 Things in Your House That Are Stressing You Out

Old Spices

Most ground spices should be replaced after 12 months. A simple test? Give each one a whiff. If there's no scent, there will be no flavor. Go ahead and toss it!

ALSO SEE : 30 Creative Ways to Organize Spices

From: Urbanology Designs

Your Past-Its-Prime Toothbrush

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush once every three months for maximum brushing power. We second that recommendation for minimal yuck. (Psst: Once its tooth-cleaning responsibilities are over, that same brush can do a number on grime in your bathtub!)

ALSO SEE: How to Clean a Bathtub

Last Year's Holiday Cards

You've enjoyed them, now it's time to let them go. Record any new or updated addresses to your phone or computer before chucking those no-longer-in-season greetings in the recycling bin.

ALSO SEE: 22 Recycling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Last Year's Gift Wrap

You probably refresh your wrapping paper supply while Christmas shopping, anyway, so go ahead and recycle the old stuff. If you can't bear to part with it, try keeping it organized in a rolling mesh laundry basket. You can also turn last year's leftovers into festive decor.

Also See: 14 Ways to Organize Your Wrapping Paper and Gift Bags

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Last Year's Calendar

Yep, there's a running theme here! Embrace the present by recycling last year's calendar. The same goes for a dated datebook.

Unidentified Frozen Objects

Toss any unidentifiable objects in the refrigerator or freezer. Want to up your zero-waste game? Find out where and how you can compost those oldies-but-no-longer-goodies.

Also See: How to Successfully Organize Your Refrigerator and Keep It Neat All Year

Movies You Don't Love

If you'd only give a film one thumb up or you wouldn't watch it again, it’s time to give it away. Make use of hidden storage for the titles you keep. While movie memorabilia is excellent decor for a media room, it’s more than OK to tuck away movie boxes until you need them.

See More Ideas: 15 Entertainment Centers For Displaying More Than Just Your TV

From: sKout

Expired Food

Throw away any canned goods past their expiration date. If you discover still-good packaged food you didn't like or won't eat, donate it to a local food pantry.

ALSO SEE: How to Successfully Organize Your Pantry and Keep It Neat All Year

Cookbooks You Never Use

Don’t be shy about paring your collection down to the greatest hits. Pass the titles that aren’t in regular rotation to friends who might get more use out of them — book-swap-themed potluck, anyone?

ALSO SEE: What’s Cookin’? Smart Storage Tips for Recipe Books

From: Tiffany Brooks

Take-Out Menus

You can typically find menus and numbers for all your go-tos online. Keep your favorites in one place by placing them in a plastic folder, then adhering the folder to the inside of your kitchen cabinet — which also works well for recipes!

Take-Out Condiments

Though their packaging sticks around forever, condiment packets' contents have best-by dates (nine months for ketchup, and 12-24 months for mustard and taco sauce) — and the only thing sadder than a junk drawer full of mini sauces is a junk drawer full of mini sauces that wouldn't even taste good if you got around to using them. Purge yours today!

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Mystery Keys

Most recycling centers have mixed-metal bins that are suitable for tossing your old keys; just make sure to remove any rubber or plastic coverings before you recycle. To double-check key-recycling regulations in your area, plug your zip code into Earth911's online guide.

Old Formalwear

If you know you'll never wear it after the event, sell it or donate it — there are several organizations that will take that old bridesmaid dress, prom dress or tux off your hands to give to someone in need.

Old Glasses

When you get your next pair of prescription frames, donate the old ones. Nonprescription reading glasses and unopened contact lenses can also be used as secondhand eye care, so be sure to pass them on, as well.

Business Cards

If you got that long-awaited promotion and now have 300 unused business cards with your old title, recycle them.

Also See: 10 Home Office Hacks to Get You Organized Now

Broken Umbrellas

The frustration of a flimsy, broken umbrella far out-hassles the act of investing in a new and functional one. Your serene (and much drier) future self will thank you for ditching the busted gear.

Old Chargers and Cables

A friend or relative might be able to use a spare USB cable or an old charger. Anything you can't give away can usually be recycled in an electronic store or online. Keep unruly cords organized by using media boxes that are divided into "cubbies" with scraps of cardboard. Label each section, so you'll never confuse the camera cord for the phone charger again, and give the boxes a bit of color by decorating the cardboard with scrapbook paper.

Also See: Keep Cord Chaos Under Control: Cable Management Tips, Products and Ideas

Remote Controls

Between digital video recorders, DVD players and cable boxes, most homeowners have more remote controls than they know what to do with. Get rid of the extras that you don't recognize anymore.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Compact Discs and Other Outdated Media

CD collection getting dusty? Organize the ones you really want to keep and sell or give away the rest. If you're up for an especially clutter-busting weekend DIY, consider digitizing those discs or offloading them to a third party that will do it for you; an external hard drive can be an inexpensive option.

Old Paint

Properly sealed (read: airtight) paint can last for up to 10 years if kept at an even temperature and prevented from freezing. However if, like most of us, you store leftover paint in the garage or shed, the temperature swings will cause it to break down much quicker. If you have old paint cans with bulging lids, leaky seams or, once opened, a thick layer of dried paint on top, it's time to give that can the toss. But, before tossing, research safe disposal steps by contacting your local household hazardous waste center. If the paint is still usable, you may even be able to donate it to a local charity, like Habitat for Humanity or even a local scout troop or school that could use the paint for crafts.

