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Making Space: 31 Things to Let Go of Right Now
- Janelle Hawk Azar
- Sep 11, 2025
- 7 min read
I don’t know about you, but September has always felt like a mini fresh start to me. 🍂
Summer winds down, the kiddos are back in school, routines are shifting… and it just feels like the perfect time to hit the pause button, reset, and let go of the clutter that’s weighing us down. As an organizer, I love helping people take advantage of this season to clear the space around them—and in turn, make life feel a little lighter.
Decluttering doesn’t have to be a huge, overwhelming project. It’s really about small, thoughtful edits that make your home work better for you and add more meaning to your day-to-day. A drawer that finally closes without a fight, a closet that only holds what you actually wear, a bathroom shelf that isn’t overflowing—those little shifts bring so much relief and a lot more functionality.
That’s why I’ve put together a list of 31 easy things you can let go of—little by little. Think of it as a gentle nudge to help your space feel lighter, more organized, and truly yours.
Clothing & Accessories
Okay, let’s start with the infamous closet! Your closet should make you feel good—excited to get dressed, not stressed hunting for something that works. Every item should either make you feel amazing, actually get worn, or have a real purpose. The rest? Just taking up space and mental energy. Clearing out the stuff below will instantly make your closet feel lighter and actually work for you.
(1) Summer clothing you didn’t wear – If it didn’t make the cut this summer, it probably won’t next year either. Let it go and make room for the pieces you actually reach for.
(2) Accessories (belts, scarves, hats) that never get worn – Accessories should jazz up your outfits, not sit there collecting dust. If you haven’t touched it in a year, it’s time to part ways.
(3) Jewelry that no longer sparks joy – Keep the pieces that make you smile every time you wear them. The rest? Donate them so someone else can enjoy them.
(4) Wire hangers – Swap them for matching, sturdy hangers. It’s such a small change, but your closet instantly looks cleaner and your clothes stay in better shape. My personal favorite? Slim velvet hangers—they’re a total game-changer.
(5) Old socks with holes or missing pairs – Toss them without guilt. They’ve done their job.
(6) Sunglasses that are scratched or broken – If they are damaged…purge and let go.
Kitchen & Dining
The kitchen is the heart of the home—it’s where mornings start, meals happen, and all the little moments with your family unfold. When it’s organized, everything just works better. Let’s clear out the stuff that isn’t helping and make your kitchen flow for you and your family.
(7) Duplicate utensils – Seriously, do you really need six peelers? Keep your go-tos and let the extras find a new home.
(8) Expired spices – Fresh flavors make all the difference. Toss the old stuff and spice things up again.
(9) Unused coffee mugs or travel tumblers – If they’re just sitting there, someone else would love them. Free up that cupboard space!
(10) Specialty kitchen gadgets that haven’t seen the light of day – That waffle maker or air fryer you thought you’d use every weekend? Time to say goodbye if it’s just collecting dust.
(11) Food storage containers without matching lids – Nothing drives me crazier than a container with no lid. Only keep the ones that actually work together. And if you find you need to replenish your set, these glass storage containers are my go-to!
(12) Cardboard food boxes – Toss or recycle them—they’re just cluttering your shelves.
(13) Broken or chipped dishes or glasses – Safety first, friends. Plus, the kitchen instantly feels lighter without them.
Once it’s all cleared out, you’ll feel that little sigh of relief every time you step in—trust me, it’s worth it.
Bathroom & Personal Care
Your bathroom should feel like a little sanctuary...a place that’s calm, refreshing, and ready to start your day (or help you unwind at night). Let’s clear out anything that’s sitting there collecting dust or just taking up space, so your daily routine feels easier and a little more joyful.
(14) Expired makeup – If it’s past its prime, it’s not doing your skin any favors. Time to say buh-bye—guilt-free.
(15) Dingy hand towels – Fresh, fluffy towels instantly make the bathroom feel nicer… and bonus, they just feel good.
(16) Never-used toiletry samples or trial-sized products – If they’ve been hanging out untouched for months, they’re not your faves. Let them find a new home.
(17) Expired sunscreen or SPF products – Old SPF? No thank you. Protect your skin with something fresh that actually works.
(18) Expired medications – Toss anything past its prime—better safe than sorry, especially with cold season coming!
