13 Things to Declutter Right Now for Instant Relief and a Calmer Space

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desk setup for writing or studying, quick access to frequently used pens, organized workspace in an office or student environment, ready for note-taking or journaling session

Clutter can quickly build up and make your space feel overwhelming. When things pile up, it’s easy to feel stressed or distracted without even realizing why.

Decluttering a few key items can create a sense of instant relief and help clear your mind. You don’t need to tackle everything at once—small, simple tasks can make a big difference in how you feel right away.

Expired batteries from junk drawers

variety of used batteries scattered on a metal conveyor belt, including AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V types, worn labels and corroded surfaces visible
Image Credit: Bebat organisation – CC BY 4.0/Wikimedia Commons.

You probably have a stash of old batteries in your junk drawer. They take up space and can leak harmful chemicals over time.

Getting rid of expired batteries frees up room and keeps your home safer. Make sure to recycle them properly instead of throwing them in the trash. For tips on safe battery disposal, check out this guide on decluttering batteries safely.

Old pens that don’t write

jar filled with assorted pens and markers, three ballpoint pens with red, blue, and black caps placed on wooden surface
Image Credit: Bich Tran/Pexels.

You probably have a drawer full of pens that are dried out or just don’t work anymore. Holding on to them only adds clutter and takes up space you could use better.

It’s okay to toss any pens that don’t write. Getting rid of them is one small step toward feeling less overwhelmed. If you want a little push, there’s even a community that encourages clearing out old pens to make room for what matters here.

Unused kitchen gadgets

Close-up of a toaster dial and control buttons, metallic gold body, chrome trim, browning level indicator, reheat and defrost icons
Image Credit: Castorly Stock/Pexels.

If you have gadgets sitting unused in your drawers, it’s time to clear them out. Holding onto tools you never use just creates clutter and makes your kitchen feel crowded.

Think about which gadgets you actually reach for. Toss or donate the rest to free up space and make cooking easier. You’ll thank yourself next time you’re looking for something simple.

Check out tips on decluttering kitchen gadgets here.

Mismatched coffee mugs

brick wall kitchen, wooden mug rack with assorted colorful mugs, wooden shelf with teapots and cups, vintage utensils on display, decorative frames, cozy rustic setup
Image Credit: Emre Can Acer/Pexels.

You probably have a bunch of mismatched coffee mugs taking up space in your cabinets. They clutter your kitchen and make it harder to find the one you actually want to use.

Getting rid of the odd ones instantly frees up shelf space and simplifies your morning routine. Focus on keeping only the mugs you love and use regularly, so your collection feels intentional and neat. Check out ideas for decluttering niche coffee mugs here.

Duplicate water bottles

four stainless steel water bottles in orange, black, white, and green, silver caps, one bottle uncapped, placed on white surface with orange flowers in corner
Image Credit: zero promosi/Pexels.

You probably have more water bottles than you actually use. Keeping duplicates just takes up space and adds to clutter.

Sort through your collection and keep only the ones you use regularly. Toss or donate extras, especially those with cracks or stains. This small step can clear up room and make it easier to grab a bottle when you need it.

For tips on decluttering water bottles, check out this guide on how to declutter water bottles.

Clothes you never wear

Messy white wardrobe overflowing with disorganized beige, white, and brown clothing items
Image Credit: Ron Lach/ Pexels.

You know those clothes buried in the back of your closet that haven’t seen the light of day? It’s time to let them go.

If you haven’t worn something in months or even years, it’s probably not doing you any favors.

Clearing out these pieces makes room for clothes you actually enjoy and wear, giving your closet some fresh energy.

For more tips on decluttering clothes, check out this guide on decluttering your wardrobe.

Expired coupons

scattered red and pink love-themed tickets on light pink background, printed messages include “1 Hug,” “One Big Fat Kiss,” “One Movie Night,” and “One Dinner Date,” playful and romantic design
Image Credit: Leeloo The First/Pexels.

You probably have a bunch of expired coupons hiding in your purse or kitchen drawers. They don’t save you money once they’re outdated, so they just add clutter.

Getting rid of these is an easy win. Dig through your coupons and toss any that are past their date to clear some space fast.

For more tips on decluttering, check out this expired coupons organizing reel.

Old magazines and newspapers

Stack of vintage magazines, including a Turkish “Hayat” issue with a smiling woman on the cover
Image Credit: Esra Korkmaz/ Pexels.

You probably have stacks of old magazines and newspapers lying around. They take up space and often go unread.

Letting go of these can clear your surfaces quickly. If there’s something important, snap a photo before tossing them.

Getting rid of clutter like this helps create a tidier, calmer space for you. For more tips on what to declutter, check out this handy list.

Empty gift cards

handmade Christmas cards with watercolor illustrations, designs include cat on ornament, gingerbread house, Christmas tree, pine branches, and festive lettering, surrounded by colored pencils, watercolor palette, and green pencil case
Image Credit: Anna Tarazevich/Pexels.

You probably have some gift cards lying around with no balance left. These take up space and add to the clutter without any use.

Go through your cards and toss the empty ones. It’s a simple way to clear out your wallet or drawer quickly and feel a little relief.

If you want to keep track, consider checking balances online before deciding. More tips are available on gift cards decluttering.

Outdated paperwork

Large stack of documents clipped with colored paper clips on a desk beside reading glasses and a keyboard
Image Credit: Kindel Media / Pexels.

You probably have stacks of old bills, receipts, or forms lying around. If they’re no longer needed for taxes or warranties, it’s safe to let them go.

Keeping outdated paperwork just creates clutter and makes it harder to find what you actually need. Clearing it out gives you instant relief by freeing up space and reducing stress.

Try sorting through a pile quickly—you’ll be surprised how much you can toss. For more tips, check out this list of things to declutter right now.

Loose receipts and junk mail

Stack of vintage letters and postcards, tied with twine, red dip pen on top, old stamps and faded handwriting, scattered antique correspondence in background
Image Credit: Ylanite Koppens/Pexels.

You probably have a pile of loose receipts and junk mail lying around. These can quickly create clutter without you noticing.

Take a few minutes to toss out anything you don’t need, like expired coupons or old flyers. Keeping your mail sorted helps prevent it from taking over your space.

Try to create a quick routine to handle mail as it comes in. It’ll save you time and keep things neat. For more tips, check out ways to manage junk mail effectively.

Unopened or expired toiletries

bathroom countertop with a decorative tray containing white rolled towel, bottles of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and body lotion, bar soaps, blue soap dish with round soap, bamboo stalk in a glass vase
Image Credit: Matt @ PEK from Taipei, Taiwan – CC BY-SA 2.0/wikimedia Commons.

You probably have some unopened or expired toiletries taking up space. Toss those old bottles—they don’t do you any good and can clutter your counters.

Check expiration dates before deciding. If something is unopened and still good, you might consider donating it. Otherwise, clearing these out gives you quick relief and frees up bathroom space.

For more tips on clearing out toiletries, see this declutter advice.

Freezer items past their prime

Wire basket filled with blemished and overripe apples and pears, handwritten sign in Chinese attached to the basket, glossy tiled floor, supermarket setting
Image Credit: Fumikas Sagisavas -CC0/Wikimedia Commons.

You probably have food in your freezer that’s been there way too long. Items older than a year often lose quality and taste.

Throw out anything with freezer burn or that looks discolored. Old ice cubes and unsealed packages should go too.

Getting rid of these frees up space and helps you keep your freezer organized and fresh. Check this guide on things to toss from your freezer for more tips.



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