30 Things to Get Rid of in the Next 30 Days

Starting a decluttering journey can really clear your head and your space. Over the next 30 days, let us make it a point to ditch one thing each day that is just cluttering up your life. Here is a guide to get you started with 30 things to get rid of in the next 30 days. 

Expired Medications

Let us hit the bathroom first. Those old meds lurking in your cabinet are not just taking up space—they could be downright dangerous if they are out of date. Grab them, check those dates, and toss any that are past their prime. You will not only reclaim some shelf space but also keep your health routine safe and effective.

Mismatched Socks

Now, onto your sock drawer. We all have those lonely socks whose partners have vanished into the laundry abyss. Why keep these singletons around? Give that drawer a good purge. If you are feeling crafty, you could turn those solo socks into dust rags or keep a few handy for packing fragile items. It is a quick win in the battle against clutter.

Old Magazines

Glance at your coffee table or bookshelf—got a stack of magazines you swore you would read again? Let us be honest, if you have not flipped through them by now, you probably will not. Recycle them, or better yet, pass them on to friends or local businesses like cafes and doctor’s offices where they can get a new life. It will tidy up your space and might just give those articles a new reader.

Expired Pantry Items

Time for a kitchen raid. Dig into your pantry and check for expired items. Old spices? Stale crackers? They are just hogging space and could be a health risk. Chuck anything that’s out of date, and make a list of what needs replacing on your next grocery trip. Your pantry will be cleaner, and your cooking fresher.

Unused Apps and Digital Clutter

Digital clutter counts, too! Take a few minutes to scroll through your phone and delete any apps you have not used in the last six months. Do the same with old files and photos that are just taking up space in the cloud. Unsubscribe from those email newsletters you always swipe past. Cleaning up your digital life can feel just as refreshing as tidying up your physical space.

Worn-out Shoes

Check out the back of your closet. See those shoes that are scuffed, stretched, or just plain uncomfortable? It is time they go. If they are still wearable, donate them to a charity or drop them off at a recycling center that accepts footwear. For the ones that are beyond saving, it is okay to throw them away. Freeing up this space makes your closet a little less cramped and a lot more navigable.

Old Paint Cans

Got some old paint cans from a past DIY project just sitting in your garage or shed? Paint tends to degrade over time, so it is unlikely you will use it again, and it can be hazardous if it starts to leak. Many cities have special hazardous waste disposal sites—check where you can drop off old paint cans safely. This will help you reclaim some valuable storage space and keep your home safer.

Unused Gift Cards

Rummage through your drawers or wallet for gift cards you have stashed away and forgotten about. It’s easy to overlook these small cards but remember, they are essentially free money! Make a plan to use them up. If you don’t think you will ever use them, consider selling them online or gifting them to someone who will appreciate them. This way, you are not wasting potential resources.

Old Electronics

Electronics evolve so fast that we often end up with old phones, outdated cameras, or unused chargers cluttering our drawers. Collect all these gadgets and decide what to do with them—many electronics stores offer recycling programs, or you could donate functional items to schools or charities. Clearing out these old electronics can free up a lot of space and maybe even help someone in need.

Excess Bed Linens and Towels

Look in your linen closet. Do you really need ten sets of sheets or a dozen towels? Keep only what you use regularly and what’s in good condition. The rest can be donated to homeless shelters or animal shelters, where they can still be put to good use. This not only clears out valuable closet space but also helps those in need.

Junk Drawer Clutter

Every home seems to have that one drawer filled with random bits and bobs—old keys, loose screws, pens that do not work. Pull everything out and really look at what’s there. Do you need three takeout menus from the same place? How about that collection of rubber bands? Sort through it, keep only what you actually use, and organize what remains with drawer dividers. This small win can make a big difference in your daily routine.

Unused Craft Supplies

If you have got a stash of craft materials for projects you never started or finished, now is the time to sort them out. Keep only the supplies for crafts you genuinely enjoy and plan to continue. Donate the rest to a local school, community center, or a crafting buddy. Not only does this clear space, but it can also spark creativity by removing the clutter.

Old Greeting Cards

It is nice to keep a few special greeting cards, but you do not need a giant box of every birthday or holiday card you have ever received. Pick out a few that have sentimental value and take photos of the others before recycling them. This way, you keep the memories without the physical clutter. It’s a simple change that can free up quite a bit of space.

Excess Cooking Utensils

Take a look at your kitchen drawers. Do you really need five spatulas or three pizza cutters? Pare down to just the essentials, keeping the best quality or most used items. Donate the duplicates or rarely used gadgets. This makes your kitchen more functional and simplifies meal preparation.

