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15 Pointless Items to Declutter to Start Becoming a Minimalist

Living with less can feel overwhelming at first, but minimalism starts with simple steps. Decluttering not only clears physical space but can also bring clarity to your mind and finances. By identifying and letting go of items that no longer serve a purpose, you can focus on what truly matters.

Minimalism isn’t about deprivation; it’s about creating a life filled with value and intention. Start your journey by removing these unnecessary items and take the first step toward a simpler, more meaningful lifestyle.

Expired coupons and gift cards

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Expired coupons and unused gift cards just take up space and serve no purpose. Toss them to make room for things you actually need. Simplifying these small areas helps you focus on living with less.

To learn more: How to Use a Gift Card Exchange Kiosk to Get Cash Fast

Old magazines and newspapers

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Stacks of magazines and newspapers can quickly become cluttered. Recycle the ones you’re not keeping to clear space and make your home feel more open. Holding on to fewer things brings peace to your space.

Duplicate kitchen utensils

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Having multiple of the same kitchen tools isn’t necessary. Letting go of duplicate utensils frees up valuable drawer space and makes cooking easier. A minimalist kitchen helps you stay organized.

To learn more: 25 Frugal Home Must Haves To Save Money for Clean and Organized Home

Clothes you haven’t worn in a year

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If you haven’t worn certain clothes in over a year, it’s time to donate or sell them. Keeping only what you actually wear simplifies your wardrobe.

Owning less makes getting dressed quicker and easier.

To learn more: How to Shop for Clothes on a Budget

Broken or outdated electronics

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Broken gadgets and old electronics clutter your home and collect dust. Recycle or properly dispose of them to free up storage space.

A clutter-free environment helps you feel more in control of your belongings.

Excess plastic bags and containers

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Too many plastic bags and containers can overwhelm your kitchen. Keep only a few reusable ones and recycle the rest. A small change like this makes your home tidier and easier to manage.

To learn more: Why a Thrifty Lifestyle is Something You Need Today

Unused hobby supplies

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Supplies for hobbies you no longer enjoy often sit unused and take up space. Donate, sell, or toss them to simplify your storage.

While you may say I’ll get around to my hobbies again, ask yourself if you really want to spend time on them again. Focus on hobbies that truly make you happy without the extra clutter.

To learn more: Top Creative Side Hustles for 2025

Worn-out shoes or accessories

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Shoes or accessories that are too worn out to use should be tossed or recycled. Freeing up space by getting rid of unusable items helps your closet feel organized and purposeful.

Half-empty toiletries and makeup

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Old or half-used toiletries and expired makeup clutter bathrooms and drawers. Toss them to clear space and make your bathroom simpler to use. Only keep what you use daily for a minimalist feel.

To learn more: 53 Items Not to Buy at the Grocery Store

Old greeting cards or sentimental clutter

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Sentimental clutter like old cards adds up quickly. Keep only a few meaningful ones and recycle the rest.

Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting memories; it just means focusing on what matters most. You can take pictures and catalog these sentimental memories in a digital photo album.

Outdated home décor items

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Outdated décor can make your home feel overcrowded and cluttered. Donate or sell items that no longer match your style. A simpler, intentional space helps you enjoy your home more.

To learn more: How to Flip Money: 14 Best Ways to Make Money

Books you’ll never read again

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Books you’ve read or don’t plan to read again take up space on your shelves. Donate or sell them to make room for the ones you truly love. Owning fewer books can make your space feel lighter and more organized.

To learn more: Best Finance Books: The Top 10 Must-Read Books To Improve Your Finances

Extra coffee mugs or drinkware

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Too many mugs or glasses clutter cabinets and make finding what you need harder. Keep a few favorites and donate the rest.

Simplifying your drinkware keeps your kitchen organized and stress-free.

Random cables or chargers you don’t use

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Old cables and chargers that no longer work or belong to unused devices add unnecessary clutter. Sort through them and recycle what you don’t need.

Let’s be honest… we are more likely to buy a new one rather than attempt to find the old one. A clutter-free drawer makes finding the right cord much easier.

Unnecessary subscription boxes or memberships

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Unused subscription boxes or memberships are a waste of space and money. Cancel them to simplify your life and free up funds for what truly matters. Less clutter means less stress.

Learn How I learned to Live with Less

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Learning to live with less has been a transformative journey that has brought clarity, peace, and greater purpose to my life. By embracing simplicity, I was able to declutter both my physical space and my mind, creating room for what truly matters.

While the process wasn’t always easy, it allowed me to prioritize my values, reduce stress, and focus on the experiences that bring lasting fulfillment.

Ultimately, living with less has taught me that happiness doesn’t come from material possessions but from the meaningful connections and moments we cultivate along the way.

To learn more: Our Journey to Own Less Stuff After 6 Weeks Without Our Things

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