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31 Items to Toss, Donate, or Reorganize for a Fresh Start in the Housewife Corner

31 Items to Toss, Donate, or Reorganize for a Fresh Start in the Housewife Corner

January: The Month of the Big Clean

As January rolls around, it’s time to embrace the Great Purge. Do you feel the same urge to clean and organize as I do?

The start of a new year offers a perfect opportunity for a fresh beginning. Having been homeowners for nearly seven years, I am no stranger to the many improvements and organizational tasks that come with living in a fixer-upper.

Although I strive to manage a bit of decluttering each year, January fills me with a surge of energy and a strong desire for renewal.

After the last quarter spent on family activities, cooking, decorating, and enjoying quality time, it’s refreshing to take a moment to reflect and prepare for the upcoming year.

When combined with that third-trimester nesting instinct, it’s game on! This year, I set an ambitious goal of finding 31 items to declutter, discard, or donate, ensuring that everything I keep has a designated place.

Finding a Home for Your Items

Some items continuously shift around your home, never settling into their rightful spot. Are you moving something repeatedly because it lacks a designated home? Identify a place for it.

Utilize the storage containers and organizational tools you already have available.

Toy organizers can effectively keep toys sorted and consolidated in one area.

Eliminate Broken Items

If an item is broken and has lingered in your “repair” pile for a substantial time, take a day to either fix it or let it go.

Consider Donation

Reflect on why you are holding onto certain items. Are they cherished possessions, or are you clinging to them out of obligation? If you haven’t used something in the past year, it’s likely safe to donate it.

Ask yourself: Will you realistically use it in the coming year? If the answer is probably not, then again, donate it.

Related Post: How to Start Cleaning When It Completely Overwhelms You

  1. Toy clutter
  2. Holiday decorations and bins
  3. Master closets
  4. Make-up, nail polish, and beauty items
  5. Old linens
  6. Children’s closets
  7. Medicine cabinets
  8. Junk drawers
  9. Shred or destroy old papers
  10. Bills, medical records, and financial documents
  11. Clothing
  12. Pantry items
  13. Under the bathroom sink
  14. Sock drawers
  15. Fridge contents
  16. Office desk
  17. Entry closet
  18. Old electronics
  19. Old candles
  20. Expired coupons
  21. Broken jewelry
  22. Unfixed “fix-it” items
  23. Games or toys missing pieces
  24. Pet toys and collars
  25. Tupperware, especially matching lids
  26. Storage closets
  27. Old bed linens and sheets
  28. Books
  29. Magazines
  30. Mismatched dishes or those with no lids
  31. Your wallet and purse

Download our Free Printable PDF of 31 Things You Should Throw Away, Donate, or Reorganize!

Let’s connect over coffee as I share household tips, money-saving ideas, and holiday fun!

FAQ

1. What is the best way to start decluttering?
Begin with small areas like drawers or shelves, and gradually move on to larger spaces. Set specific goals to make it manageable.
2. How do I decide what to keep or donate?
Ask yourself if you’ve used the item in the past year and if you will realistically use it in the next year. If not, consider donating it.
3. What should I do with items that are broken?
If an item can be repaired and you truly want it, set a date to fix it. If not, it might be best to toss it.
4. How often should I declutter my home?
It’s a good idea to reassess your belongings at least twice a year to maintain an organized space.
5. Can I get my family involved in the decluttering process?
Absolutely! Involve your family by assigning tasks and making it a fun and collective effort.

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