30 Things to Declutter This Weekend

Do you ever feel like your home is a bit… full? Like every cupboard, drawer, and surface is screaming for a breather? If you’ve been putting off a good decluttering session, this weekend is the perfect time to tackle it. In just two days, you can make a noticeable difference in your home and your mind.

Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of things; it’s about creating space for what truly matters. It’s about reducing visual noise, finding what you need when you need it, and feeling calm and in control. Let’s make that happen! Here’s a checklist of 30 specific things to declutter this weekend.

Why Declutter This Weekend?

Spending a bit of your weekend decluttering can do wonders for your home and your well-being. Imagine waking up on Monday to a cleaner, more organised space. Not only will you feel lighter and more productive, but you’ll also set the tone for a stress-free week. Decluttering doesn’t have to take your entire weekend either. You can choose to tackle a few items off this list or work through the entire thing — it’s entirely up to you.

Every small step adds up, so even if you only have an hour to spare, you can still make a meaningful impact.

30 Things to Declutter This Weekend

1. Old Magazines and Newspapers

Recycle anything you haven’t read or won’t revisit. Those piles by the sofa? Get ’em gone. Also, check if your local library offers a press reader service through your membership. I read all of my favourite magazines on my iPad now, and it’s completely free! Saves me so much money and better for the planet.

2. Expired Makeup and Toiletries

Check dates on that mascara and those half-used bottles of shampoo. If it’s past its prime, bin it. If you’re feeling motivated, give your makeup brushes and applicators a clean too, and get rid of any ones that are beyond saving.

3. Outdated or Damaged Tech

Cables, chargers, and gadgets you don’t use any more can go. If it’s for an old device or it’s worn or frayed, chuck it out. Recycle responsibly where you can.

4. Unworn Clothes

This one’s a biggie, so if it’s too overwhelming to tackle your whole wardrobe at once, start with one drawer or cupboard. But you know the drill: if you haven’t worn it in a year, consider donating it. Take worn out, stained or damaged clothing to a rag bag collection point.

5. Socks Without Mates

The washing machine will take its victims, no matter how hard you try. If you’ve got socks that have been solo for months, let them go.

6. Mismatched Tupperware

Kitchen containers take up so much storage space, and we all end up with too many. Get rid of the stained or warped ones. Lids without containers or vice versa? Time to part ways.

7. Old Receipts and Bills

Paper clutter makes spaces feel so messy, and most of the time we don’t need it. Unless it’s important for product guarantees, or warranties, or you need it for tax purposes, then shred and recycle.

8. Books You Won’t Read Again

Some books you know you want to keep forever. But most of them you’ll never pick up again. Pass them on to a charity shop or a friend and make room for new reads.

9. Pantry Expiry Check

Sort through those cans, packets, and jars. Anything expired or unrecognisable can go. Don’t forget the herbs and spices, as you know there’s probably something from a decade ago lurking in there.

10. Outgrown Kids’ Toys

If you have kids, toys are likely one of the biggest causes of clutter in your house, so it’s time for a clear-out. Broken toys, or ones with missing pieces, can be recycled, and outgrown ones can be donated. (It’s up to you whether you involve the kids or do it when they’re out of the house, but remember that kids are natural hoarders…)

11. Duplicate Kitchen Utensils

Do you really need three vegetable peelers, eight chopping boards, and two spare whisks? Probably not. Pick your favourite items and the rest can go.

12. Worn-Out Linens

Towels with holes or threadbare sheets can be repurposed as cleaning rags or recycled. I also keep some old bedding to use as dusts sheets when I’m redecorating.

13. Unused Decor

That vase you’ve never loved? Time to say goodbye. Your space will feel good when it’s gone.

14. Expired Medicines and Supplements

Clean out the medicine cabinet and throw away all the out of date items. You can take them to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

15. Old Greeting Cards

This can be hard, but most of them will never be looked at again. Keep the ones that are truly sentimental, or consider taking a photo and recycling the card.

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16. Forgotten Hobbies

Hobbies are another huge contributor to household clutter. Craft supplies, sports gear, or instruments you’ll never use again can all find a new home.

17. Broken or Unwanted Jewellery

Do a quick blitz of your jewellery box. If it’s broken, either fix it or let it go. If it’s still in good condition, donate to charity.

18. Unused Gift Bags and Wrapping Paper

Go through and identify the almost-empty rolls, too-short pieces of ribbon, and crumpled gift bags. Keep what you’ll actually use and recycle the rest.

19. Manuals and Instruction Booklets

Most are available online now. Recycle those paper versions.

20. Loyalty Cards You Don’t Use

Slim down your wallet by ditching ones you never use. Or even better, most loyalty cards can be added to your phone and held in Apple Wallet or similar.

21. Old Cookware

Pots and pans with worn-out coatings aren’t worth keeping. Take back the space in your kitchen or treat yourself to a lovely new pan.

22. Forgotten Freezer Food

Ah the freezer of doom. Home to the split bag of frozen veg, something unidentifiable you cooked a year ago, and the ice cream flavours that no one likes. Bin it! Anything covered in frost or long past its use-by date can go.

23. Duplicate Tools

How many hammers do you really need?

24. Old Holiday Decorations

I am the worst for keeping un-needed Christmas items just in case I might want to use them “some other year”. Nope. Anything broken or never used can be cleared out.

25. Paperwork Piles

Separate to the receipts and bills piles, these are also usually redundant. All those old kids’ drawings and random mail are taking up your space. Scan what you need to keep and recycle the rest.

26. Unused Apps

Declutter your phone while you’re at it. Delete what you don’t use and free up your storage.

27. Seasonal Clothing

Whether it’s summer swimwear or winter hats and gloves, if you’re coming to the end of a season and know that something won’t be worn again next year, then donate it now and save yourself time next season. Especially easy if you have growing kids who will definitely have grown out of something in 6 months time!

28. Unworn Shoes

Time to trim down the trainer collection or be honest with yourself over whether you’ll ever wear those heels again. Donate pairs that don’t fit or hurt your feet. Worn-out ones can be binned.

29. Mystery Drawer Clutter

You know the one. Empty it out and only put back what’s useful.

30. Old Bags and Purses

Donate ones you haven’t used in years. If you’re lucky, you might find a little cash stash in some of then.

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Why Declutter?

Decluttering isn’t just about a tidy house. It’s about how you feel in your space. A decluttered home can:

• Reduce Stress: Visual clutter can make you feel overwhelmed. A clean space is a calm space.
• Save Time: No more searching for your keys in a sea of stuff.
• Boost Productivity: A clear desk or kitchen counter makes it easier to focus.
• Spark Joy: Keep the things that truly make you happy and let go of the rest.

Plus, donating items you no longer need helps others while making you feel good. It’s a win-win!

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Ready to Start?

Pick a starting point and set a timer for 20 minutes. Decluttering doesn’t have to take all weekend, but once you get going, you might find it hard to stop. The best part? You’ll feel lighter, more organised, and ready to enjoy your refreshed space.

Happy decluttering!

The Decluttering Checklist

Download this list as a PDF

Download this list as a PDF