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It’s Time to Declutter: 15 Things You Can Let Go Of Right Now

Declutter your home with these 15 simple tips! From old tech and expired makeup to unmatched earrings and cluttered countertops, learn how to clear out unused items and make space for what matters.

We've all got those items lying around, taking up precious space and doing absolutely nothing. It's easy to hang onto stuff with the hope it’ll be useful someday, but honestly, it's time to let go.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be difficult. By breaking it down into small steps, you can transform your home into a more organized, stress-free space.

Why Decluttering Matters:

Decluttering isn’t just about aesthetics; it has tangible benefits for your well-being:

  • Less Stress: A tidy home reduces anxiety and creates a sense of calm.

  • Improved Focus: A clean environment minimizes distractions and helps you stay on task.

  • Time-Saving: Finding items becomes quicker and easier when everything has a place.

  • Simplified Cleaning: With fewer items, cleaning is faster and less labor-intensive.

What You’ll Need:

Before you begin, gather these essentials:

  • Garbage bins: For kitchen and bathroom waste.

  • Storage bins: To organize bedroom, closet, living room, and entryway items.

  • Drawer dividers: Perfect for organizing smaller items in any room.

Decluttering your home doesn’t have to feel like an impossible task. With a plan, the right tools, and a room-by-room approach, you’ll create a space that’s functional, inviting, and clutter-free. 

These small boxes bring order to your chaos, helping you organize socks, lingerie, accessories, belts, and jewelry in your wardrobe or chest of drawers. Made of recycled polyester, they contribute to a more sustainable future by using waste as a resource. When not in use, simply open the zipper at the bottom and fold the boxes flat to save space. They come in sizes 14x14x13 cm, 28x14x13 cm, and 28x28x13 cm, with two of each included.

Price: ₦32,715. Where to Buy: Shop Mumzcentral.

Here’s a list of things we all forget about and should probably toss or recycle.

1. Old Tech Gadgets

I can’t be the only one holding onto old phones as if they’re going to become vintage treasures. But honestly, those old Phones, headphones, USB cords, chargers? They’re just taking up space. Instead of letting them collect dust, why not let them go?

2. Expired Coupons and Gift Cards

Ever reach for a gift card, only to find it’s been sitting in your wallet for a while? Same here. Take a moment to check the dates and balances of your gift cards and coupons. If they’re expired or empty, toss ‘em! But if they still have something left, it’s a perfect excuse to treat yourself.

3. Dead Batteries

I’ve got a drawer and remotes full of random batteries—some work, most don’t. It’s like a game of roulette every time I need one. Instead of tossing dead ones back in the drawer, check which ones work and properly.

4. Expired Condiments

Take a quick audit of your kitchen and toss anything that's expired. Bonus: Rinse out the bottles! You’ll thank yourself when you can actually fit all your fresh spices without the old condiments taking up space.

5. Expired Makeup and Skincare

It’s not just makeup—your skincare has an expiration date too. We’re all guilty of holding onto old products, but those bottles of sunscreen or face creams? They’ve probably lost their effectiveness. Check your labels and make it a habit to toss anything past its expiry date.

6. Expired Medications

Don’t keep old meds hanging around. Most medications lose their effectiveness over time. If you're not sure when it’s time to toss, look it up online.

7. Old Shower Items

You know those body washes and skincare products you swear you’ll use but never do? They just sit there taking up space on your tiny shower ledge. Time to toss the half-used stuff and keep only what you actually reach for.

8. Old Bedding

New sheets are a great way to freshen up your space, but what about those old duvet covers and bedsheets that never see the light of day? Keep a couple for guests, but pare down your stash to free up closet space.

9. Broken Pens

How many pens do you have that don’t work? Instead of hoarding them in a drawer, do a quick check. Test them all on a piece of scrap paper and toss the ones that don't work. It’ll make your journaling sessions way smoother.

10. Books You’ll Never Read

If a book has been sitting on your shelf for years and you know you’ll never crack it open, it’s time to let it go. Books can be great decor, but if they’re just collecting dust, it’s okay to pass them on.

11. Countertop Clutter

Ever notice your surfaces are always cluttered with papers, skincare bottles, or random things? Instead of just piling stuff up, give everything a home. A little organization goes a long way in reducing visual chaos.

Make the best of your vertical spaces with these wall mounted storage boxes. Price: ₦1,400. Where to Buy: Shop Light Trybe.

12. Old Clothes

As tempting as it is to dive into cleaning, focus on the clothes you’ll actually wear for the year. Now’s the time to figure out which items to keep and which to pass on for next year’s wardrobe refresh.

13. Missing Lids on Containers

We all have those meal prep containers that mysteriously lose their lids. If you can’t find the match, wash it out and toss it. It’s a small step toward organizing your kitchen, and trust me, your cabinets will thank you.

14. Earrings Without a Match

Anyone else hanging onto single earrings, hoping to find their match someday? Spoiler alert: you probably won’t. It’s time to say goodbye to the lonely studs and declutter your jewelry box.

15. Anything You Haven’t Used in Six Months

Take a look around your space. If you haven’t used something in six months, it’s probably not serving you anymore. Whether it’s an old mug, that one candle you never liked, or a lipstick you’ll never wear, it’s time to let it go.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a huge project—it’s just about making small decisions that’ll free up space and bring a sense of calm. Ready to get started? Let’s make room for what really matters this year.

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