It seems clutter is always building up faster than we can clear it. Every day, we bring more of it home and, unless you’re dedicating weekends to sorting through it, it feels impossible to keep up. That’s why it’s a good idea to make decluttering a regular habit and to do it as part of your daily routine.
If you’re keen to try this, we’ve rounded up five things you can easily declutter as you get ready in the morning. None of these require much thought, and they can clear ample space with minimal effort. Here’s where you need to start:
Shower caddy
If you take a shower first thing, spend a moment collecting all the near-empty bottles that have gathered in the caddy. If you’ve since bought fresh bottles to replace them, tip the remains into the new bottles. As for bottles of products you’ve stopped using, those can be offered out to friends and family. Make sure the only bottles that remain are those you’re actively using.
Remove any musty shower sponges and moldy bath toys while you’re here.
Clothes that don’t fit
Should you try something on that no longer fits while you get dressed, why not set it aside for donation there and then? You can keep a decorative basket at the bottom of your wardrobe explicitly for this purpose. If something doesn’t fit, or you just don’t like the look of it anymore, you can bung it in for donation at the weekend.
Just be sure to use velvet hangers so items don’t accidentally slip into the basket, or you could just opt for one with a lid to keep it sealed. You could even put a divider in the basket if you want to create a separate pile for items you intend to sell.
Expired makeup
If your mascara’s looking extra clumpy or your foundation has sealed itself within the bottle, now’s a good time to quickly remove expired makeup. There’s usually a period-after-opening logo printed on the packaging to tell you how many months it’s safe to use after opening. Most makeup will last for about a year (check the packaging to confirm).
Once the product has been removed, you can recycle the packaging.
Mismatched Tupperware
If you’re getting ready for work, you might be frantically pawing through your Tupperware, trying to find that one lid that fits. While you’re here, set aside those that no longer have a match. On that note, if your Tupperware is cracked or scratched, it’s no longer safe to cook in, so you need to declutter this as well.
Unwanted containers can have uses all over the home. They’re handy as planters, makeshift bird feeders, or just to hold odds and ends in the junk drawer. As for loose lids, they’re useful as plant trays or mini paint palettes.
Bottom of the bag
We’re always bunging the essentials into our handbags before we go out the door: phone, money, keys is a mantra many of us know. But before you chuck things in, take a second to fish out what’s not needed. It might be old receipts, used tissues, finished hand creams, and even expired medicine (check the date on the blister pack to confirm and take to your pharmacy to dispose).
These can all add up to a lot of weight you’re needlessly carrying around. And they make things much harder to find when you need them. Carry only what you will need and try to avoid overstuffing with ‘just in case’ items, like extra sanitary items, mini toiletries, and gift cards.
As the Household Advice Editor, Katie looks after all things cleaning and decluttering. She started out as a Junior Tester in the Good Housekeeping Institute 10 years ago, so she’s tested plenty of appliances in her time too, including dishwashers and washing machines. Nowadays, she focuses on keeping our cleaning content up to date and accurate, testing relevant products and learning about the latest methods and trends along the way.
