9 Things You Can Declutter Right Now (and Feel Instantly Lighter)

“The first step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don’t.” — Joshua Becker

Let’s be honest — the idea of decluttering can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve lived in your home for decades. Every cupboard tells a story, every drawer hides a little bit of history. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to tackle it all at once.

The magic of rightsizing — the process of simplifying your home and life — lies in starting small. A few intentional choices each day can free up your space and your energy, helping you create a home that restores rather than drains you.

Here are nine things you can declutter right now to begin reclaiming your calm.

1. Old Cords and Chargers

You know that drawer — the one filled with mystery cables and outdated chargers? If you can’t remember what device they belong to, it’s safe to let them go.

Try this: Gather every cord in one place. Keep only those that connect to devices you still use. Recycle the rest at an electronics depot — and enjoy that satisfying feeling of an untangled drawer.

2. Expired Coupons and Receipts

Receipts for warranties or tax purposes deserve a file folder. Everything else? Out they go.

Why it matters: Paper clutter breeds quickly and invisibly. A five-minute clean-out of your wallet, purse, or kitchen drawer can give you an instant sense of order.

3. Unused or Expired Beauty Products

Lotions that smell “a little off,” old lipstick shades, and half-used hotel shampoos — they quietly take up space. Beauty and personal care items do expire and can irritate skin once opened too long.

Try this: Keep only the products you use weekly. Donate unopened extras to shelters, and toss the rest guilt-free.

4. Empty Boxes

We’ve all saved boxes “just in case.” But the space they occupy could be better used.

Ask yourself: “If I needed a box tomorrow, could I easily find one?” (The answer is always yes — stores and recycling bins have plenty.) Flatten or recycle unused boxes, and enjoy breathing room in your closets or garage.

5. Half-Used or Dried-Up Stationery

Pens that no longer write, notebooks with three pages filled, and random envelopes can pile up fast.

Small step: Keep one good set of pens, a pad of paper, and a few envelopes. Donate or recycle the rest. Your desk will thank you.

6. Single Socks and Mismatched Gloves

That lonely sock whose partner disappeared years ago? It’s not coming back.

Try this: Turn mismatched socks into dusting cloths — or release them completely. You’ll never waste time searching for “the other one” again.

7. Duplicate Kitchen Items

Extra spatulas, cracked plastic containers, or that fourth casserole dish you haven’t used since 2008 — they all compete for valuable drawer space.

Quick win: Keep your favourite versions and donate the duplicates. A decluttered kitchen makes cooking (and cleanup) so much more enjoyable.

8. Old Towels and Linens

It’s easy to hang onto “just-in-case” bedding, but faded towels and threadbare sheets often linger long after their prime.

Repurpose or release: Animal shelters and vets gladly accept old linens. You’ll feel good knowing they’re still serving a purpose — just not cluttering your closet.

9. Gifts You Never Liked (and That’s Okay)

We often hold onto items out of guilt — that vase from a friend or a decorative plate from years past. But gifts are meant to bring joy, not obligation.

Mindful moment: Keep the sentiment, not the stuff. The person who gave it would want you to be happy, not burdened. Pass it along to someone who will truly love it.

Letting Go with Grace — and Keeping It That Way

Decluttering isn’t just about clearing space; it’s about creating peace. Every item in your home holds a bit of your story — but not every story needs to continue on your shelves.

As you sort, hold each item and ask: “Does this still support the life I want to live today?” If it does, keep it with appreciation. If not, thank it for its place in your past and release it with grace.

Once you’ve cleared space, the next step is to protect it.

• Adopt a “one in, one out” rule. For every new item that enters your home, let one go.

• Schedule a 10-minute tidy. A quick daily reset prevents clutter from creeping back.

• Create drop zones. Keep baskets near entrances to corral mail, keys, and glasses.

• Shop mindfully. Ask, “Do I really need this, or am I filling space out of habit?”

Finally, take a deep breath and notice how your home feels. That extra shelf, that cleared counter, that empty drawer — they’re not bare; they’re full of possibility.

Space gives you freedom. Freedom to move with ease. Freedom to breathe. Freedom to say yes to what truly matters — experiences, relationships, and peace of mind.

Final Thought

Decluttering isn’t about having less — it’s about making room for more of what matters. Whether you’re preparing to rightsize, simplify, or simply breathe easier, start today with one small decision.

Because every item you let go of lightens not only your home — but your heart.

Let’s make your next move one of your better moves.
Contact us for your complimentary rightsizing consultation.