It's Time to Clear Out: 25 Items You Can Dispose of This Weekend

      During hectic periods in life, non-essential chores like decluttering often get neglected. It’s easy to push these tasks aside when more urgent matters arise, and before you know it, your apartment may resemble a scene from the show Hoarders. Instead of relegating that decluttering session to your unwritten “to-do someday” list, why not tackle it right now?

      I understand that not knowing where to begin can make the task seem overwhelming, especially for those of us who have accumulated more clutter than we’d like. Rather than feeling discouraged before you even start, concentrate on your major clutter hotspots. Below is a list of the top 25 items to remove from your home, all of which can be thrown away or donated with minimal fuss. Focusing on these key areas will simplify the decluttering process.

      ### Why declutter for the new year?

      I know that cleaning might not seem like the most thrilling resolution to add to your 2026 mood board, but starting the year with a decluttering spree can accomplish more than just freeing up your physical space—it also clears your mental space. As you sort through your home, getting rid of things that no longer serve a purpose, you’ll reflect on the person you want to become in the upcoming year. It might sound a bit mystical, but I strongly believe that your surroundings mirror who you are and the energy you project. By eliminating unnecessary items, you create room to refresh both physically and mentally as the new year begins.

      Additionally, this process can be less daunting than it appears. Break it down into manageable steps by focusing on one drawer, shelf, or corner at a time. Alternatively, make it more enjoyable by playing your favorite playlist or podcast (I recommend this one!) and celebrating small victories along the way.

      Decluttering isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about removing what weighs you down, simplifying routines, and providing a visual and mental refresh. By the end of the process, your space will feel lighter, your mornings more invigorating, and your energy significantly clearer (trust me).

      1. **THAT drawer**

      

       You know the one: filled with old envelopes, holiday cards from years past, random cords, and other miscellaneous items. While hiding the mess might seem like a short-term solution, if that drawer is becoming difficult to close, now's the time to empty it out. Sort through everything, determine what must stay, and discard or recycle the rest. When you refill the drawer, consider using small bins or dividers to keep things organized.

      2. **Unused holiday decor**

      

       After the holiday season, review the decorations that never made it out this year. Instead of letting them gather dust for another entire year, think about donating or selling the pieces you won’t use again. It’s a delightful way to spread some joy to another home while decluttering your own!

      3. **Your camera roll**

      

       In addition to physical decluttering, consider digitally cleaning up your phone’s photo collection, which can be just as liberating. If your camera roll is taking up valuable storage, create space for new memories in the coming year. To make this task easier, sort through your photos month by month. Start in January and review photos from that month in previous years. Delete random screenshots, duplicates, and photos that no longer resonate with you. Set a reminder to repeat this monthly—each time you delete, you’re clearing the way for new experiences in 2026.

      4. **Unused tech**

      

       For some reason, I've kept my old phones from school, thinking they might come in handy someday—even though they're completely out of date. There's no real reason to hold onto these outdated devices. Instead of allowing them to collect dust, consider donating or recycling them.

       Plenty of options exist for responsibly disposing of old electronics. Apple, Amazon, and Best Buy have trade-in programs where you can mail devices for credit or recycle chargers for free. Goodwill accepts most electronics, but verify your local store’s donation policy first. For recycling options, websites like Earth 911 and Green Citizen can be useful.

      5. **Expired coupons and old gift cards**

      

       Few things are more disappointing than pulling out a gift card, only to discover it’s empty. If your wallet is stuffed with expired coupons and gift cards with unknown balances, check their dates and amounts. If they’re expired or depleted, recycle them. If you find one with a remaining balance, it’s a perfect reason to treat yourself in the new year!

      6. **Dead batteries**

      

       My battery collection consists of a chaotic drawer filled with various batteries that roll around every time I open it. When I need a battery, it’s a gamble as to what works and what doesn’t. I usually end up tossing the dead ones back in the drawer for future me to deal with. I haven't tackled this because I wasn't sure how to dispose of batteries properly, but it's quite easy. Use a battery