Ultimate Declutter Checklist

If you’ve ever looked around your home and felt overwhelmed by all the stuff, you’re not alone. Clutter builds up slowly—from closets packed with clothes to drawers full of papers and random gadgets—and before you know it, it’s everywhere.

That’s why I created this Ultimate Declutter Checklist to help you tackle every area of your home step-by-step. Instead of wondering where to start, you can move through each category with purpose and confidence.

This checklist covers it all—kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, garage, closets, hobby areas, digital spaces, and more. Whether you have ten minutes or an entire weekend, you’ll know exactly what to focus on and what to let go of.

Think of it as your room-by-room guide to clearing the clutter and making space for what truly matters. By the end, your home will feel lighter, calmer, and easier to manage—one small section at a time.

Your Ultimate Declutter Checklist:

Kitchen Declutter

The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in any home—and also one of the easiest places for clutter to build up. Between gadgets, half-used containers, mismatched dishes, and those “just in case” items, it’s easy to run out of space.

Decluttering your kitchen helps everything run smoothly, from cooking meals to cleaning up afterward. The goal isn’t to get rid of everything—it’s to keep only what you actually use and love, so your counters stay clear, your drawers open easily, and cooking feels like a joy instead of a chore.

Things to Declutter From Your Kitchen

Cookware & Bakeware

Extra pots and pans you never use
Duplicate frying pans or saucepans
Rusty or warped baking sheets
Old muffin tins, cake pans, or pie plates you never bake with
Slow cookers, air fryers, or appliances that just take up space
Worn-out or unused baking utensils

Utensils & Tools

Duplicate spatulas, spoons, or tongs
Broken or melted utensils
Specialty gadgets you never reach for (banana slicer, avocado cutter, etc.)
Dull or duplicate knives
Extra measuring cups and spoons
Old cutting boards in poor shape

Dishes & Glassware

Chipped or cracked plates and bowls
Mismatched glasses, mugs, or cups
Plastic cups and containers missing lids
More dishes than your household needs
Old kids’ dishes your children have outgrown

Food & Pantry Items

Expired canned goods or condiments
Spices that are years old or never used
Duplicate ingredients
Open snacks or grains past their freshness date
Old baking supplies (flour, sugar, etc.)
Plastic bags, twist ties, or take-out sauces piling up

Small Appliances & Electronics

Appliances that don’t work properly
Duplicates (two blenders, two toasters, etc.)
Appliances you rarely use (waffle maker, fondue pot)
Old cords or instruction manuals

Storage Containers & Organization

Containers without lids (or lids without containers)
Stained or warped plastic containers
Old lunch boxes or water bottles
Extra jars, vases, or glass bottles you never reuse
Random baskets or bins that no longer fit your space

Cookbooks & Paper Items

Cookbooks you never open
Printed recipes you can find online
Expired coupons or old receipts
Take-out menus (just keep digital versions)

Cleaning Supplies

Empty or nearly empty bottles
Duplicate cleaning sprays
Old sponges or dish brushes
Worn kitchen towels or rags

Miscellaneous Kitchen Items

Magnets or papers cluttering the fridge
Old tablecloths, placemats, or napkins
Candles or décor items that don’t fit your style
Excess reusable grocery bags
Junk drawer odds and ends (pens, batteries, rubber bands, etc.)

Declutter the Bathroom

Bathrooms are small spaces that fill up fast — drawers packed with half-used products, expired medicines, and baskets overflowing with samples or extra toiletries. A cluttered bathroom can make mornings feel stressful, while a simplified one feels calm and refreshing.

Decluttering your bathroom is all about clearing out the old and unused so you can easily find what you need every day. Focus on keeping only what you truly use and love, and give everything else permission to go.

Things to Declutter From Your Bathroom

Personal Care Products

Expired or old skincare products
Half-used lotions, shampoos, or conditioners you don’t love
Old makeup or broken compacts
Nail polish that’s dried out or colors you never wear
Hair products that don’t work for you
Extra or duplicate razors, tweezers, and nail clippers
Perfumes or body sprays you no longer like

Medicine Cabinet & First Aid

Expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines
Empty pill bottles or outdated vitamins
Dried-up ointments or creams
Duplicate first aid supplies (too many bandages or wraps)
Old thermometers or broken medical tools

Hair & Styling Tools

Old or broken hair dryers, curling irons, or straighteners
Brushes or combs with missing bristles or product buildup
Hair ties and clips that have stretched out or broken
Extra styling tools you never use

Linens & Towels

Worn-out bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths
Old bath mats or rugs that have seen better days
Extra towels taking up space (keep a practical amount per person)
Outdated shower curtains or liners

Toiletries & Bathroom Supplies

Sample-size products you’ll never use
Extra toothbrushes or floss from dentist visits
Toothpaste tubes that are nearly empty
Soaps, bath bombs, or bath salts you don’t use
Travel-size items that have expired or leaked

