When closets won’t close, cupboards are overflowing, and storage bins are bursting, it’s
time for a decluttering reset.
It’s easy to let new purchases pile on top of old ones until every nook and cranny is full. But instead of endlessly stockpiling, it helps to pause and make clear choices.
A simple “Love It or Lose It” approach can guide you: keep the things that serve you well or bring you joy, and release the rest. You’ll free up space...and feel lighter in the process.
Kitchenware
Love It!
Keep plates, bowls, mugs, and glasses that coordinate and stack easily. These save the most space and make your cupboards feel calm and organized. Everyday favorites that
get used regularly deserve the prime real estate.
Special heirloom pieces? Either display them proudly or store them carefully in less-accessible spaces so your daily items are easy to grab.
Lose It!
Out with mismatched plastic containers, especially those missing lids or bottoms. Let go of chipped or cracked glassware, duplicates of tools you never use, and those 17 extra travel mugs or water bottles you’ve somehow collected. Keep just a handful that your family actually reaches
for.
Artwork and Decor
Love It!
Artwork that
makes you smile should be enjoyed, not stored away. Hang favorites in hallways, bedrooms, or even bathrooms to bring personality into every space.
Children’s artwork can shine in a rotating “gallery wall” where new creations replace old ones over
time.
Lose It!
If a piece has lost its appeal or no longer fits your style, release it. Valuable art can be appraised and sold on consignment, while less valuable pieces can be donated or gifted. Freeing your walls from art you don’t love
makes room for pieces that inspire you.
Media (Movies, Music, Books)
Love It!
Keep timeless favorites you actually revisit, whether that’s a beloved novel, a holiday movie you watch every year, or a playlist you never get tired of. Store them where you can easily see and select what you want, so they’re used and appreciated.
Lose It!
Technology has moved on, and so should you. Old DVDs, CDs, or video games you no longer play just take up space. Stream what you can, donate what you don’t need, and let someone else enjoy them.
As
for books, pass along any you don’t plan to re-read. Share them with friends, leave them in a Little Free Library, or donate to a local organization. Books are meant to circulate, not collect dust.
Clothing
Love It!
Clothing you reach for often, that fits well, and makes you feel confident, deserves a spot in your closet. Basics that mix and match easily, your favorite pair of jeans, that black dress that always works, or a cozy sweater you live in, should stay.
Lose It!
Anything that doesn’t fit, doesn’t flatter, or no longer suits your lifestyle is weighing your closet down. Let go of duplicates (do you really need eight nearly identical black T-shirts?), items with holes or stains, and clothes you haven’t worn in over a year. Donate or consign what’s in good shape
so someone else can love it.
When you look at something in your home, ask yourself: Do I love it? Do I use it? If the answer is no, it’s time to lose it. The “Love It or Lose It” approach is a simple but powerful way to create more space, more calm, and more joy in your home.
On another note...
Pretty and Practical
Hostess Gifts
When someone invites you into their home, a small hostess gift is a kind way to say thanks. These picks are both beautiful and useful...perfect for showing your appreciation without adding clutter to their space! Access my carefully curated list here
