8 Things You Should Declutter While Stuck Indoors This Week

February 9, 2026

While the weather is still chilly, it is a great time to declutter your home (just ask my wife). You know that overflowing toy chest? All those clothes you haven’t worn in a year? Yeah, they can go, and you’ll actually be better for it in the end. And you don’t need a full weekend or massive cleaning plan necessarily. Just focus on a few targeted areas, and you’ll see progress quickly. That said, here are eight things you should declutter while you’re stuck inside this week. You’ll thank yourself come spring!

1. Expired Pantry Items

Most people don’t realize how much space expired food takes up until they start pulling items off the shelves. Old spices, stale snacks, and forgotten canned goods can crowd out the things you actually use. Decluttering your pantry helps you see what you have, prevents duplicate purchases, and makes meal planning easier. It also reduces waste because you’re more likely to use what’s still good when it’s visible and organized. A quick pantry declutter can transform your kitchen without spending a dime.

2. Old Bathroom Products

The bathroom is one of the easiest places for clutter to pile up because products get pushed to the back of cabinets and forgotten. Expired medications, dried-out makeup, and half-used bottles of shampoo take up valuable space. Decluttering these items not only frees up room but also keeps your home safer and more hygienic. Many people don’t realize that old cosmetics can cause irritation or breakouts long after they’ve expired. A simple bathroom declutter can make your morning routine smoother and healthier.

3. Paper Piles and Mail Stacks

Paper clutter is sneaky because it grows slowly until it becomes overwhelming. Bills, flyers, receipts, and school papers can pile up on counters and desks before you even notice. Decluttering these stacks helps you avoid missed deadlines, lost documents, and unnecessary stress. Sorting papers into “keep,” “scan,” and “recycle” piles makes the process manageable. Once you declutter this area, your home instantly feels more organized and peaceful.

4. Clothing You Haven’t Worn in a Year

Closets are prime real estate, yet many of us fill them with clothes we never actually wear. If something hasn’t left the hanger in a year, it’s probably time to let it go. Decluttering your wardrobe makes getting dressed easier because you’re only choosing from items you truly like and wear. It also helps you identify gaps so you can shop more intentionally in the future. A closet declutter is one of the fastest ways to refresh your space and your style.

5. Random Cords and Electronics

Most households have a drawer or box filled with mystery chargers, outdated devices, and tangled cables. These items take up space even though they rarely serve a purpose anymore. Decluttering electronics helps you quickly find the cords you actually need and prevents unnecessary repurchases. It also keeps your home safer by reducing fire hazards from damaged or frayed wires. A quick electronics declutter can make your workspace and living areas feel instantly more streamlined.

6. Kitchen Gadgets You Never Use

Kitchen drawers often become a graveyard for tools you bought with good intentions but never actually use. Single-purpose gadgets, duplicate utensils, and broken appliances take up valuable space. Decluttering these items makes cooking easier because you can quickly find what you need. It also frees up room for the tools you use every day, making your kitchen more functional. A focused kitchen declutter can make meal prep feel less chaotic and more enjoyable.

7. Linens and Towels Past Their Prime

Old towels, worn-out sheets, and mismatched pillowcases tend to linger long after they’ve stopped being useful. These items take up storage space and make it harder to find the linens you actually want. Decluttering your linen closet helps you create a more organized and comfortable home environment. Many animal shelters accept old towels, giving them a second life while clearing your space. A linen declutter is a small task with a surprisingly big payoff.

8. Toys, Games, and Hobby Supplies

Whether you have kids or just a few hobbies of your own, these items can accumulate quickly. Broken toys, incomplete games, and abandoned craft supplies take up space and create visual clutter. Decluttering these areas helps you rediscover the things you genuinely enjoy and let go of what no longer fits your lifestyle. It also makes your home feel more open and easier to maintain. A hobby area declutter can spark creativity and reduce stress.

A Lighter Home Starts With Small Wins

Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming to make a real difference. Tackling a few targeted areas can instantly make your home feel calmer, cleaner, and more manageable. Each small declutter session builds momentum and helps you create a space that supports your daily life. When you focus on what you truly use and love, everything else becomes easier to release.

What’s the first area you plan to declutter this week? Share your ideas and tips in the comments to inspire other readers.