Storage & Decor

Empty or mismatched storage bins
Worn or unused baskets or organizers
Unused jars, bottles, or vanity containers
Décor items that collect dust or no longer match your style
Old candles or air fresheners with no scent left

Paper & Miscellaneous

Outdated magazines or reading material
Extra toilet paper rolls taking over cabinets (keep a small stock only)
Old shower caps or loofahs
Expired sunscreen or bug spray stored in the bathroom
Broken scales or unused bathroom gadgets

Keep the Bedroom Clutter-Free

The bedroom should feel like a peaceful retreat, not a storage space. Over time, it’s easy for piles of clothes, random décor, and “I’ll deal with that later” items to take over. Decluttering your bedroom helps create a calm, cozy space where you can actually rest. Focus on simplifying your surroundings—clearing surfaces, organizing your clothes, and keeping only the things that bring comfort or serve a purpose. A tidy bedroom sets the tone for a calm start and end to every day.

Things to Declutter From Your Bedroom

Clothing & Accessories

Clothes that don’t fit or you haven’t worn in a year
Damaged or stained clothing you never repaired
Duplicate basics (too many jeans, T-shirts, or pajamas)
Shoes that are uncomfortable or rarely worn
Jewelry that’s broken, tangled, or not your style
Belts, scarves, hats, or handbags you never reach for
Unused hangers taking up space in the closet

Furniture & Surfaces

Nightstands cluttered with old books, papers, or receipts
Broken lamps or outdated light fixtures
Extra furniture that crowds the room
Unused mirrors, chairs, or benches
Trinkets or decor items collecting dust
Garage Organized

Under the Bed & Hidden Spaces

Storage bins full of things you forgot about
Old shoes, clothes, or sentimental items hiding under the bed
Items you meant to donate long ago

Linens To Let Go Of

The linen closet is one of those spaces that seems to attract extras—extra towels, extra sheets, extra everything. Over time, it becomes a mix of things you use all the time and things you forgot you even owned.

Decluttering your linen storage area helps you easily find what you need and keeps your home feeling organized and fresh. The goal is to keep only what you actually use and love, and donate or repurpose the rest.

Things to Declutter From Your Linen Closet

Bedding & Linens

Extra sheet sets that don’t fit any current beds
Old or faded pillowcases
Blankets that are worn, ripped, or rarely used
Outdated comforters or bedspreads
Decorative pillows or shams that no longer match your style
Mattress pads or covers that have seen better days

Towels & Bath Linens

Old or frayed bath towels
Hand towels and washcloths that have lost their softness
Beach towels you no longer use
Duplicate sets taking up too much space
Towels with stains or bleach marks

Table & Dining Linens

Tablecloths and placemats that don’t fit your current table
Napkins or runners you never use
Seasonal linens that you no longer love

Guest & Seasonal Items

Extra bedding for guests that’s outdated or mismatched
Air mattresses with leaks or missing parts
Holiday linens or blankets that no longer get used
Specialty pillows or blankets you’ve been storing “just in case”

Storage & Organization

Baskets, bins, or containers that don’t serve a purpose
Empty packaging from old bedding sets
Broken hangers, clips, or organizers
Vacuum storage bags that don’t seal properly

Miscellaneous Items Often Found in Linen Storage

Old curtains or drapes
Unused throw blankets
Heating pads, hot water bottles, or electric blankets that no longer work
Scent sachets or air fresheners that have lost their scent
Random household textiles you forgot about

Hobbies You No Longer Like

Hobbies are wonderful—until the supplies start taking over. Maybe you used to paint, scrapbook, or sew, but life got busy, and now those materials are sitting in a closet collecting dust. Decluttering old hobby supplies can feel emotional because it’s tied to a version of yourself or a season of life that’s passed.

But letting go of hobbies you no longer do makes space—literally and mentally—for the things you truly enjoy right now. It’s not about giving up creativity; it’s about freeing up room for new interests to grow.

Things to Declutter From Old Hobbies

Crafting & Art Supplies

Dried-up paints, glue, or markers
Craft paper, stickers, or scrapbooking supplies you no longer use
Extra brushes, scissors, or tools you’ve replaced
Old or unfinished art projects
Glitter, ribbon, or beads you haven’t touched in years

Sewing, Knitting & Fabric Crafts

Fabric scraps or remnants you’ll never use
Patterns you no longer love or that don’t fit your current style
Duplicate thread spools or worn needles
Unfinished sewing or knitting projects
Extra yarn from past projects

Sports & Outdoor Hobbies

Equipment for sports you no longer play
Old camping gear, tents, or sleeping bags
Fishing gear, bikes, or golf clubs that are collecting dust
Skis, snowboards, or helmets that haven’t been used in years
Workout equipment or yoga mats you don’t use anymore

