When your closets become difficult to close, your cupboards are overflowing with dishes, and
your storage areas have reached capacity, it's time for an organization intervention.
New and improved items often get piled on top of the old and well-used until your valuable spaces are filled and begging to be purged. It may seem much easier to keep stockpiling shoes, kitchenware, and other collections instead of making the tough
decision of whether or not to let go. But, in time, this can cause a whole lot of clutter.
A more challenging—but far more rewarding—task is to commit to eliminating unnecessary and unused items, bringing order and organization to your home. By taking a logical “love it or lose it” approach, you’ll easily clear your cherished spaces of
superfluous clutter and perhaps even clear your mind in the process.
Kitchenware
Love it
Keep plates, bowls, cups, and glasses that coordinate and easily nest together. These are the easiest to store and maximize cupboard space.
Use clear, stackable storage containers with matching lids to
streamline food storage and make leftovers easy to find.
If you have heirloom/antique dishes you rarely use, consider displaying them in a hutch, on open shelves, or storing them safely in padded cases in a less frequently accessed space. You may even wish to sell them or pass them onto another family member.
Lose it
If your storage containers are missing lids (or the lids are missing their storage containers), it’s time to say goodbye.
Toss any duplicate or broken kitchen tools. If you have five spatulas but only use two, donate the extras.
Pare down your mug and water bottle collection. If you have more than you could possibly use in a week, keep only your
favorites and donate the rest.
Remove chipped, stained, or mismatched dishes and glassware that make your cabinets look chaotic.
Artwork and
Decor
Love it
Display your favorite pieces in a meaningful way. Create a gallery wall featuring family portraits, children’s artwork, or travel
mementos.
If you have framed art that no longer suits your taste, consider swapping out the artwork for something fresh while keeping the frame.
Rotate seasonal or
sentimental artwork instead of keeping everything on display at once. Store unused pieces neatly in an art portfolio or dedicated storage bin.
Lose it
If you’ve outgrown your art style, donate or sell pieces that no longer bring you
joy.
Unused frames? Repurpose them for new art or donate.
Media (Movies, Books, Music)
Love it
Keep movies you genuinely rewatch and books you love revisiting.
Designate a well-organized space for your media, such as a neatly labeled bookshelf or a compact media console.
Lose it
If you
have VHS tapes, cassette tapes, or even DVDs you never use, it’s time to let them go. Donate or sell them online.
Books you’ve read once and don’t plan to revisit? Pass them along to a friend, donate to a library, or add them to a community book exchange.
If your streaming subscriptions have replaced your physical media collection, consider eliminating most of your DVDs and Blu-rays to save space.
Many movies and TV shows are available through streaming services, so only keep physical copies
of
your absolute favorites.
Clothing and Accessories
Love it
Keep clothing that fits well, makes you feel great, and suits your current lifestyle.
Organize accessories like scarves, belts, and jewelry in dedicated spaces to make outfit planning easier.
Seasonal clothing can be stored in bins or vacuum-sealed bags to free up closet space.
Lose it
If you haven’t worn something in over a year, it’s time to donate it.
Clothing
that’s stretched out, stained, or beyond repair? Bid a fond farewell.
Shoes that pinch, cause blisters, or are duplicates of similar styles should be donated or sold.
Reduce
excess handbags and purses to the ones you truly use and love.
Toys and Hobby Supplies
Love it
Keep well-loved and frequently used toys, games, and hobby materials neatly organized in labeled bins or baskets.
Designate specific storage areas for board games, puzzles, and craft supplies to make
them easy to access and enjoy.
If an item sparks creativity or brings joy, it deserves a place in your home.
Lose it
Broken toys, dried-up craft supplies, and incomplete puzzles or games should be tossed.
If kids have outgrown toys, pass them along to younger children or donate them.
Hobby supplies for past interests that you no longer pursue? It’s time to clear space for new passions.
Declutter each day. Tackle one category at a time, making confident decisions about what to keep
and what to let go. You’ll not only reclaim valuable space but also create a home that feels lighter, more functional, and filled with things you truly love!
