Declutter Checklist: Everything You Should Toss Right Now

Decluttering the house can be stressful. That's why it's important to start small and take it one room at a time to avoid overwhelm. A detailed checklist can help you set your decluttering goals and stay on track. Not to mention, the satisfaction of checking tasks off your to-do list — cleared out mismatched hangers in the closet, check!

If you're worried about where to start, we've got you covered: Good Housekeeping's decluttering checklist breaks down what to tackle in every room of the house. You should probably get a few donation boxes and trash bags ready before you begin.

Keep in Mind While Decluttering:

Decision-making is one of the hardest parts of the decluttering process, so remember to give yourself patience and grace. "Focusing on one pain point, like a drawer or cabinet, will allow you to build your decluttering muscle with small, quick wins," says Laura Kinsella, founder of Urban OrgaNYze, who suggests setting a 10-15 minute timer to stay focused and accountable. "Decluttering is contagious, so as you build momentum, it will make it easier to tackle larger projects."

How to Declutter Room by Room:

Entry

• Old mail, newspapers and magazines

• Reusable shopping bags

• Shoes and jackets you don't wear regularly

• Seasonal items

Kitchen

• Expired foods and spices

• Take-out containers

• Chipped or cracked dishes

• Old dishtowels and table linens

• Duplicate kitchen items (bottle openers, measuring cups, can openers)

• Excess reusable water bottles

• Extra coffee mugs

• Specialty appliances you rarely use (panini press, holiday-themed waffle maker, shaved ice machine)

• One-off party supplies (birthday napkins or holiday plates)

• Takeout menus

Living Room

• Miscellaneous cords, wires and chargers

• Games or puzzles with missing pieces

• Old remote controls

• Home decor and furniture you no longer enjoy

• Excess throw pillows

Bathrooms

• Old medications

• Expired or unwanted toiletries

• Excess packaging from products

• Worn or old towels

• Hair tools you rarely use

• Cosmetic samples

• Random hair accessories and brushes

Bedrooms

• Clothing that no longer fits

• Unpaired socks

• Uncomfortable shoes

• Accessories you don't wear

• Damaged jewelry

• Mismatched hangers

• Old magazines or books

• Worn sheets and pillowcases

Laundry Room

• Unused cleaning supplies

• Expired laundry detergent, fabric softener and stain removers

• Out-of-place items

• Ripped or stained clothing

• Broken hampers or laundry baskets

Kids' Spaces

• Unworn or outgrown clothing

• Toys children have outgrown or no longer enjoy

• Duplicate items

• Incomplete toy sets, games or puzzles

• Damaged books, dried-out markers, etc.

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