Can’t stand the thought of decluttering for more than 15 to 20 minutes? That is perfectly okay. There is no need to push yourself past your threshold, as this often leads to discouragement.
Choose one decluttering project from the list below. If you tackle just one per day, imagine how much lighter your home will feel by the end of the month.
Kitchen:
- Fridge: Dispose of all expired food and condiments. Got 45 more minutes to spare? Do an overhaul of your fridge.
- Pantry: Check expiration dates and group similar items together.
- Food Containers: Recycle or donate containers without lids or those that are cracked/warped.
- Drinkware: Clear out excess mugs, glasses, and water bottles you never reach for.
- Appliances: Identify broken or redundant small appliances for repair or donation.
- Tableware: Set aside chipped or cracked plates and bowls for disposal.
- Utensils: Remove duplicate gadgets or utensils that are damaged or awkward to use.
- Carrier Bags: Consolidate your reusable bags and recycle the excess plastic ones.
Related: 7 basic rules of kitchen organisation
Personal Care:
- Toiletries & Makeup: Toss expired makeup and skincare. Got 5 extra minutes? Clean your brushes!
- Medicine: Safely dispose of expired or unused medications.
Related: Space-saving solutions for a beautifully organised bathroom
Linen:
- Towels: Review your bath, hand, and beach towels; keep only what fits your storage space.
- Bedsheets: Keep only the sets you actually use and love.
Wardrobe:
- Sleepwear: Discard pyjamas that are frayed, stretched, or uncomfortable.
- Exercise Gear: Let go of workout clothes that no longer fit or motivate you.
- Lingerie & Swimwear: Sort through these items and remove anything that has lost its elasticity.
- Socks: Pair up your socks and recycle the lonely ones.
- Footwear: Clear out shoes that are uncomfortable or in need of repair you haven’t made time for.
- Accessories: Edit your belts, scarves, and handbags down.
- Jewellery: Remove costume jewellery that has tarnished or that you no longer wear.
- Hangers: Get rid of wire or flimsy plastic hangers.
Related: How to declutter your wardrobe confidently and blissfully
Kids:
- Clothing & Shoes: Identify items your children have outgrown for hand-me-downs or donation.
- Toys: Remove broken items or those missing critical parts.
Related: Declutter With Kids During The School Holiday
Paper & Stationery:
- Paper: Recycle old newspapers and magazines.
- Books: Get rid of travel guides that are outdated.
- Business Cards: Shred outdated cards you no longer need.
- Manuals & Warranties: Recycle user manuals for appliances you no longer own.
- Receipts: Shred or bin old, unreadable receipts.
- Handbags/Purses: Empty your daily bag and remove old receipts, rubbish, and clutter.
- Stationery: Test your pens and markers; discard those that are dried up.
Related: A books’ lover cum professional organiser books’ decluttering approach
Tech & Digital life:
- Media: Sort through unused CDs or DVDs (if you no longer have a player, it is time to let them go).
- Tech: Gather old chargers, cables, and phone cases that don’t match your current devices.
- Email: Delete all emails in your spam folder at one go, or if that’s a bit too drastic for you, delete those from senders you don’t recognise without opening the email. Unsubscribe from mailing lists you were added to without your permission and have no interest in, or you no longer read.
- Apps: Delete unused applications on your phone that take up space and attention.
- Social Media: Unfollow those people who don’t bring any joy in your life, who spread out negativity and post offensive comments that go against your values.
Related: How To Conquer Digital Clutter
This list is far from being exhaustive, but it should get you started. I haven’t included here decluttering projects that are more emotional in nature and, as a result, take more time, such as memorabilia, kids’ schoolwork and artwork, photos, etc. Keep these categories for another time; focus on the easy stuff first, whatever it is for you.
Quick Tips for Success
Break them down
If any of these categories feel too large, break them down into smaller sub-categories. For example, if “Toys” feels too big, focus only on “Board Games” or “Puzzles.” Taking the first, smallest step is what matters most.
Ask yourself the following questions to help you declutter:
- Is it something I use regularly?
- How many do I have and how many do I need?
- If it’s not working, can it be fixed?
- Is it something I really love?
- Am I keeping it out of guilt because it was expensive?
- Am I keeping it out of obligation because it is sentimental?
- Am I keeping it out of the fear I might need it in the future?
- If I lost it in a flood or a fire, would I replace it?
- Is it worth the space it’s taking in my home?
- Is it more trouble to care for it than I care about it?
Dispose of the items you’ve decided to let go of as quickly as possible.
You don’t want to start a pile of clutter elsewhere or start rummaging in your castaways pile and putting things back in your closets. Also give yourself a deadline to sell or to get the items repaired or altered. If you haven’t done what you were supposed to do by your deadline, it means it’s probably time to let them go.
Wondering where to take your items in Singapore? Save hours of research with my free curated guide: Download the Disposal Options in Singapore Guide to easily donate, sell, recycle or swap your belongings.
Overwhelmed at the idea of decluttering on your own? Join my Clutter Support Group to get your decluttering project off the ground or to completion.
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