Decluttering Room by Room: 10 Things to Get Rid of in Each Room

Save space and live comfortably with these tips

Most households acquire a host of cherished items over time. Eventually, you may find yourself surrounded by more possessions than you can handle.

Whether you are considering retiring in your own home or moving to a new space, it is important to create a plan to do so comfortably. There are many issues that arise that can make the upkeep and maintenance of the home a challenge.

Preparing for a new “rightsized” space can be an overwhelming prospect, especially when you have a home full of memories and keepsakes to go through.

Don’t be ashamed to get rid of items that belong to other people.

Reduce your inventory of seasonal décor items.

Dispose of broken and outdated items.

Start the process by identifying items you absolutely love and need.

Be patient and prioritize your well-being.

Here’s ten things to dispose of in each room:

Bedroom:

• Pillows that are no longer full or comfortable
• Loose papers
• Tangled, broken, discolored or unwanted jewelry
• Clothes you never wear
• Excess or old hangers
• Old gadgets and electronics
• Excess ties in your closet
• Forgotten items stored under the bed
• Junk from the nightstand or dresser junk drawer
• Old t-shirts and white undershirts

Space Saving Suggestions:

• Upgrade your nightstand to a multi-use with lots of drawers and spaces for clothing and other essentials.
• Beautiful decorative storage containers in small sizes are a great way to hide small items and add color to a room when placed on a table or dresser.
• Take advantage of the foot of the bed by placing a storage bench or set of small ottomans in the space for extra storage.

Living Room:

• Extra Candles
• DVDs, CDs, and VHS
• Worn blankets or throws
• Throw pillows that have lost their shape
• Old magazines
• Ripped, torn, stained or worn rugs
• Knick knacks, odds and ends, and unnecessary decorative items
• Remotes to old devices
• Broken or worn furniture
• Electronics that are not commonly used

Space Saving Suggestions:

• Choose coffee and end tables that maximize the space it uses up by doubling as extra storage with drawers or neat shelving.
• Use the bookcase as a storage solution.

Kitchen & Dining Room:

• Rusted or broken utensils
• Duplicate utensils, tools, or appliances
• Storage containers with missing lids
• Rarely or never used extra dishes
• Extra or old cleaning supplies
• Broken or chipped cups, plates, or glasses
• Rarely or never used small appliances
• Extra table linens
• Excess dining table décor
• Canned goods and spaces that are outdated or unlikely to be used

Space Saving Suggestions:

• Use wall-mounted storage to make the most of wall space by mounting rows of racks.
• Use a cart in the kitchen or dining room to expand your work and storage area without taking up a large amount of floor space.

John Salomone is with Caring Transitions of North Central New Jersey, a Professional Solution for relocation services including downsizing, decluttering and estate sales for both full and partial liquidations. John can be reached at 973-343-7890. https://www.caringtransitionsmorristownnj.com/