Pro Organizers Share 8 Items to Toss for a Clutter-Free Home

From sentimental clutter to outdated tech, these experts reveal what to let go of for a more organized living space.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Professional organizers from across the South share eight categories of items that homeowners should consider tossing to achieve a clutter-free living space. The list includes sentimental clutter, unused cords and chargers, outdated paperwork, worn-out kitchen items, duplicate possessions, tattered clothing, excessive hardware, and decor that no longer fits one's style.

Why it matters

Holding onto unnecessary items can make a home feel stagnant and disconnected from one's current lifestyle. By identifying and discarding these types of clutter, homeowners can create a more intentional, refreshed living environment.

The details

The organizers recommend tackling sentimental clutter first, such as gifts and children's artwork, by digitizing and keeping only a few special pieces. Unused cords, chargers, and empty electronics boxes should also be purged. Outdated paperwork like old bills, receipts, and expired coupons can be recycled or shredded. In the kitchen, chipped mugs, mismatched containers, and unused gadgets should be let go. Duplicate items across the home, from the bathroom to the bedroom, are often better donated or sold than kept. Worn-out clothing, socks without matches, and tools/hardware that won't be used should all be discarded. Finally, decor that no longer aligns with one's current taste can make a space feel stagnant and should be released.

  • The article was published on March 6, 2026.

The players

Tonia Tomlin

The founder of Sorted Out, a professional organizing company in Plano, Texas.

Venus Davis

The founder of Calming Home by Venus, a professional organizing company in Augusta, Georgia.

Audra George

The founder of Pretty Neat OK, a professional organizing company in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Kris Hargrove

The founder of Organized by Kris, a professional organizing company in Austin, Texas.

Janelle Williams

The founder of Organized by JWC, a professional organizing company in Annapolis, Maryland.

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What they’re saying

“I always advise my clients to have a keepsake box for cards or photographs that they cannot live without.”

— Venus Davis, Founder, Calming Home by Venus (southernliving.com)

“This is often tied to fear of needing it later or returning the product, even when years have passed.”

— Venus Davis, Founder, Calming Home by Venus (southernliving.com)

“Having items in nice condition make you feel better!”

— Audra George, Founder, Pretty Neat OK (southernliving.com)

“Most people have enough to restock The Home Depot's shelf.”

— Kris Hargrove, Founder, Organized by Kris (southernliving.com)

“Giving yourself permission to release decor that no longer aligns with who you are today is an important step in curating a home that feels fresh and intentional.”

— Janelle Williams, Founder, Organized by JWC (southernliving.com)

The takeaway

By identifying and discarding unnecessary items across key categories like sentimental clutter, outdated tech, worn-out household goods, and decor that no longer fits one's style, homeowners can create a more organized, intentional, and refreshed living space that better reflects their current lifestyle.