I am not one to set new year resolutions, but I do like a good old fashioned deep clean to start the new year off right. Getting rid of things we don’t need or don’t use is a great way to make space for all of the gifts from the holidays, and is also a good project to tackle indoors while the weather outside is too cold for much else. Follow along for my decluttering plan!

Room by Room Lists

I usually go room by room, which is also helpful to keep my cleaning mess contained to one space. I always get MLK day off from work which is a scheduled daycare day- this is the perfect day to drop off Baby G and get to work decluttering our home. We always choose to donate our items to the VA when possible vs. throwing items out.

LIVING ROOM

• Old magazines or books you won’t read again. I used to be a big book saver but now opt to pass them along to someone else with specific instructions to do the same.
• Excess throw blankets- this year we donated about ten blankets- so much space saved!
• Vases- keep one or two you love
• Decorative pillows you no longer like
• Electronics or cords- if you don’t know what the cord was for a year ago you won’t anytime in the future- toss it
• DVDs- does anyone actually need to save these anymore in the streaming era?
• Video game systems the kids don’t use anymore

UTILITY / LINEN CLOSET

• Torn towels & sheets
• Rags- keep a few (5-10 max)
• Excess small appliances (irons, steamers etc.)
• Dead batteries
• Cleaning / household supplies you don’t use
• Worn out bed pillows- another thing we were guilty of saving- we tossed about five
• Comforters that are no longer used
• Items from another life phase (ex: college)
• Used up candles
• Home décor items you no longer like

DECLUTTER LIST FOR THE COAT CLOSET

• Excess hangers / wire hangers
• Coats people no longer want / need
• Shoes people no longer want / need

OFFICE

• Old / unneeded documents
• Pens & pencils – keep a few good ones
• Digital cameras that are now outdated
• Business cards
• Excess USB drives (delete contents first)
• Trade show freebies you don’t need or use

PANTRY

• Expired and/or stale food
• Food you can donate (still good)
• Single use utensils / plates you don’t use
• Expired spices / spices you never use
• Pantry organizing items you never utilize
• Excess plastic or reusable bags

KITCHEN

• Fridge cleanout – take everything out, toss expired food, wipe all shelves
• Excess cooking tools
• Excess glassware
• Excess sauce packets & take-out items
• Old unusable rubber bands
• Too many extra bread ties / twist ties
• Appliances you never use
• Excess serving platters / hosting items
• Excess barware
• Dishware you inherited but don’t use
• Dish towels that are old & dirty
• Excess pots & pans
• Fridge magnets you don’t care about
• Cleaning sponges – only need a few in use
• Extra or unmatched food containers

BEDROOM

• Paper clutter on surfaces
• Create a home for loose change
• Random items under the bed
• Too many books next to the bed
• Go through all clothes in dressers
• Declutter your bedside table

BEDROOM CLOSET

• Off-season items (swap seasonally)
• Clothes you no longer wear or don’t fit
• Excess hats
• Old undergarments & socks
• Handbags you don’t use
• Thin out your t-shirt collection
• Shoes you never wear
• Excess scarves
• Swimsuits that are worn out or dated
• Broken or old sunglasses
• Sentimental items you no longer want
• Broken or old jewelry
• Décor that is no longer your taste
• Formal items that you won’t wear again

BATHROOM

• Old / expired makeup & brushes
• Old / expired sunscreen
• Old / expired medication
• Excess hair brushes & tools
• Worn out hair ties or bobby pins
• Beauty products you don’t use or like
• Dried out / separated nail polish
• Beauty / travel samples you haven’t used
• Cleaning products you tried but don’t like

PLAYROOM

• Broken toys
• Toys the kids don’t like / outgrown
• Markers that have dried out
• Games or puzzles with missing pieces
• Declutter collections (Barbies / Legos)
• Used up coloring / activity books
• Play-Doh that has dried out
• Too-small dress up / costumes

Cheers to starting out the new year with a less cluttered home!

What are some ways you keep your home decluttered throughout the year? Let me know below in the comments!