(19) Old toothbrushes or hairbrushes – Swap them out and suddenly your daily routine feels a little more… well, fresh.
(20) Empty or nearly empty lotion bottles – Toss ‘em. That tiny bit of extra space feels ridiculously good.
Paper, Office & Digital
Paper piles, random receipts, and digital clutter can weigh on your brain more than you realize. Clearing this stuff out makes your day run smoother and your space feel lighter. Let’s tackle the things you really don’t need—both physical and digital.
(21) Receipts that are just hanging out – Keep the ones you actually need. The rest? Toss ‘em. Your wallet will instantly feel lighter.
(22) Digital photos never backed up –Either save them or delete them. Free space, free mind. Total win-win.
(23) Old manuals for appliances or furniture you don’t even own – If it’s gone, the manual can go too. No guilt, promise. Plus, most manuals you can grab online for the things you still have—try ManualsLib as a quick resource.
(24) Apps you never use – Swipe left on the digital clutter. No more wasting time digging when you actually need the one app that matters.
(25) Bookmarked pages you never look at – If you haven’t checked them in a year, they’re basically digital junk. Buh-bye!
(26) Unread newsletters clogging your inbox – If you always delete without reading, just hit unsubscribe. You won’t miss them—I promise.
Kids and Family
When it comes to kids’ stuff, it piles up so quickly. One minute it fits, the next it’s too small—or it just sits there collecting dust. Clearing out what’s not being used makes their spaces more enjoyable, easier to maintain, and honestly a little less stressful for everyone.
(27) Summer toys that never got played with – If they stayed untouched all summer, they’re not the favorites. Donate them and let another kid actually enjoy them.
(28) Outgrown sports gear, helmets, or pads – If it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t belong. Pass it along so it can get used again—try donating to Play It Again Sports or Leveling the Playing Field.
(29) Hair accessories that are broken, missing, or never used – Keep the ones they actually grab, and let the rest move on.
(30) Puzzles with missing pieces – Nothing’s more annoying than a puzzle you can’t finish. Time to let it go.
(31) Costumes or dress-up clothes kids never touch – If it doesn’t spark their imagination anymore, someone else’s kid will light up when they see it.
Where to Donate Your Decluttered Items
I totally understand—decluttering can be tough. Sometimes the hardest part of letting go is that little voice that says, “But what if I need this someday?” or “It feels wasteful to just toss it.” That’s why I always remind my clients (and myself!) that donating can make the process so much easier. When you know your items are going to a place where they’ll actually be used and appreciated, it takes a lot of the guilt—and hesitation—away.
Over the years, I’ve helped clients find the perfect spots for their donations, and it’s amazing to see the relief and satisfaction it brings. Here are a few of my go-to places where your items can find a new, happy home:
Local shelters or women’s organizations – Clothes, shoes, and accessories that are still in good shape can really make a difference.
Children’s hospitals or youth programs – Gently used toys, books, and games often brighten a kid’s day.
Thrift stores or charity shops – Places like Goodwill, Salvation Army, or Vietnam Veterans give items a second life and support community programs.
Specialty nonprofits – Sports equipment, musical instruments, or baby gear? There are organizations dedicated to getting these items to families in need.
Animal shelters and rescues – Old towels, blankets, pet food your furry friends didn’t like, or outgrown accessories can be put to great use here.
Knowing your items are going to someone who truly needs them not only helps your community—it makes letting go feel lighter, easier, and even a little joyful.
Celebrate the Wins, Big and Small
At the end of the day, decluttering isn’t about doing it perfectly—it’s about making your home feel lighter, easier to manage, and more like you. It’s all about those little wins that make a big difference—whether that’s clearing out paper piles, digital clutter, or kids’ stuff that’s just taking up space. Even if you can’t tackle all 31 items at once, pick a few to start. Because even clearing out a few items can make a noticeable difference in how your space feels. Those small wins add up, giving you breathing room, a sense of calm, and a little boost of satisfaction along the way.
And if you want someone to cheer you on—or keep you accountable while you sort through it all—I’m here for that too. Book a quick phone consult here, and we’ll make a simple plan that fits your life. I’ll help you take it step by step, celebrate the progress, and enjoy the freedom that comes from letting go. We’re in this together! 💛
Thanks for following along on our journey as we declutter and organize!
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