De-Trashing: An Easy Way to Start Decluttering

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pink garbage can with black bag on wooden floor

Are you completely overwhelmed by the idea of decluttering your home? When you look at a room filled with stuff, are you unsure of where to even start?

pink garbage can with black bag on wooden floor

 

One of the easiest way to start decluttering is by de-trashing. By getting rid of obvious trash, you'll make progress, and you'll be able to see the rest of your stuff more clearly.

Plus, that trash needs to go. Right?

To start de-trashing, grab a garbage bag, and think of a number. I like to use the number 25. Then, go through an area of your home, and throw away at least 25 items. Or go the extra mile and get rid of 27 pieces of trash like decluttering expert FlyLady.

Building the habit of noticing trash and getting rid of it right away helps you build your decluttering skills that help your results last long-term.

Items to De-Trash

Here are some ideas of things that would work as “trash” items:

  • Straw wrappers
  • Old newspapers/magazines
  • Flyers
  • Old papers
  • Unfinished food
  • Wrappers
  • Random plastic pieces that look like they belong with something that you've been hanging on to for years
  • Broken items
  • Dead plants or flowers
  • Empty or almost empty containers
  • Pens that don't work
  • Stretched out rubber bands for hair
  • Annoying wire or plastic hangers
  • Receipts that don't need to be kept (hello McDonald's receipts!)
  • Used or sort of used napkins or paper towels
  • Post-it notes with reminders that are no longer needed
  • Empty cans and bottles
  • Bills from 2008
  • Ketchup packets, soy sauce packets, etc.
  • Old grocery lists
  • Expired food
  • Old lipstick or makeup
  • Leaves, sticks, or other random things that were tracked in

All of the ideas above count towards your total. Those are all things I've de-trashed from my own home. Anything else that you find and trash will also count toward your total.

Don't worry about the size of the things you de-trash. Everything you get rid of brings you a step closer to a less-cluttered home.

You can do this!

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Related: 10 Car Organization Tips that Actually Work

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Wonder where to start decluttering? Make quick, effective progress by de-trashing! You'll be surprised at how much you can get rid of and how much space you'll clear once you get started. Find out how to de-trash your space effectively and start building your decluttering confidence.

Where to start decluttering? Start with the trash. You can make a lot of progress quickly by de-trashing you house.

New to this community? Start here, friend!

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6 Comments

  2. Great advice. Even better would be to recycle the paper..magazines…platiiscs..cans…etc. find recycle bins….and donate to goodwill useable items.

    1. Yes agreed! I was thinking the same reading it. You would have one bag for recycled goods and one bag for trash…good decluttering tips!

  3. I’m starting a major De cluttering. We’re on a mission to simplify our home and lives! Great tips. Just wanted to add a suggestion it’s worth keeping just a few of the sachets of condiments and sauces. They come in handy for lunch boxes travel, holidays, or even for when you’ve ran out of sugar/ketchup etc. Just one serving is useful so you dont go without. How about putting aside any surplus and collecting up all those mini bottles of tolitries and samples and donating them to someone who makes care packs for the homeless. Even better make one up yourself by adding socks gloves + other useful items and give it out next time you see a homeless person.

    1. Whether your just starting a major effort to de-clutter or just trying to get more efficient in keeping the minor clutter of busy lifestyle under control, taking out the trash is a great starting place!

      For the “trash” that is still usable, I have found it really helpful to have a dedicated donations collection spot in my mud room. It is right by the back door, so I pass this spot whenever I leave the house. At least once a week, I grab the donation items and drop them off at the chosen spot when I am running errands. I have a rule that only items for which I have a known donation destination go to the donation box. Otherwise it must go in the trash.

      I travel for work so I am continuously collecting the mini shampoo, cream rinse, and other hotel toiletries. When I get home from a trip, I put all the minis in a large zip lock bag I keep in my bathroom closet. When the bag gets full, I toss it in the donation box and replace it with an empty bag. I’ve chosen 2 different rescue ministries for these donations – on opposite ends of town so that no matter where my errands take me, I am able to drop off while running errands. Both of these shelters really appreciate getting toiletries.

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