Say so long to old DVD players, VHS players, VHS tapes, outdated streaming devices, broken speakers and other household electronics that are no longer needed. Check with your local Staples or Best Buy store – many will recycle them for you for free.

That organizational solution, the one that isn’t solving the problem – it is only contributing to the clutter – which means it is time for it to go.

You know that basket or tray you set out and told yourself you’d only store a few things there? Well, it is now overflowing with a bunch of random stuff, time to sort it out!

What is that random pile of stuff doing on the chair over there? Time to clear it off, try this: start stopwatch to see how long it takes you to find the seat of the chair. No cheating by shoving the stuff into a bag.

Say so long to seasonal decor that is not aging well – the cracked items, the ones that fall apart when you touch them, and anything you no longer love.

Disinfect the doorknobs – they tend to be a high traffic item that is often overlooked when it comes to cleaning.

What is hiding on the TV stand shelf or behind the media cabinet door? Check today, you just might find something that can go -freeing up a lot of storage space for the items still sitting out.

Top of the coffee table is the tidy of the day. Sort through that pile of stuff, all the things that landed on the table and never left.

No need to keep commercial VHS tapes if you never watch them or don’t have a device to watch them. Yes, you can donate the movies on VHS tape.

Tax filing day is a great day to set up one spot to collect documents and receipts you’ll need a year from now. Label it and store it where you can easily add to it throughout the year.

Those old remote controls – the ones that do not operate anything you own, (like the DVD player you donated 4 years ago) – it’s time to let them go. Check with Staples & Best Buy stores, most offer hazardous recycling.

Those now flat as a pancake throw pillows that once were puffy, fluffy throw pillows – they can go today.

Why not dust that lamp shade that has been collecting dust for a little too long.

What’s with all the jigsaw puzzles? Local libraries might like them, you can always donate them. And keep the ones you like – clear the table and start assembling that puzzle you’ve been telling yourself you’ll start one day.

Bye-bye boring board games. Donate the ones you never open, the ones you don’t like to play and the ones that are still in their shrink-wrap. Use the ones you keep by planning a game night!

Old magazines and out of date mail order catalogs are on the list of things to go today.

Bye-bye outdated travel guides, the ones for places you’ve been or the ones for trips you planned to take. Information changes and you can check out guides online or at your local library. Side note: maybe plan a trip, even if it is just a bucket list idea – planning can be so much fun!

Time to tidy the collection of throw blankets and pillows. Do you need to swap to a new color, design, weight for the season? Are there too many out at one time?

Do you have a charging spot for all your devices? If not, maybe set one up today. A single spot to store the cords and the one place to look for your device in case you can’t find it.

While you have the vacuum out, pass under the couch cushions as part of that deeper spring cleaning.

Today we toss the photo frames, the ones you are tired of dusting, the ones you don’t like that much, the ones without photos in them, the ones that are missing pieces or broken and won’t stand up.

What’s in the end table drawer? Let’s find out. I’m guessing a random playing card that does not belong to any deck of cards you currently own.

Time to disinfect the remote controls.

Today we actually read the to be read pile instead of simply moving it to another spot. That 2024 catalog and brochure for that day trip you’ll never take are on the toss list!

Too many things in the drawer, like six rolls of clear tape and 2,000 staples? Try a backstock box. Fill a box with the extras, surplus, overstock – then shop the box to restock as needed.

Commerical single use flower food packets older than one year are usually considered expired, say so long today.

Take-out extras = our toss category today, including cracked straws, broken utensils in bags, caked up single sugar packets, dried up hand wipes, tiny salt and pepper packets.

Rusty paper clips, tangled twist ties, snapped rubber bands, and cracked chip clips are all on the list of things to toss from the drawer today.

Sort out travel brochures for trips you want to take, trips you’ll never take, and trips you’ve taken. Make a list of the ones to remember then recycle. Bonus points if you schedule a trip – time to make new memories is one reason we declutter.

Time to take action on that reminder note you left yourself, to follow-up on an outstanding task – do it today.

Time to toss the grocery shopping list, the one reminding you to buy milk last month. Clear the drawer of scraps of paper you don’t need.

Don’t regret tossing those little “I don’t know these are” items like a plastic cover to something – stick them in a clear baggie dated today & a year from now discard if not needed.

How many rubber bands and twist ties are in the drawer? Is it possible you need to pare down your collection?

Group bits and pieces together: picture hangers, random screws, a single bolt. Ice cube trays make great drawer organizers or zip them up in a baggie.

Make a cord bag or box – group random, unused, unidentified cords, get them out of drawers, keeping them neat and tangle-free.

Bye-bye old business cards for services, stores, and people. Digitize keepers: snap a photo then search your photos with the words business card, see if it pops up.

Old reading glasses, eyeglasses with an out-of-date prescription & cracked sunglasses are on the toss it list today. Along with excess contact lens cases. Some eye stores and Lions Clubs accept them.

Time to weed the receipts, including any crumbled ones from your pockets, bottoms of random tote bags, and car door consoles.

