Declutter for Self-Care: 50 Items to Toss for Better Mental Health
Decluttering can boost your overall mental well-being. It's not just about tidying up – it's a powerful act of self-care. This guide helps you identify 25 common household items to let go of, creating a more peaceful and organized living space.
Declutter for Self-Care: 50 Items to Toss for Better Mental Health
If you’re thinking it’s time to declutter but feel overwhelmed about where to start, don’t worry—I’ve got you!
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to decluttering. You can dive in and tackle it all at once, or take a slower, more manageable route by spreading it out over time. The latter is perfect if your schedule is tight, as it allows you to break things into smaller, 30-60 minute chunks. If even that feels like too much right now, this article is here to ease you in with a mini-decluttering session you can implement anytime.
Think of it as a light dusting before a deep clean. Spend just a few minutes each day finding something to toss. Start with a quick scan of your home, then use this list of 50 common items you can let go of right away. Let’s make some space for calm and clarity, one step at a time!
The Psychological Benefits of Decluttering
Why is decluttering so important? Clutter can actually have a negative impact on your mental health. Studies have shown a strong correlation between a cluttered environment and increased stress levels. When you're constantly surrounded by visual and mental noise, it can be difficult to relax and unwind. Your mind becomes cluttered too, making it harder to focus, concentrate, and simply enjoy the present moment.
Imagine walking into a room that's clean, organized, and free of distractions. Doesn't it instantly feel more peaceful and inviting? That's the power of decluttering. By removing physical clutter from your environment, you're also creating space for mental clarity and emotional calm.
When you declutter, you're not just getting rid of stuff; you're letting go of the weight of accumulated possessions. This can lead to a significant boost in your mood and overall well-being. Studies have shown that decluttering can help to:
Reduce stress and anxiety: A cluttered environment can constantly bombard your senses, leading to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. By decluttering, you're creating a more peaceful and calming atmosphere, which can help to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
Improve mood: When you're surrounded by clutter, it can be difficult to feel good about yourself or your surroundings. Decluttering can help you to feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in your living space, which can have a positive impact on your overall mood.
Increase focus and productivity: A cluttered workspace can be a major distraction. When you're constantly bombarded by visual stimuli, it can be difficult to concentrate on the task at hand. By decluttering your workspace, you can create a more focused and productive environment.
Boost self-esteem: Decluttering can be a empowering experience. As you let go of unwanted possessions, you may start to feel a sense of liberation and control. This can have a positive impact on your self-esteem and confidence.
This list provides a starting point for your decluttering journey. Don't feel overwhelmed; tackle a few items daily. Consistent small efforts make a big difference. Even a few minutes each day can maintain a more organized and less stressful home. This list is also helpful after a deep clean to prevent clutter buildup and maintain the peace you've achieved.
50 Items to Declutter Now
Now that you understand the powerful link between decluttering and mental health, let's dive into the fun part: identifying 50 items to toss.
Try tackling just one a day:
Kitchen & Pantry (1 - 13)
Old and expired food, especially ones that are fuzzy and green
Broken or unused appliances
Duplicate kitchen utensils
Single-use plastics
Cookbooks you never use. Recipes are easy to find online
Spices and restaurant sauce packs you don’t use
Chipped or stained coffee mugs
Broken or unused kitchen gadgets
Plastic containers with stains or missing lids. Keep only what you need.
Old cleaning supplies
Worn out pots and pans
Broken or unused kitchen appliances
Take out menus. Menus can usually be found online.
Bedroom and Closet (14 - 19)
Clothes that no longer fit, are worn out, or haven’t been worn in a year
Mismatch earrings and broken jewelry
Old ties, belts, purses, hats, scarves, and gloves
Worn out and uncomfortable shoes
Mismatched or worn out socks
Old bed linen and comforters
Bathroom (20 - 27)
Expired toiletries and personal care products
Empty bottles and containers
Excess towels
Old razors and toothbrushes
Hair styling tools you never use
Expired sunscreen
Old nail polish & makeup
Hair accessories you never use
Living Room/Common Areas (28 - 33)
Old magazines and newspapers
Decorative items you don't love
Toss old plants and give away those you’re not attached to
Remote controls you don't use
Books you've already read and won't read again
Old DVDs and CDs you don’t use
Home Office/Workspace (34 - 40)
Old coupons and mail
Old paperwork & files
Outdated technology & electronics
Unnecessary supplies
Unfinished projects you haven’t touched in 3 months
Old manuals
Excess pens, pencils, and markers
General/Miscellaneous (41 - 50)
Old cleaning supplies including worn out rags
Board games with missing pieces
Unused or expired medications (if stored in common areas)
Extra cords & wires that have no or unknown purpose
Unused or expired medications
Old phone chargers and cases
Unused gift bags and wrapping paper
Old batteries
Craft supplies you no longer use
Anything that doesn't bring you joy or serve a purpose
This grouping should make the decluttering process more manageable and give you a clearer sense of where to start. Remember to approach this with a mindful and intentional attitude. Let go of what no longer serves you and create a more peaceful and organized living space.
If you have a bit more time and you're looking for a more impactful approach to decluttering, you might enjoy Clara Haven's book, Declutter Like a Tornado.
This book emphasizes a mindful yet rapid decluttering process, encouraging readers to identify and let go of unnecessary items with intention and speed. It takes things a bit further and focuses on understanding the underlying reasons for holding onto clutter and provides practical strategies for breaking free from emotional attachments to belongings.
This approach can be particularly helpful for those who feel overwhelmed by clutter and need extra help with letting go. I highly recommend if you want a deeper dive into decluttering!
To maintain your newfound sense of order, consider adopting the "one-in, one-out" rule. This simple principle encourages mindful consumption. For every new item you bring into your home, get rid of a similar item. This could mean donating an old shirt when you buy a new one, discarding an old pair of shoes when you purchase a new pair, or recycling an empty container before bringing home a new one.
By consciously practicing this rule and incorporating a few minutes of decluttering into your daily routine, you can prevent clutter from accumulating and maintain the sense of peace and calm that comes with a tidy and organized living space. Embrace the freedom that comes with decluttering and discover the profound impact it can have on your mental health and overall well-being.
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