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Last updated on September 1st, 2023 at 05:45 pm
It can be hard to keep up with the inevitable clutter that that creeps into our homes, especially if you’re a parent. That’s why setting aside time to declutter every now and then is a must.ย
And, even if you consider your home pretty well organized, there are certain things many of us overlook. That’s why we’re sharing this list of 14 things most of us forget to declutter. Let’s get started!
14 Things We Forget to Declutter
1. Phone
Have you ever decluttered your phone? I bet there are tons of things in there that you don’t use or need anymore.
For example, those old photos of things you sold on ebay, screenshots you no longer need, and games and apps you don’t use anymore. Oh, and let’s not forget the blurry photos and the multiple photos of the exact same thing! (Or is that just me?)
Delete old notes, grocery lists, and old contacts and phone numbers too.
If you spend just a few minutes at a time, it’ll be a bit easier. Waiting at doctor appointment or to pick up the kids is the perfect time to work on cleaning up your phone.
And, as a bonus, you’ll free up space for new photos and games!
2. Email
Emails can be a real headache! Many of us have hundreds, or even thousands, of them sitting in our inbox.
I know it sounds like a daunting task, but trust me, going through your emails and deleting what you don’t need will give you a sense of satisfaction and clarity.
Then, you can organize the rest into folders and have a clean inbox.ย
Once you’ve gotten your emails cleaned up, you can keep a better handle on things by sorting new emails into the correct folders or deleting them right away.
3. Computer
Decluttering your computer can make a huge difference in your digital life. Let’s break it down.
First, tackle your desktop. Get rid of those random files scattered all over. Organize them into folders, and give them meaningful names.
Next, dig into your documents, downloads, and other folders. Delete any files you no longer need, like old photos or outdated documents. Be ruthless!
Uninstall any software you haven’t used in ages. It’s just taking up valuable space.
Lastly, consider using cloud storage or an external hard drive to store files you don’t need regularly. Trust me, once you’ve decluttered your computer, you’ll feel more productive and find what you need faster.
4.ย Mind
As moms, we often carry a heavy mental load, with a never-ending to-do list and a million little worries. But, did you know you can declutter your mind too?
Try some self-care, write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal, or practice meditation and mindfulness. Even just five or ten minutes can make a huge difference in your day.
5. Social Media
As you scroll through your social media accounts, there are probably plenty of posts that annoy you, frustrate you, or even make you angry.
If that’s the case, you can, of course, take a social media break, but you can also simply unfollow those people or accounts.
Social media is powerful, and although it has lots of terrific uses, it can cause division, create negativity, and stir up anger.ย
For a more peaceful life (that can still include connecting online with loved ones, special interests, etc.) unfollow social media accounts that promote divisiveness and negativity . This will have a huge impact on your mental health.
6. Sheets and Towels
Next on our list of things we forget to declutter: sheets and towels.ย
Many of us are guilty of buying new sheets and towels, but not getting rid of the old ones. No wonder our linen closets are a mess!ย
Take a little time to go through these, looking for anything that’s worn. Don’t forget to declutter the sheets that don’t even fit the mattresses you own now.
You can turn old sheets and towels into rags, or donate them. Many animal shelters will gladly take them off your hands.
7.ย Plastic Bags
I know most of us have a stash of plastic bags (probably stored in another, bigger plastic bag), but do you really need all of them?
With more and more states banning single-use plastic bags, it’s time to recycle the ones you have and switch to reusable bags. Keep a stash in your car, so you always have them with you.
8. Books
Do you have a bookcase filled with books that you’ll probably never read again? If so, why not donate (or sell) them so someone else can enjoy them?
Decluttering your books can give you a sense of satisfaction and make room for new books!
9. Chargers and Cords
Chances are you’ve probably held onto plenty of old chargers and power cords just in case you ever need them. But, the truth is, you probably donโt even own many of the electronics you have cords and chargers for!
So, don’t forget to declutter that box of cables, cords, and chargers, and toss the ones that donโt work, you donโt need, or have duplicates of.
10. Beauty Products
How many beauty products do you have that you never use or that are past their expiration date?
Go through your makeup bag, bathroom cabinet, and anywhere else you keep skin care, hair care, and cosmetics, and purge away.ย
11. Bills, Coupons, and Papers
It’s natural to want to hang on to important papers like bills, receipts, and tax information, but do you really need everything you’re keeping from years, or even decades, ago?
Go through your important papers, including those you filed away for safe-keeping eons ago, and only keep what you truly need.ย
And, dump those expired coupons too. In fact, you can reduce all that paper clutter while still saving money by using saving apps and digital grocery coupons.
12. Souvenirs
If you’re like me, you probably pick up a souvenir from every place you visit. And, over the years, you’ve probably gotten lots of souvenirs from your family and friends’ travels too.
There are beautiful, and even practical, souvenirs, but if you have a lot of magnets, plastic figurines, or other souvenirs that aren’t meaningful to you, consider clearing them out.ย
13. Crafts
Crafts, usually made by our kids, tends to accumulate–and quickly. Go through them, and digitize them.
If you’re saving them for when your children are older, keep a few important keepsakes, and take photos of (or scan) the rest.ย ย
When your children grow up, they likely won’t won’t boxes and boxes of their crafts, drawings, and homework, so be selective when sorting through these items.
14. Clothes
This is one you maybe haven’t forgotten, but it’s worth mentioning again. We all have clothes in our closet that we haven’t worn in years–and probably never will.
Donate or sell them, and give someone else the chance to wear them. Plus, it will make getting dressed in the morning a lot easier!
There you go–14 things many of us forget to declutter. Ready to get started on this list?ย
To keep from becoming overwhelmed, just choose one item to start, and let us know how it goes!
Also read:
30-Day Declutter Challenge & Decluttering Checklist (Free Printables)
Organize and Declutter Your Garage: 16 Essentials You Need to Get Started Now
The 10 Best Books About Decluttering to Get You Motivated
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