Music & Instruments

Instruments you no longer play or that need repairs
Sheet music, stands, or accessories you never use
Old cases, cords, or amps for instruments you sold

Collecting & Other Past Interests

Collectibles or memorabilia you’ve lost interest in
Puzzle and board games that are missing pieces
Model kits or hobby sets left unfinished
Photography props or gear you no longer use
Books or magazines related to old hobbies

Storage & Extras

Bins and boxes filled with old hobby supplies
Organizers or containers that now sit empty
Instruction manuals or how-to guides for hobbies you’ve moved on from

Clean Out The Shed or Garage

The shed is one of those places that’s easy to forget about—until you open the door and realize you can’t even step inside! Over time, it becomes the catch-all for tools, garden supplies, outdoor toys, and half-finished projects.

Decluttering your shed makes outdoor chores easier, saves you time looking for things, and frees up space for the items you actually use. The goal is to get rid of what’s broken, expired, or no longer needed so your shed feels functional again instead of overwhelming.

Things to Declutter From Your Outdoor Shed or Garage

Tools & Hardware

Broken or rusty tools
Duplicate hammers, screwdrivers, or wrenches
Old nails, screws, or hardware scattered in jars
Power tools you no longer use or that don’t work
Extension cords that are frayed or unsafe
Empty toolboxes or organizers

Gardening Supplies

Dried-up soil bags or old fertilizer
Broken pots or planters
Rusted shovels, rakes, or trowels
Empty seed packets or outdated seeds
Cracked watering cans or leaky hoses
Garden décor or stakes you no longer use

Outdoor & Yard Items

Broken lawn ornaments or faded décor
Old patio furniture cushions or covers
Grills or fire pits that don’t work anymore
Excess plant containers or unused garden stakes
Outdoor toys that are broken or outgrown
Damaged holiday lights or lawn decorations

Storage & Containers

Empty bins or buckets taking up space
Cardboard boxes ruined by moisture
Paint cans, chemicals, or cleaners that have expired
Random cords, parts, or project leftovers
Broken shelving or hooks

Seasonal & Maintenance Items

Worn-out gloves, boots, or work aprons
Old bags of sand, salt, or ice melt
Outdated lawn care products or weed killers
Broken snow shovels or rakes
Duplicates of items you only need one of (like hoses or sprinklers)

Declutter the Computer

Your computer might not take up physical space, but digital clutter can weigh you down just as much as the stuff in your home. Old files, photos, and downloads can make your computer run slower and make it harder to find what you actually need.

Decluttering your computer helps you stay organized, improves performance, and gives you that same fresh, light feeling as a newly cleaned room. The goal is to create a tidy digital space that works efficiently and feels calm every time you log in.

Things to Declutter From Your Computer

Files & Documents

Old projects, assignments, or work files you no longer need
Multiple versions of the same document
Random text files or notes you never open
Duplicated or outdated resumes and cover letters
Receipts or downloads that have already been saved elsewhere

Photos & Videos

Blurry or duplicate photos
Screenshots you no longer need
Unused stock images or old graphics
Videos that take up large amounts of space but serve no purpose

Downloads & Desktop

Files sitting in your “Downloads” folder
Programs or installers you no longer use
Old PDF guides, eBooks, or manuals you’ve already read
Desktop shortcuts or icons cluttering your screen

Emails & Communication

Old emails you no longer need to save
Spam or promotional messages
Outdated attachments taking up storage space
Unused contacts in your address book
Old chat logs or conversation backups

Apps & Programs

Software you don’t use anymore
Games or trial programs taking up memory
Browser extensions you forgot about
Apps that duplicate what another app already does

System & Storage

Empty folders or duplicates
Temporary files and cache data
Old backups or restore points
Outdated drivers or updates
Files sitting in your Trash or Recycle Bin

Organization Tips

Create labeled folders for work, personal, and photos
Back up important files to a cloud drive or external hard drive
Schedule a regular “digital cleanup” every few months

Home Office Decluttering

A cluttered home office can make it hard to focus and stay productive. Piles of papers, tangled cords, and random office supplies tend to build up over time until your workspace feels more stressful than inspiring.

Decluttering your home office helps clear your mind, streamline your workflow, and make it easier to stay organized. The goal is to keep what you actually use and love—and let go of everything that’s just taking up space.

