10 Specific Things I’ve Recently Decluttered (and What They Revealed About My Home) Vol. 2
There’s something powerful about getting specific with decluttering.
Instead of vague goals like “declutter the kitchen” or “be more minimal,” naming the exact items you’re letting go of makes the process feel more doable—and often helps you notice patterns in your own home.
This is a real-life snapshot of what I’ve been decluttering lately as part of an ongoing, intentional approach to home organization. Nothing here was “bad.” It just wasn’t useful, enjoyable, or aligned with how I live now.
Here’s what’s been on the way out recently—and what each category taught me.
1. Excess travel cubes and zippered pouches
At some point, I built up quite a collection of packing cubes and zippered pouches in different sizes and styles. Some were backups. Some were for “just in case.”
But when I paid attention, I realized I consistently reached for the same few.
The rest were just taking up space in my travel bin.
Decluttering takeaway: In travel organization, a few well-loved systems usually outperform a large stash of options.
2. Extra hot tool travel sleeves
Heat-resistant sleeves for styling tools are useful—but I somehow ended up with more than I needed.
Since I only ever travel with one hot tool at a time, the extras weren’t serving a purpose.
This was a quick, low-effort edit that immediately simplified my travel setup.
Decluttering takeaway: Redundancy often hides in “practical” categories like travel gear.
3. Floating shelves in our powder room
These came with the house. I tried styling them in different ways over time, but they never felt quite right.
Eventually, I took them down.
The shift was immediate—the space feels simpler, calmer, and more aligned with how I want it to feel.
Decluttering takeaway: Sometimes removing something creates more impact than adding décor ever could.
4. Candles I liked the look of—but not the scent
At one point, these candles worked visually. But every time I lit them, I didn’t enjoy the smell.
So they created a double problem: unlit clutter or an unpleasant experience when used.
Letting them go was an easy upgrade.
Decluttering takeaway: If something only works halfway, it may not be worth keeping.
5. Magnets from our old fridge
These worked perfectly on our old fridge. When we upgraded, they were temporarily boxed up… and then forgotten.
I recently rediscovered them and realized there wasn’t a new home for them anymore.
Out they went.
Decluttering takeaway: “Temporary storage” is often where clutter quietly lives.
6. Pajama pants I used to love
These were once my favorites—soft, comfortable, familiar.
But over time, I stopped reaching for them.
They were still in the drawer out of habit, not preference.
Decluttering takeaway: Your current habits matter more than your past attachment.
7. Perfume from a past version of me
I loved this scent in college. It felt very “me” at the time.
But I haven’t worn it in years, and it no longer matches my current style or season of life.
Decluttering takeaway: Not everything is meant to come with you into your next chapter.
8. Excess small indoor plant pots
I went through a phase of collecting small plants and pots. It looked charming at first—but over time it became more maintenance than I wanted.
More watering. More upkeep. More visual clutter.
I’ve realized I prefer fewer, larger plants that feel intentional rather than scattered.
So I let go of the extra small pots.
Decluttering takeaway: Maintenance load is just as important as aesthetics.
9. Prescription eyeglass frames
After getting LASIK, I no longer needed my old glasses—but I had accumulated quite a collection over the years.
Some of them I genuinely loved.
Instead of letting them sit unused, I listed them on Poshmark and Facebook Marketplace. Many have already sold.
Decluttering takeaway: Letting items continue their usefulness elsewhere can make letting go easier.
(I wrote about tips for actually getting yourself to sell your "to-sell” pile in a blog post here).
10. The “might be needed soon” paper file
This is a catch-all paper system we keep in our kitchen for short-term documents—receipts, forms, reminders, things in progress.
It works well because it stays temporary.
Every so often, I do a reset: review, resolve, recycle.
Decluttering takeaway: Systems only work if they’re regularly edited.
The common thread
None of these items were bad.
They just weren’t useful, enjoyable, or aligned with how I live now.
That distinction is what makes decluttering feel less overwhelming and more grounded in real life. It’s not about perfection—it’s about fit.
If something in your home falls into that “not quite right anymore” category, it might be worth a second look.
One small edit at a time adds up.
Want Help Decluttering Your Home?
If you're feeling stuck in the decluttering process — or overwhelmed by piles of items that need to be donated, sold, or organized — I offer in-home organizing services in Seattle as well as virtual organizing support.
Together we can create systems that make it easier to clear space and keep your home working for real life.
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