Have some spare time this weekend to spare? Dedicate the time to declutter before the New Year. While spring cleaning gets all the love, winter is also a great time to break free from the stuff that no longer serves its purpose. As another year approaches, you’ll likely experience the motivation to make way for your new hobbies, so dedicate a space for them. Here are the 9 things you should let go of before 2026 approaches.
9. Your Mental Clutter and Over-Commitments
This is a great time to re-evaluate your commitments and see where your schedule fits. Take the opportunity to declutter your schedule and create boundaries for yourself. You see, physical clutter is just one part. Review your calendar or planner and see the activities that drain you without adding value to yourself.
8. Kids’ Toys and Art Supplies
If you’re a parent, then make your kid’s stuff a part of your decluttering too before holiday gifts flood in. Create a toy rotation system to help you tidy up the necessary clutter and their overwhelming toy collections. Chances are, you’ll spot some craft supplies they don’t really need, like those half-empty glitter glue or googly eye stickers that lose their stickiness. Take the time to evaluate whether they’ll be using it or it’s better to dispose of them.
7. Junk Drawers and Desk Clutter
The best start to your home decluttering would have to be the junk drawer. You’ll find tons that you don’t even know exist, so it’s better to toss them away in the garbage bag. Empty your junk drawer and sort it out. Test pens to see those with empty ink or maybe broken scissors that end up in your stash.
6. Mystery Cords and Old Electronics
Everyone has them, that cabinet where you put in miscellaneous cords and cables that you don’t even know what they’re even for. Go through that box and identify what each one is for. Once you figure it out, label them and stash them properly. Meanwhile, recycle those old broken chargers, dead batteries, and old cellphones through retailers that offer free electronics recycling.
5. Refrigerator and Pantry Items
You’ve been putting this off for months now. Make sure you start the New Year with a clean fridge. Declutter anything that is past its date or smells bad. Do this also in your pantry and identify each item’s expiration dates. Toss those that are expired, or you won’t get to eat anymore. Wipe out the shelves and reorganize them so you’ll get to see what you have.
4. Kitchen Gadgets and Duplicate Utensils
Go through your kitchen drawers and cabinets and spot what needs to be disposed of. How many spatulas do you really need? Or when was the last time you used that garlic press? You can choose to give or sell the cookware and dishes you don’t need. Kitchen clutter makes it difficult for you to move freely, so it’s best to declutter the stuff that no longer serves you.
3. Clothes You Haven’t Worn in a Year
If you have tons of clothes, then it’s time to declutter that closet. Grab those tops and bottoms you haven’t touched in years and lay them out for you. For those pieces you’re keeping but won’t need until the next season, put them in vacuum storage bags. As for those you’re sure you won’t be wearing, pack them neatly and choose to donate or sell them. The same goes for shoes and accessories that are in good condition. Trust us, if you haven’t worn them for a year, then you probably won’t wear them again.
2. Old Subscriptions (Digital and Physical)
There’s no use in being charged for them if you no longer use them. Review your credit card statements and identify all of the services you’re subscribed to. If you notice that you’ve forgotten about them, or you no longer use them, then cancel them out. This also goes to gym memberships, magazine deliveries, or email subscriptions that are cluttering your inbox.
1. Expired Medications and Beauty Products
Bathrooms and vanities can get cluttered with hygiene and beauty products. They collect dust over time, so it’s better to throw out those that are way past their expiration dates or those that you don’t use. As for makeup products, they have a shorter shelf life than you think, and they can be harmful as they carry bacteria. This also goes with expired medicines from your kit.