Shamrock themed party supplies, novelty shamrock glasses, and green paper goods – enjoy them – and use them up. Don’t save four Leprechaun napkins for 2026.

Bye-bye old shopping lists, notes to self, brochures, and business cards you no longer need.

Pens, pens and more pens, many without ink. Broken pencils and dried out markers. Toss the junk, keep some, donate a bag of the rest.

Time to tackle leftovers – all those things you shoved back in the drawer after the last tidy-up. Revisit the items you didn’t decide about last time.

Time to de-crumb the corners of the drawers. Remove the organizer and do a clean sweep or get in the corners with a vacuum.

Remove expired store coupons from the drawer. Also discard any you won’t use or don’t need.

Time to trash those old non-winning lottery tickets, 50/50 stubs and scratch offs that have been lingering in the drawer.

What did you stash in the drawer the last time you were tired of looking at it, moving it around, or needed to hide when company popped by? Get it out of the drawer and sort it out.

Gum wrappers? Stale hard candy? An ancient candy cane? Time to say bye to all the icky stuff that’s been cluttering up the drawers.

What’s broken? Somehow broken items roll to the back of drawers. Take a look and find some items that just need to go.

Many of us will be changing the time this weekend, but even if you are not, it is your yearly reminder to check your smoke detectors and CO2 alarms. Swap in new batteries after checking to make sure they are not expired, yes, they expire.

Bye-bye rusty bottle opener, it’s time to toss that metal opener from the waaaayy back of the kitchen drawer.

Click to print

Welcome to our 2025 Daily Decluttering Project! I am so glad you are joining me. We have been following along together for many years and to keep it fresh this year things will look a little different. Each month will focus on a different topic, pulled from the pages of my book KEEP THIS, TOSS THAT

Take a little time today to untangle cords and maybe even (gasp) label them – assuming, of course, that you actually know what they are.

When is the last time you tidied up the nightstand drawer. Take a look at what you can toss or relocate.

Ready…set…find one thing from the end table drawer that you can toss today.

Just how many rubber bands and twist ties do you own? Inventory the collection, decrease, if necessary, then group together before storing.

Makeup brushes and sponges and applicators do not last forever and must be cleaned regularly. Many can be cleaned with mild shampoo or makeup remover – but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The most important part is drying them completely.

It might be time to clean the shower curtain with liner or door tracks. An old toothbrush might be the best tool for getting into the crevices of the track.

That old hair dryer, electric shaver, hair crimper, curling iron or any other plug-in appliance or device that you are not using is the item to go today.

Nail polish typically has a 1-2 year expiration date. Colors change, the consistency changes, and if you have not used it up in years then chances are you don’t need or love it. Time to go.

Today we are doing a clean sweep: look for 10 things to toss in 10 minutes. The first things to go: anything that is rusty, cracked, chipped, damaged, broken, used up, won’t use up, out-of-date, or otherwise unusable.

Do you have a marker in the bathroom? If not, you might want to put one there. That way you can mark the date on products when you open them. Your easy-to-read date will help ensure products are safe to use.

Did you know you can use your cell phone map to locate medication drop off locations? Simply open your map like you were going to get GPS directions. Then, in the search bar type “medication drop off locations” the pinpoints on the map show nearby drop off sites.

Have you looked through the first aid supplies recently? Today let’s make sure all the supplies are sterile and in date. Keep a list of items you need to replace. Try storing supplies like pharmacy aisles: cold/flu, tummy/head, allergy, band aid/antibiotic ointment etc.

Let’s talk shower caddies today. And how about what sits in the corners of the shower? Could you create storage by clearing out a shelf in the cabinet, so things have a place to go. Try to keep out only what you use every day.

What is in the waaaayyyy back of the under-sink cabinet? Pull things out and find out! Replace the things you use and need in clearly labeled containers. Discard what is no longer needed.

One of the best things I bought: under sink mats! They cover the base of the cabinet with a lip to catch any spills or water drips. These saved my cabinet when there was a small pipe leak. Easy to wipe off or rinse off, spills will be contained. And make the most of available storage space under the sink with an adjustable under sink shelf with slats that work around plumbing or two-tier slide out shelves that side to the left and the right of the plumbing.

And skincare lotions and potions you won’t finish should go. The same is true for any skincare tools like rollers, masks, undereye gel stickers, and anything else you won’t use.

When is the last time you washed your hairbrush and/or comb? Usually, soapy water made with shampoo is a good option for washing them before drying thoroughly.

Sunscreen expires or you might have some you won’t finish up. Make sure you are getting the protection from the sun you are expecting by replacing sunscreen regularly.

Most insect repellents expire, or you might have some you won’t finish up. Check with your local Dept. of Public Works about collection of hazardous household waste.

Tiny heart bars of soap for guests, a heart shaped soap dispenser, hand towels with embroidered hearts, a shower curtain with hearts on it, a heart shaped bathmat – if any of this is old, torn, icky, or no longer able to be cleaned well, then toss it today.

