It turns out that 1 in 4 of us feel embarrassed by the clutter in our homes, so much so that it puts us off having guests over. And when asked what puts us off decluttering, almost half (47%) said they struggle to decide what to get rid of. That’s according to the 2025 Good Housekeeping decluttering survey.
It’s not surprising that we feel downcast about making decisions. After all, if there’s memories and sentimentality attached to items, it’s harder to let go. Even if the item doesn’t have that connection, there’s still that ‘you never know’ voice in the back of our minds. In any case, you shouldn't feel embarrassed by your own home – if the clutter’s the problem, it needs addressing.
To help take some of the pressure off, and to get you decluttering like a pro, we’ve rounded up 10 things that take no time or thought to declutter from your home. So you can make some snap decisions and create some real space in the shortest amount of time. This will help to boost your decluttering confidence too!
1. Old charging cables
While technology moves on fairly quickly - with phones, laptops and devices being upgraded every few years - the chargers tend to remain and haunt us from the kitchen drawer.
You might not know what they charge anymore, or perhaps you’re hanging onto them in case the designated one breaks? If it's the latter, ask yourself: how many times has this actually happened? You’re better off removing those which no longer see use (especially if they’re yellowing or showing damage), and recycling them. Recycleyourelectricals.co.uk can show you local options.
Label what remains so you won’t forget what they charge again!
2. Stray elastic bands
Elastic bands have their uses. They can keep stationary together, or keep wrapping paper from unfurling. But they shouldn’t be littering your drawers.
Take account of how many you have and sort through to find those which won't get used. We're talking about the extra tiny or thin bands which will snap as soon as you stretch them. Unfortunately, elastic bands aren’t recyclable, so they will have to go in the general waste bin.
But for those which are usable, you may be able to offer them out to local schools. For those you want to keep, tie them around something or place in a container to keep them organised. You can even create your own elastic band ball to keep them together.
3. Rogue coat hangers
Why not have extra hangers on your clothes rail? After all, we always seem to need a spare one, especially when we bring home new clothes! But the fact is, these are taking up space on your rail, limiting the access to what you’ve got stored. They’re also creating the illusion that you have more space than you do, and encouraging you to buy more. Think about it: if all of those hangers were filled, you’d be looking at a very different wardrobe.
You’re better off removing them from the rail and storing your hangers separately. Place them somewhere that’s easy to access, or you could use a coat hanger stacker to keep them together. If most of the extras are plastic hangers, it’s worth swapping them out for velvet hangers where needed. These offer better grip and take up less space. Plastic hangers can be recycled at charity shops and some large retailers may accept them too.
Wardobe declutter kit
CrazyGadget 32 Litre Large Plastic Storage Container
4. Old takeaway menus
Takeaway menus often find their way into the kitchen drawers. It’s an easy habit to develop, particularly when you come home hungry! But, too many of these leaflets will end up spilling out of your drawers, or get crushed and buried under everything else.
Instead, take a picture of each menu you want to keep, and create an album on your phone to find it when needed. Alternatively, you can just write down the name of the restaurant so you can find the up-to date menu online instead. Recycle them once you’ve got what you need.
5. Expired medication
Expired medication is quick and satisfying to declutter as there’s no thought or decisions involved! It one of the things that take minutes to declutter from the bathroom. Once it’s expired, your medication is no longer guaranteed to deliver the performance that it should. That makes it potentially dangerous to take when needed, so it should be safely disposed of.
First, remove all medication and separate those that have expired. The packaging can be recycled, while the medication should be taken to a local pharmacy to be safely disposed of. For those still in date, categorise and stack in reverse date order (so the oldest get used first).
6. Lidless Tupperware
There’s usually a cupboard in every kitchen littered with plastic food containers. But for those that have lost their lids, or vice versa, they’re just taking up space.
Take everything out and sort through so that every container has a dedicated lid. You can always mark the outside with permanent marker, so you remember what goes with what. Stack the empty smaller containers within the larger ones to take up less space and keep the lids together on a dedicated rack to grab as needed.
For those that are lidless, they don’t need to go straight into the recycling. You can propagate seedings in them, such as herbs. Or you can cover with a Beeswax wrap for sealing non-liquids. They make for great makeshift storage too, such as for loose batteries, elastic bands or screws and bolts.
7. Expired spice jars
Be honest, how many spice jars go unused in your cupboards? These can easily slide to the back of the pantry, taking up space for years (sometimes even decades!). While they’re technically safe to eat even if they’re out of date, you’ll need to use a lot more to get the flavour that you want, which can ruin the texture and create a bitter taste.
Save some space and empty expired spices out onto the compost heap instead. Investing in a tiered or rotating spice rack can save them from being forgotten about in the future.
Kitchen drawer organisers
Whitefurze Adjustable Drawer Organiser
Harts of Stur Rubber Wood Expanding Cutlery Tray
8. Appliance manuals
When you spend a lot of money on an appliance, it seems sensible to hang onto the instruction manual. But these can soon pile up until you need a mini filing system to keep them in order!
Most instruction manuals are available online. If you’re concerned you won’t be able to find them when needed, you can always download and save a digital copy. Meanwhile your paper instruction manuals can be recycled to free up some space.
9. Glass ramekins
Our cupboards always seem to collect glass ramekins; it’s only natural when so many store-bought desserts are served in them! When I played the Minimalism Game, I found 14 in mine! Depending on whether you use them, you might want to hang onto one or two, but the rest can be recycled.
Likewise, if you’re storing glass jars and tubs you’ve put aside for reuse - if you haven’t used them yet, it’s not likely to happen, so recycle these too!
10. Plastic bags
Whenever we’re caught without a tote bag, we resort to a plastic or paper bag purchased at the till. The trouble is, when finished with it, it gets scrunched or collapsed and shoved away with the others at home. Before you know it, they’re expanding to the point of falling down the backs of your drawers - stopping them from closing altogether!
While bags are useful, you really don’t need so many. These can often be recycled from home (both plastic and paper); check recyclenow.com to see your options. To prevent yourself from buying extra bags in the future, it’s always useful to carry a collapsable shopping bag.
