Less clutter, more peace! Declutter these five things every month to keep your home tidy and stress-free!
Keeping a tidy home can feel like a never-ending battle. Between kids, laundry, and all the random things that somehow find their way into every corner of the house, clutter sneaks up before you know it.
But I’ve found that a little bit of consistent decluttering each month makes a huge difference.
Instead of letting things pile up for a big spring cleaning session (which, let’s be honest, rarely goes as planned), I tackle a few key areas every month.
So, if you’re looking for a simple way to keep your home organized and peaceful, here are five things you should declutter every month.
Trust me, your future self will thank you!
1. Expired and Unused Pantry Items
Let’s start in the kitchen, shall we?
The pantry is one of those places where things mysteriously accumulate. You buy a new bag of flour, only to discover you already had two.
Or you find a can of beans hiding in the back that expired last year. Oops!
Every month, I make it a habit to go through my pantry and check for expired goods.
I also look for items I know we won’t eat. Maybe I bought a snack that my kid tried once and didn’t like, or I stocked up on a sale item that we just don’t use.
If it’s still good but not something we’ll eat, I put it in a donation bag. If it’s expired, out it goes.
Bonus tip: This is also a great time to organize what’s left! Group similar items together, use clear containers for easy visibility, and make a note of what you need to replenish.
2. Paper Clutter (Mail, Receipts, and Random Notes)
Paper clutter is sneaky. It starts as just one or two pieces of mail on the counter, and before you know it, there’s an avalanche of papers you “meant to deal with.”
Every month, I set aside 15 minutes to sort through mail, receipts, and random papers that have accumulated. I shred or recycle anything unnecessary and file away the important stuff.
If I find papers I’ve been holding onto “just in case,” I ask myself: Do I really need this?
If the answer is no, it goes.
Pro tip: A designated paper station works wonders! I have a small basket where all incoming papers go. At the end of the month, I go through it so things don’t pile up everywhere.
3. Clothes and Accessories
If your closet (or your kids’ closets) feel overwhelming, a monthly declutter session is a game-changer.
I used to think closet decluttering was a once-a-year task, but I found that keeping up with it monthly makes it much easier to manage.
Each month, I take a few minutes to check for:
- Clothes that don’t fit
- Items that are worn out or stained
- Pieces I haven’t worn in months (or years!)
- Accessories that just collect dust
I put anything in good condition into a donation bag and toss or repurpose anything too worn out.
This little habit keeps my closet streamlined and makes getting dressed so much easier!
4. Kids’ Items
If you have kids, their belongings can pile up fast!
From art supplies to small trinkets, it doesn’t take long before drawers and shelves feel chaotic.
Each month, I do a quick check of my kids’ items, making sure everything is in its proper place. I sort through art supplies, puzzles, and books, removing anything that’s broken or missing pieces.
Since I have a baby as well as a toddler, I hold onto most of my older child’s outgrown toys for his little brother, but I make sure they’re stored neatly and rotated in and out to keep things fresh.
If you have toys your child has truly outgrown and won’t be passed down, consider donating them to another family or a local charity. A tidier play area makes playtime more enjoyable and easier to clean up!
5. Bathroom Items
The bathroom is another clutter hotspot, and it’s not just personal items that pile up – family toiletries and half-used products tend to accumulate quickly.
Each month, I go through our bathroom cabinets and toss:
- Old toothbrushes and worn-out bath sponges
- Almost-empty bottles of shampoo, body wash, and lotion that no one’s using
- Products we tried but didn’t like
If you’re using makeup (I don’t), also toss those that are past their expiration dates.
Decluttering the bathroom regularly keeps it neat, ensures we’re only using fresh, effective products, and makes it easier to find what we actually need.
Plus, it’s a great way to free up space and simplify our daily routines!
Keep your home clutter-free, one month at a time.
As I always say, decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. And by tackling these five areas each month, you’ll keep your home feeling lighter, tidier, and more manageable.
And the best part?
It only takes a few minutes each time but makes a world of difference.
So, grab a donation box, set a timer, and start decluttering! You’ll love how refreshing it feels to clear out the excess.
Happy decluttering, mama!
Need more decluttering tips? Check these out!
- The Power of Decluttering One Drawer at a Time
- Decluttering with Toddler Underfoot: A Homemaker’s Guide
- Why Decluttering Feels So Hard (And How to Push Through)
- or simply visit out Declutter category page for everything about decluttering!
Take the 21-Day Decluttering Challenge!
If you’re ready to take decluttering to the next level, I invite you to take my 21-Day Decluttering Challenge for Busy Moms!
This challenge is designed to help you clear out the clutter in small, manageable steps so you can create a more organized and peaceful home – without feeling overwhelmed.
Let’s do this together! Sign up today and start your journey toward a clutter-free home.
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