Organizing your home can feel overwhelming, especially when clutter has quietly built up over time. As a professional home organizer, I work with clients every day who want a tidy, peaceful home but don’t know where to begin. The good news? Decluttering doesn’t have to be complicated or emotionally draining. In fact, the best place to start is with items that are easy to let go of and quick to decide on.
This guide focuses on purging, not organizing drawers or creating systems just yet. The goal is simply to declutter items you no longer need, use or want. Removing excess makes it much easier to later assign a place for everything and create calm throughout your home. These ten categories are ones I help nearly every client tackle and they’re a fantastic jumping-off point for gaining momentum and peace of mind.
Let’s get started!
1. TOSS EXPIRED FOOD IN YOUR PANTRY & REFRIGERATOR
I know this seems like a no-brainer, but believe me, I have helped so many clients organize their pantries. Even when they tell me “Jill, I just looked through everything 3 months ago,” we somehow still manage to find food that’s years past its due date. 😊 When it comes to spices, can you combine half-used containers into one? A tidy pantry starts with only what’s usable.
2. DECLUTTER COOKBOOKS
Many people now rely on online recipes. Take an honest look at your cookbook collection and keep only the ones you truly love and use. Donate the rest and free up valuable shelf space.
3. DONATE CDs AND DVDs.
Physical media takes up more room than you realize. CDs can often be digitized and DVDs you’ll never watch again are simply clutter. Decluttering this category can be incredibly freeing.
4. DECLUTTER LINENS AND TOWELS
While I only keep one set of sheets per bed (this is purely because I have never mastered the art of folding a fitted sheet!), many of my clients have sheets and comforters for beds they no longer own. Quickly go through your linens, towels and blankets. Let go of sizes you no longer need. Threadbare or scratchy? If you don’t want your guests using them, why keep them? And while you’re at it…take a look at those spare pillows. Make sure you’d be proud for any guests to use them.
5. RECYCLE OLD ELECTRONICS
Recycle old cell phones, outdated devices, broken electronics and mystery cords that no longer belong to anything you use. Clearing this category instantly reduces visual clutter.
6. DONATE KITCHEN APPLIANCES YOU DON’T USE
Unused appliances steal valuable cabinet space. I once had a client who had 3 fondue pots. They had never been used and she’d had them for at least 5 years. If you haven’t used it, donate it. Someone else will happily give that appliance a purpose.
7. DECLUTTER VASES
Flower vases multiply quickly. Keep a few you love and donate the rest. You don’t need an entire cabinet devoted to generic vases from the florist.
8. SORT AND TOSS TOILETRIES
Bathrooms are prime clutter zones. Toss expired makeup, unused products, broken accessories and samples you’ll never try. You’ll be amazed how much space you reclaim.
9. DECLUTTER YOUR MEDICINE CABINET
I have some clients who are all about pushing expiration dates to the max, and others who wouldn’t dream of taking a vitamin that expired last month. Do what feels right for you but declutter those pills and bottles! A simplified cabinet is safer and easier to maintain.
10. SORT THROUGH YOUR KIDS’ TOYS
Broken toys, missing pieces and items your kids no longer play with can go. Donate what’s still in good condition. Fewer toys make it easier for kids to help keep spaces tidy.
You don’t need to tackle everything at once. Choose one or two categories and build momentum. Decluttering these areas creates breathing room, supports organizing later and helps restore peace of mind.
Not sure where to start or ready for hands-on help? Smart Organizing Solutions would love to support you. I work with families throughout Denver, Central Park, Park Hill, Cherry Creek, Aurora and surrounding communities to declutter, create organizing systems tailored to real life and develop simple strategies that make it easier to keep homes tidy over the long run. Visit my Contact Denver Professional Organizer | SOS Organizing page to get started – I’d love to help you create calm and order in your space.