Looking to simplify your life and transform your living space? In this blog post, I'll walk you through 10 items you can to toss right now for an instant boost of space and serenity. From kitchen gadgets collecting dust to toxic cleaning sprays endangering your health, I cover it all, shedding light on the importance of decluttering for both your physical and mental well-being. Whether you're a seasoned minimalist or just beginning your decluttering journey, this easy-to-follow advice will help you create a cleaner, happier living environment that sparks joy and cultivates peace of mind. Say goodbye to clutter and hello to a refreshed, rejuvenated space with our expert tips!

1. Kitchen Gadgets

We all have those gadgets that promised to make cooking easier but end up collecting dust in our drawers. Did you know the average household owns about 6 kitchen gadgets but only regularly uses 2 of them? It's time to say goodbye to those specialty cutting gadgets! You know the ones... the banana slicer, the avocado scooper, the grape slicing contraption, the vegetable spiralizer that seemed like a good idea at the time... LET THEM GO. Your kitchen drawers will thank you! There is one magical tool that can be found in every kitchen in America... it cuts anything you need it to, and it's called a knife. It takes up way less space, and it is 100x more versatile.

2. Chemical Cleaning Sprays

We've all been there... we open up the cabinet under our sink to a sea of brightly colored bottles --- a different cleaner for each surface and room in your home. Many chemical cleaning sprays contain harmful toxins that can affect your health and the environment. In fact, indoor air pollution levels can be 2 to 5 times higher—and occasionally more than 100 times higher—than outdoor levels, largely due to household cleaners and air fresheners. It's time to switch to safer, eco-friendly alternatives for a healthier home. I've personally used only baking soda, distilled white vinegar, and non-toxic dish soap to clean every room in my home for YEARS and it works super well. They take up way less space, they are more affordable, more versatile, and they are completely non-toxic. Yay!​

3. Uncomfortable Clothes

Life is too short to wear uncomfortable clothes. Whether it's that itchy sweater or those jeans that never fit quite right, let's make room for pieces that make us feel confident and comfortable. Think of each piece of clothing in your closet as a decision... as you pass through your closet wondering what to wear each day, it will make the task much easier if every single piece in your closet is comfortable, fits you right, and makes you feel like your best self!

4. Plastic Food Storage Containers

Plastic food storage may seem convenient, but did you know that heating plastic containers can release microplastics and harmful chemicals like BPA into your food? Even just putting hot foods inside can be enough to damage the plastic. Swap them out for glass or stainless steel containers for safer food storage. The picture below is from 2016 when I was doing house cleaning as a part time job to get me through college... almost every single piece of their Tupperware is stained orange from spaghetti sauce, and the white spots you see is damage to the plastic from being reheated in the microwave. The memory of this photo still haunts me to this day. Glass and stainless steel are much safer, and won't absorb food (and bacteria!) like plastic will.

5. The donation pile in the trunk of your car

That pile of donations sitting in your trunk or garage isn't doing anyone any good. Take the time to drop them off at a local charity or donation center THIS WEEK, check that task off of your list, and clear up valuable space in your home and your mind!

6. Old / Mismatched Towels

Growing up, I'm pretty sure we had the same towels my entire childhood. We'd get new ones from time to time, of course... but we'd never get rid of the old ones, even when they were gross. Towels lose their softness and absorbency over time. Let's declutter our linen closets by saying goodbye to old, mismatched towels and treat ourselves to fresh, fluffy ones. My favorite towels are the white ones from Costco. They are fluffy, absorbent, the perfect size, and SO affordable. 

7. Books you no longer reference

As much as we love books, let's be honest—some of them are just taking up space. Donate or sell the ones you know you won't read again and make room for new stories and adventures.

8. ​Neglected Board Games

 Board games can be a source of fun and entertainment, but only if we actually play them. Let's declutter our shelves by passing on the games we never touch and make space for quality time with loved ones. If you are an avid board game lover like we are, there are a ton of amazing hacks on different ways to store your board games to have them take up less space in your home. I personally love using those big zipper pouches and ditching the box, but if you don't want to go to all of that trouble, storing your games on their sides (like in the bottom left of the photo below) can make it a lot easier to access them.

9. Expired Makeup

If you want beautiful, glowing skin, paying attention to what you put on your body is just as important as paying attention to what you put in your body, nutritionally. Makeup has a shelf life, and using expired products can lead to skin irritation and infections. Check the expiration dates and toss anything that's past its prime to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Don't know how to check your product's expiration date? Look for this symbol on the back, bottom, or side of your makeup! The number stands for the amount of months your product is "good" for after opening.

10. Toys & books that have been outgrown

Kids grow out of toys and books faster than we realize. It's never too young to start teaching organized habits! By getting your child involved and excited about donating or passing on the items they've outgrown, they will not only make room for new experiences and memories, but have an easier time cleaning up as well. When shelves and toy boxes are overflowing and there is no clear, designated space for items to be put neatly away, how can you expect your kid to clean their room? Answer: You can't. By letting go of items they no longer have interest in and allowing more   O P E N   S P A C E   in the home, it will be easier for your kiddos to identify where items belong.
Well, there you have it—10 things you can declutter today to create a more organized and rejuvenated living space. Remember, decluttering isn't just about getting rid of stuff; it's about making room for the things that truly matter. If you need anything to help you organize AFTER you declutter, feel free to reach out for help or to browse my favorite organizing items on Amazon. Remember, as an Amazon Influencer, I do make a small amount of commission off of any purchases you make. As always, before you buy, make sure to measure your space! Happy organizing!

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