Things to Declutter From Your Home Office

Paper & Documents

Old bills, receipts, and paperwork you no longer need
Expired warranties and manuals (most are online now)
Junk mail or promotional flyers
Outdated planners or calendars
Notes and sticky reminders you’ve already completed
Duplicate or unnecessary printed copies

Office Supplies

Dried-out pens, markers, or highlighters
Broken staplers or hole punches
Extra paper clips, rubber bands, or binder clips
Excess notebooks or pads you’ll never use
Worn-out folders or binders
Old printer paper, labels, or sticky notes

Technology & Electronics

Outdated laptops, monitors, or keyboards
Broken chargers, cords, or cables
Old phones or tablets stored “just in case”
Obsolete computer accessories (webcams, mice, etc.)
Non-working printers or scanners
Empty ink cartridges or old batteries

Furniture & Decor

Extra office chairs or desks that crowd the space
Decor or wall art that feels distracting or outdated
Desk organizers that no longer fit your setup
Lamps that don’t work or don’t provide enough light
Decorative items that collect dust

Storage & Organization

Old boxes or bins filled with random items
Files or storage drawers you haven’t opened in years
Outdated filing systems or binders
Empty packaging or shipping supplies you don’t need
Duplicate office tools or supplies

Digital Workspace

Cluttered computer desktop or full downloads folder
Unused software or browser extensions
Email inbox full of old messages
Bookmarks or saved links you no longer visit
Random notes or files saved on your desktop

Personal & Miscellaneous Items

Snacks, dishes, or cups left on your desk
Gifts or trinkets that distract from your workspace
Unused planners or journals
Old business cards or brochures

Declutter Your Phone

Too much stuff on your phone can slow it down and make you think you need a new one. Save money and frustration by clearing out your phone.

Ideas of What to Clear Off Your Phone:

Apps you don’t use
Old videos you don’t need
Photos that aren’t good
Close all the pages that are open on your phone
Shut all the open internet pages

Cleaning Supplies

Most of us have way too many cleaning supplies! We buy something to try, don’t like it, and now it sits in our cupboard forever.

Declutter:

Cleaning rags you don’t like
Spray bottles that don’t work well
Cleaning products that didn’t work
Toxic Products you don’t want to smell in your home.

Decluttering Holiday Decor

It can be hard to let go of holiday decorations because they can hold sentimental value. If you are struggling with this try to separate the memories from the item itself. Imagine the decor is someone else’s. This can make it easier to let go.

Holiday decor to declutter:

Anything broken
Cheesy decor (I say this from experience)
When you have too much and the bins won’t shut
Declutter when there are not enough areas in your home to add the decor.
Things that were a trend and are no longer a trend.

Unused Home Decor Must Go

Home decor can bring warmth and personality to your space—but too much of it can make your home feel busy and overwhelming. Over the years, it’s easy to collect decor that no longer fits your style or that you simply don’t notice anymore. When decluttering, look around and ask yourself which pieces you truly love and which ones are just filling space.

Let go of anything that feels dated, broken, or out of place. Simplifying your decor doesn’t mean your home will feel empty—it means every piece you keep will have meaning, stand out, and help your home feel calm and intentional.

Decor that can go:

Too many vases
Anything that is out of style
Things that you don’t really love
General art that does not bring you happiness
When you have too much in one area
Old frames
Anything broken (if you don’t intend to fix it then let it go)
Decor that no longer works in your home
Things that are mismatched to your current style
Boxes
Too many pillows
Throw blankets that are worn out
Useless decor that can make an area look cluttered

Clear Out The Car

My car can fill up with clutter faster than any other area! Go through and clean it out.

Things to clean out:

Trash
Toys
Clothing that’s left behind
Too many reusable grocery bags
Sunglasses
Old Car books
Boxes and Bins that are not being used
Towels

Declutter the Kid’s room

When decluttering my kids’ room, I always start with the obvious, but then I dig in deeper. These items I list will obviously vary depending on what you store in your children’s room.

Things to get rid of:

The clothing they don’t wear
Clothes that don’t fit or are worn out
Shoes they don’t like or don’t fit
The toys they don’t play with
Trash
Anything broken
Toys that are above their level or below their age level (as a minimalist, I like to keep only the toys they are actually playing with)
Too many blankets or sheets
Try setting limits on toys and clothes (most kids have their favorite things). Get rid of the rest.
Declutter things that are on the walls
Old art projects
Stuffed Animals

Decluttering Checklist Conclusion

In the end, decluttering isn’t about getting rid of everything—it’s about making space for what truly matters. As you work through each area of your home, from the kitchen to the garage, remember that every small step adds up.

First, start with the easier spaces to build momentum. Next, move on to areas that need a little more thought, like sentimental items or hobbies you’ve outgrown. Then, once you begin to see and feel the difference, it becomes easier to keep going.

Ultimately, the goal is progress, not perfection. Whether you clear out one drawer or a whole room, you’re creating more peace, clarity, and breathing room in your home.

Finally, celebrate your wins along the way—each item you let go of brings you closer to a simpler, more organized life. Keep this checklist handy, revisit it often, and enjoy the sense of calm that comes from living in a space that truly serves you.

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Ultimate Declutter Checklist

Your Ultimate Declutter Checklist: