What are the top 20 things recommended to declutter in 2026
Executive summary
Decluttering guidance for 2026 converges on practical, low-friction edits: purge expired consumables, broken or mismatched items, duplicate goods, paperwork, and unused hobby gear to reduce decision fatigue and free space [1] [2] [3]. Professional organizers and home editors repeatedly single out kitchen and linen cupboards, toys and kids’ outgrown clothing, and “donation inertia” as priority targets for a fresher year [4] [5] [3].
1. Clothing you never wear
Experts say clothes that haven’t been touched create closet crowding and decision fatigue and should be donated or sold to simplify daily routines [6].
2. Outgrown children’s clothes and toys
Professional organizers recommend clearing kids’ wardrobes and toys that no longer fit or engage children, especially after holiday influxes [5].
3. Pantry items past their prime
Food nearing or past expiration — and unopened items that won’t be used — should be discarded or donated promptly to avoid waste and cupboard clutter [1].
4. Duplicate items
Removing doubles (extra black sweaters, spare sets of lights, duplicate gadgets) is a fast win recommended across minimalist guides [2].
5. Single socks, mismatched containers, and broken utensils
Small, unusable items like lone socks, containers without lids, or broken bottles are easy tosses that immediately reduce clutter [1].
6. Unused small kitchen appliances
Stow or let go of single-purpose appliances that rarely get used; editors advise paring down to multifunctional essentials [7].
7. Excess holiday decorations and damaged strands
Holiday storage is prime for purging damaged or surplus decor so storage space starts the year leaner [2].
8. Old manuals and paper copies
Switch to digital manuals and recycle paper copies that pile up in utility spaces unless legally necessary to keep [1].
9. Expired toiletries and cosmetics
Bathroom counters and medicine cabinets often harbor expired products; professionals urge clearing them for safety and space [6].
10. Receipts, junk mail, and old paperwork
Clearing unnecessary mail and completing donation or return actions prevents “mental clutter” caused by piles waiting to be processed [3] [5].
11. Hobby items that haven’t been touched in a year
If a craft or hobby kit hasn’t been used in months, organizers call it a source of guilt and recommend letting it go [3].
12. Shoes that don’t fit or are uncomfortable
Footwear that causes friction or is unworn should be removed to simplify choices and storage [6].
13. Worn linens and duplicate bedding sets
Cull stained or surplus linens and keep sets organized; packing fitted sheets inside duvet covers preserves remaining sets [4].
14. Old electronics and mysterious chargers
If a device hasn’t been used or its charger can’t be identified, experts say it doesn’t deserve drawer space in 2026 [3].
15. Unlabeled storage bins and miscellaneous cords
Decluttering includes sorting unlabeled bins and untangling cords to prevent time lost searching and accidental retention of useless items [8].
16. Seasonal clothes you never reach for
If seasonal pieces didn’t get worn last season, consider donating them rather than rotating storage forever [2].
17. Excess pet supplies and duplicate bowls/toys
Pet gear accumulates like any other category; paring down keeps feeding and storage simple [5].
18. Paper lists, old vision boards and completed to-dos
House Digest recommends clearing outdated to-do lists and vision-boards that no longer align with current goals [2].
19. Gifts you’ll never use or that don’t fit your life
Post-holiday exchanges or donations of unwanted gifts are encouraged so items find a user rather than sit boxed [1].
20. Donation “holding zones” and incomplete removal habits
Good Housekeeping and organizers stress finishing the job: remove donation bags immediately or they become re-clutter; action completes the mental edit [3] [9].