Outdated Documents

Sort through your files for old bills, expired warranties, and outdated paperwork that is just taking up space. Shred what is not needed to protect your privacy and recycle the rest. This not only clears physical space but can also help reduce mental clutter, knowing that everything is up-to-date and organized.

Old Cosmetics and Beauty Products

Dive into your makeup bag or bathroom drawers. Cosmetics and skincare products do not last forever. They can go bad or lose effectiveness. Toss anything that smells off, looks separated, or is past the expiration date. This not only frees up space but also ensures you are using products that are safe and effective. It is a great way to refresh your beauty routine and prevent skin irritation.

Unread Books

Take a look at your bookshelves. If there are books you have never read and probably never will, it is time to pass them on. Donate them to a library, a school, or a charity shop. Someone else might love to discover a book from your unused collection. This will declutter your space and could spread the joy of reading.

Unnecessary Kitchen Gadgets

Kitchen drawers often become the home to gadgets we thought we would use but never do. That avocado slicer, melon baller, or the dozen cookie cutters—if you have not used them in over a year, you probably do not need them. Donate them to someone who will use them or sell them to make some extra space in your kitchen.

Seasonal Decorations You Don’t Use

Seasonal decorations tend to pile up, often staying in boxes year-round. Sort through your holiday items, keeping only the decorations that you truly love and use each season. Donate or sell the rest. This not only clears valuable storage space but also makes decorating for holidays quicker and more enjoyable, with only your favorites to choose from.

Outgrown Children’s Toys

Children grow, and their interests change quickly, which means toys can quickly become obsolete. Go through their toys with them, asking what they still play with and what they can let go of. Donate toys in good condition to charities, hospitals, or give them to friends with younger kids. This reduces clutter and can teach your kids about generosity and letting go.

Outdated Electronics Accessories

Chances are, you have got a drawer full of old chargers, cables, and random tech accessories—some of which you probably don’t even recognize anymore. Gather all these items, test them to see what still works, and keep only what matches your current devices. Donate, recycle, or properly dispose of the rest. This will not only declutter your space but also make it easier to find the right cable when you actually need it!

Unused Exercise Equipment

Look at any exercise equipment you have. If there is anything you have not used in months or was bought with the best intentions but now serves as a clothes hanger, it is time to reassess. Sell or donate items in good condition. Clearing these out not only frees up space but also removes a lingering sense of guilt for not using them.

Old School or Work Supplies

Sort through any old notebooks, pens, and office supplies that you no longer need. Keep what is still useful and donate the rest to schools or community centers that could put them to good use. This not only helps declutter your workspace but also supports educational and community resources.

Pet Supplies They’ve Outgrown

Pets, like kids, often outgrow toys, beds, and accessories. Review what your pet uses and remove items that no longer fit or are no longer of interest to your pet. Shelters and animal rescuers often appreciate donations of beds, bowls, and toys. This helps manage your home’s space and supports animal welfare.

Excess Travel Mementos

It is lovely to keep mementos from your travels, but too many can quickly become clutter. Choose a few special items to keep and display and photograph or digitize the rest before letting them go. This way, you keep the memories alive without the physical clutter taking up so much space.

Excess or Unworn Jewelry

Take a moment to sort through your jewelry collection. If there are pieces you have not worn in years or maybe never really liked, it might be time to let them go. You can sell valuable items, donate those in good condition, or even repurpose some pieces into something new. This declutters your space and can simplify your morning routine, making it easier to choose what to wear.

Unused Condiments

Check your fridge and pantry for any condiments, sauces, or spices that you bought for a special recipe but never used again. If they are past their best before dates or if you know you will not use them, it is time to toss them out. This not only frees up space but also helps keep your food preparations healthier and more organized.

Old Party Supplies

If you have a stash of party supplies from events long past—maybe themed napkins, party hats, or decorations that you are unlikely to reuse—consider whether it is worth keeping them. Donate usable items to community centers or schools, or recycle what you can. This clears out storage areas and makes room for supplies you will actually use.

Unused Office Gadgets

From outdated calculators to excess binders and old desk organizers, these office gadgets can pile up over time. Evaluate what you really need and use in your workspace. Donate the surplus to a local school, charity, or a startup that could use them. This declutters your workspace, potentially boosting your productivity and focus.

Duplicate Household Tools

Finally, tackle your toolbox or utility drawer. If you find multiple hammers, screwdrivers, or measuring tapes, think about which ones you actually use. Keep the best, and consider giving away duplicates to friends, family, or a local charity. Streamlining these tools makes finding the right one for a job easier and keeps your storage areas more organized.