Also See: How to Store Leftover Paint

Receipts

If you think you might return an item or need to keep a receipt for a warranty, try scanning and keeping copies online instead of in an old shoebox. Note that thermal receipts like this one should be trashed rather added to your recycling bin; because they're coated with a plastic film, they can't be reused like other paper.

Books That Are Falling Apart

Take a long, hard look at your library — if the years have been less than kind to editions that don’t have sentimental value, it’s time to weed them out.

Also See: DIY Bookshelf Ideas You Can Make This Weekend (Plus, a Few Magazine Racks)

Curtains From Your Old Place

You brought them thinking surely they'd fit a window in your new place, but your new set of windows says otherwise. If you're handy with a sewing machine, old window treatments can be altered to fit your current space — which deserves curtains as lovely and well-proportioned as these!

Your Old License Plate

Our preferred method of disposal? Refrigerator magnets! (Honorable mention, though you'd need a lot of plates: A quirky room divider.)

ALSO SEE: How to Make Magnets From Old License Plates

Appliance Manuals

Most appliances' manuals are available online and ready to coach you through technical difficulties. Keep really important ones together in a folder and recycle the rest with confidence.

Super-Specialized Appliances

While you might feel a twinge of sadness the next time you have occasion to deep-fry an entire chicken and don’t have the countertop gadget with which to do so, consider the spacious serenity of these countertops, punctuated by just a toaster and a tablet. If your appliances aren’t getting regular use, clear them out.

Soap Scraps

If you're not already dedicated to melting down the slivers into one mega-soap (or grating and transforming them into liquid soap), chances are good that you're not about to start. Release that DIY (and that teeny, tiny soaplet).

From: Genevieve Gorder

Broken Picture Frames

Okay, yes, there's an exception: If you love the frame but the glass is shattered, you can get a new piece cut to size at a local glass repair shop. Otherwise, out with ‘em.

ALSO SEE: Empty Picture-Frame Wall Grouping

Bottles and Jars

Your kitchen cabinets were meant for better things. Try repurposing those vessels in your medicine cabinet — or upcycling your old Mason jars into something new.

ALSO SEE: 25 Clever Ways to Repurpose Mason Jars

Games With Missing Pieces

Card and board games get nonsensical (even existential) when you can’t play them properly. Save yourself the headache of Weird Monopoly or half a game of Hearts and toss incomplete sets. We’re looking at you as well, impossible-to-complete jigsaw puzzles.

ALSO SEE: Have an Epic Game Night With These HGTV-Star-Approved Picks

Old Maps

Let your GPS do the hard work of navigation and recycle unlovely old road-trip aids. Try mounting keepsake maps, in turn, as wall art.

ALSO SEE: Fragmented Map Art Project

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Stale Potpourri

Once its scent fades — which will happen in a few years if it's in a sachet in a drawer and in as little as a few weeks if it's exposed to sunlight or humidity — potpourri assumes its spooky-dust-magnet final form. When applications of essential oil are no longer rejuvenating it, send it on its way.

Disposable Cameras

If you’ve still got a couple lying around, it’s high time to put them to use. One idea is to hand them out to family and friends, then get the pictures developed to see what you get!

ALSO SEE: Digital Declutter: How to Organize and Store Your Photos

Old Craft Supplies

When you're crafty, supplies take up space and fast. Throw away any dried-up glue sticks, old paint and paintbrushes and then reorganize the supplies you want to keep.

Also See: Simple Solutions for Craft Room Clutter

From: sKout

Instruments No One's Playing

Unused musical instruments can be donated to and given a second life with someone who needs them — and if you develop an overwhelming itch to play again at some point, you can always acquire someone else's former gear (it's the circle of life!).

From: Blackband Design

Plastic Storage Containers

If your ancient leftover caddies refuse to give up the ghosts of spaghetti dinners past, it's more than alright for you to give them up. (Psst: You can give them one last chance with magically abrasive baking soda paste.)

ALSO SEE: 10 Crazy Ways to Use Baking Soda (That Don't Include Baking)

Stop Household Clutter: 50 Things to Get Rid of Right Now

Related To:

Shop This Look

Start Clearing Clutter Today

Wire Hangers

Cardboard Food Boxes

Your Kitchen Sponge

Dirty Air Filters

Old Shoes

Clothing You Don't Wear

Too-Small Kids' Clothing

Old Toys

Old Halloween Costumes

Filled Coloring Books

Socks Without a Mate

Expired Makeup

Makeup Samples

Expired or Unidentifiable Medication

Old Spices

Your Past-Its-Prime Toothbrush

Last Year's Holiday Cards

Last Year's Gift Wrap

Last Year's Calendar

Unidentified Frozen Objects

Movies You Don't Love

Expired Food

Cookbooks You Never Use

Take-Out Menus

Take-Out Condiments

Mystery Keys

Old Formalwear

Old Glasses

Business Cards

Broken Umbrellas

Old Chargers and Cables

Remote Controls

Compact Discs and Other Outdated Media

Old Paint

Receipts

Books That Are Falling Apart

Curtains From Your Old Place

Your Old License Plate

Appliance Manuals

Super-Specialized Appliances

Soap Scraps

Broken Picture Frames

Bottles and Jars

Games With Missing Pieces

Old Maps

Stale Potpourri

Disposable Cameras

Old Craft Supplies

Instruments No One's Playing

Plastic Storage Containers

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