Clutter isn’t just a nuisance—it can have a significant impact on your mental well-being. Research has shown that disorganization and clutter can contribute to increased anxiety and stress. By removing certain items from your living space, you can create a more calming environment that supports your mood and overall mental health. Here are 20 items to consider decluttering to help reduce anxiety and create a more serene space.

1. Expired Medications

Why: Expired medications can clutter your medicine cabinet and create unnecessary stress about their proper disposal.

Action: Regularly check for expired medications and dispose of them properly according to local guidelines.

2. Old Magazines and Newspapers

Why: Stacks of old magazines and newspapers can create visual clutter and make your space feel chaotic.

Action: Recycle or donate magazines and newspapers you no longer need, and switch to digital subscriptions if possible.

3. Broken Appliances and Gadgets

Why: Broken items can be reminders of uncompleted tasks and contribute to feelings of frustration.

Action: Repair or dispose of broken appliances and gadgets that you no longer use.

4. Outdated or Unworn Clothing

Why: Clothes that no longer fit or are out of style can take up valuable closet space and create stress about “what to wear.”

Action: Donate or sell clothes you haven’t worn in over a year. Keep only what you love and use.

5. Unused Kitchenware

Why: Excess kitchen items, like old pots and pans or duplicate utensils, can create clutter and make meal preparation stressful.

Action: Sort through your kitchenware and keep only the items you use regularly. Donate or recycle the rest.

6. Old Bill Statements and Paperwork

Why: Piles of paperwork can be overwhelming and contribute to anxiety about finances and organization.

Action: Shred or digitize old documents you no longer need, and organize important paperwork in a designated filing system.

7. Forgotten or Broken Toys

Why: Toys that are broken or no longer played with can clutter your space and create a sense of disorder.

Action: Donate or discard old or broken toys, and keep only the ones that are in good condition and still used.

8. Unnecessary Knick-Knacks and Decorations

Why: Excessive decorative items can add to visual clutter and distract from a calming environment.

Action: Simplify your decor by keeping only meaningful or aesthetically pleasing items. Store or donate the rest.

9. Unread Books

Why: A large collection of unread books can create a sense of overwhelm and make your space feel cluttered.

Action: Donate or pass on books you haven’t read in the past year. Keep only those you plan to read or revisit.

10. Old Technology and Cables

Why: Outdated technology and tangled cables can create a disorganized and stressful environment.

Action: Dispose of old electronics and cables that you no longer use. Recycle them responsibly if possible.

11. Expired Food Items

Why: Expired food in your pantry or fridge can lead to unpleasant odors and create a sense of disarray.

Action: Regularly check your pantry and refrigerator for expired food and dispose of it. Organize remaining items for easy access.

12. Unused Exercise Equipment

Why: Unused exercise equipment can take up space and remind you of fitness goals you haven’t met.

Action: Donate or sell exercise equipment that you haven’t used in months. Keep only the equipment you actively use.

13. Old or Worn-Out Bedding

Why: Worn-out bedding can impact your sleep quality and contribute to a cluttered bedroom.

Action: Replace old or worn-out bedding with fresh, comfortable sets. Donate or recycle the old items.

14. Extra Furniture

Why: Extra or oversized furniture can make a space feel cramped and overwhelming.

Action: Assess your furniture needs and remove pieces that are unnecessary or contribute to a cluttered look.

15. Unused Craft Supplies

Why: Craft supplies that are no longer used can contribute to a cluttered workspace and create stress about unfinished projects.

Action: Sort through your craft supplies and donate or dispose of items you no longer use.

16. Duplicate or Unnecessary Tools

Why: Duplicate or unused tools can create clutter in storage areas and make finding the right tool difficult.

Action: Organize your tools and keep only what you use regularly. Donate or discard duplicates and unused items.

17. Old Photos and Memorabilia

Why: Piles of old photos and memorabilia can create clutter and make it difficult to find and enjoy meaningful items.

Action: Digitize or organize old photos and memorabilia. Keep only those that have significant sentimental value.

18. Unused Office Supplies

Why: Excess office supplies can contribute to a disorganized and stressful workspace.

Action: Declutter your office space by keeping only the supplies you use regularly. Donate or recycle the rest.

19. Outdated Personal Care Products

Why: Expired or outdated personal care products can clutter your bathroom and create unnecessary stress.

Action: Dispose of expired or unused personal care items and organize the remaining products for easy access.

20. Unwanted Gifts

Why: Unwanted gifts can create clutter and remind you of obligations or social pressures.

Action: Consider donating or re-gifting items you don’t need or want, and keep only those that bring you joy.

Conclusion

Clutter can significantly impact your mental well-being, contributing to anxiety and stress. By removing these 20 items from your living space, you can create a more organized, calming environment that supports your mood and overall health. Regularly assessing and decluttering your space can help maintain a serene and stress-free home, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.