Do you have an overabundance of cosmetic cases and makeup bags? How many do you use? Store some with the luggage/overnight bags. Use one or two as pouches for items in a laptop workbag or everyday handbag.

What needs fixing, updating, or replacing? Today notice what – if anything – in the bathroom needs some attention. A loose vanity drawer handle, a faucet that needs a polish or an old loofah that needs to be replaced.

Let’s take inventory of any cleaning supplies stored in the bathroom (safely of course) it is time to discard any you will not finish, recycle empty bottles and wipe down any drips.

Perfume and cologne do not last forever. The scent changes, the consistency is off, the color looks weird, the bottle gets sticky. Let’s check the ones you have to see if any need to go.

Whether or not you are indulging in lots of spicy snacks while watching the SUPER game on TV today, it is a great day to check your bathroom cabinet for upset tummy remedies. Discard any that are out of date.

When is the last time you cleaned the shower caddy/organizer? Declutter the shelves and rinse off any soap scum.

Time to tidy the tiny travel toiletries. The ones you have not seen since your last get away. Itty bitty shampoos, cute packets of tissues, little bottles of make-up remover. Time to toss those that are out of date.

When is the last time you cleaned your toothbrush holder? While you do that maybe replace your toothbrush too?

Should we discuss all the towels? The stained ones, the shredding ones, the ones you will ever use. Today is the day to pare down your supply of towels.

Does your bathmat need to be cleaned? Or replaced? Do you have old bathmats you are saving – just in case you need to use them. Let’s focus on updating the current one and toss icky ones.

When is the last time you looked in the way back of the vanity drawer? Time to take a peek, I think you’ll find something to toss. Maybe a rusty bobby pin or a comb with bent teeth. Say so long today.

Ready to see what’s under the sink? Today is a great day to take a look. What will you keep? What will you toss? What will you use up? What will you need to replace? What will you relocate to a more convenient spot?

Add a marker to the medicine cabinet. Then you can easily date products. It’s not easy to remember when you bought or opened something and many of these products expire.

Don’t bring leftovers into a new month. Take care of any random items that came out of pants pockets, wallets, or bags. Things like receipts, coins, lip balms, and gum wrappers.

Before the month is over count up your wins. List what you have accomplished – proving you are good at decluttering and tidying up!

Let’s tidy the glasses collection: sunglasses, eyeglasses, reading glasses. Ones you won’t use can be donated to Lions Clubs and some eye care centers.

What’s with all the umbrellas? Time to sort out the collection of golf umbrellas, tiny foldable ones, collapsible and more. Keep one in the car and toss any that are broken or too flimsy to withstand gusty winds.

Where could you add a light? A battery-operated or rechargeable, stick-up light might work well in the back of a deep drawer or in a closet. Being able to clearly see can help you keep things tidy and find what you need.

It’s dusting day, wipe things down including the doorframe where there is a slim lip that collects dust. If you want to disinfect the doorknob that would be awesome!

When is the last time you washed your gloves or scarf? How about your sunglasses or earbuds? This would be a great day to clean things that need it.

Instead of piling up junk mail – what if we stop it from coming? Check out catalogchoice.org to stop catalogs and for the majority of the junk mail look at dmachoice.org.

Reminder: purchases made around the holiday time have a limited return window, check to see what needs to go back then make a plan to get it there.

Do you have a bag of items to donate sitting by the door? Get them out today. Scheduling a pickup by an organization is a great way to give you a deadline to bag things up while ensuring the items actually leave.

Does that cable charge anything you currently own? Do you know where the current phone charger is? Collect and identify all the cords, then set up a charging station.

Do you have a spot for storing your sunglasses, house/car keys, earbuds, and other everyday essentials. If these items go missing often, consider creating a spot for them, like a hook or basket.

Take ten minutes to tidy. Lots of times everything near the entry door belongs there – but things can get messy. A simply straighten up session can make a huge difference – it isn’t always about decluttering.

You know that piece of paper, magazine, or newsletter sitting there, waiting to be read – today is a great day to read and then recycle it!

Does the mirror need a spot wipe? Does the floor under your shoes need a cleaning? Or maybe it is dusting day. Clean that spot in the entry area you have been meaning to get to.

These are my go-to cleaning towels, I use the blue in the bathroom, pink for my pet and yellow in the kitchen. Just like all microfiber towels, skip the high heat when drying and never use fabric softener or dryer sheets when laundering, the fibers get coated and then they can’t absorb.

Today is the best day to get that thing you owe someone to that person. Seriously. The cake plate, the library book, the sweater, the store return, anything that is not yours, don’t keep it in your home.

Where do you put store receipts? If the answer is bottom of your bag, overflowing wallet, pants pocket – then maybe place a box near the door to toss them. Then discard from the bottom (older) as needed.

If you need to track receipts for reimbursement or returns or reconciling monthly statements – try a mini accordion file. Sort them by month or by category or by credit card used for the purchase. A receipt spike will also get the job done, slip them on so they stay in one place. I staple the receipt for purchases under warranty to the warranty booklet so if/when I need it, it should be there. This is my favorite way to store instruction booklets and warranty info.