The top 10 things removalists say you should let go of to declutter your space for the new year.
We get it, letting go of stuff is never easy. It’s tempting to hold onto things you might need “just in case”, even though you never use them. The New Year is the perfect chance to finally let go and start 2026 with a lighter, more organised space.
After helping thousands of people relocate their homes and offices, our team has seen patterns in what people regret keeping and what wastes space. Use this information to decide what really deserves a spot in your new home in the new year.
Why Declutter for the New Year?
Research has shown a cluttered space can make it harder to focus, complete tasks efficiently, and even increase physical stress.
Starting the new year with a clean, intentional space also sets you up for better routines. Plus, you’ll have more room for things you actually use and love. And who better to learn from than the professional removalists who see overkeeping every day?
10 Items That Waste Space in a Home (According to Removalists)
Here are the top categories we see people tend to overkeep long after they’ve stopped using them.
1. Old paperwork and documents
Bills, manuals, or receipts that haven’t been used in years often pile up in desks and cupboards. Digitise what’s important and shred the rest.
2. Outdated electronics and tangled cords
We all have that pile of cables tucked in a drawer, waiting for the day we might use them (and never do). If you have charger cables, old phones, and small devices you haven’t used in years, it’s time to let them go. Check out local e-waste recycling options to dispose of them safely.
3. Broken or unused appliances
Toasters, kettles, humidifiers, and anything else that’s broken or barely gets used just takes up space without adding value. Clear out anything that’s not helping your daily life. For appliances that still work, keep only the ones you actually use regularly.
4. Worn towels, bedding, and linens
Worn down bed sheets, stained towels, or extra pillows can take up a lot of storage space. If you’re not ready to toss them, try repurposing: cut old towels into cleaning rags, turn old sheets into pet bedding, or pillowcases into craft projects.
5. Expired toiletries and cosmetics
Bathroom cabinets are notorious clutter zones. Old lotions, half-used makeup, or expired products create mess and can even become unsafe. Toss what has past its prime and make room for what you actually use daily.
6. Pantry items you’ll never eat
Stale snacks, unopened packets you forgot about, or multiples of the same ingredient take up valuable shelf space. Donate or discard them to free up your pantry.
7. Books you’ll never read
Those unread or already-read books collecting dust? Give them new life. Donate them to a local library, swap them with friends, or give them to someone who’ll actually read it.
8. Clothing and shoes you don’t wear
Sort through your clothes and remove anything you haven’t worn in the last year or don’t fit anymore. Donate, recycle, or repurpose them. It’s one of the easiest ways to clear out a bulk of the clutter in your home.
9. Items with no purpose
Look for old or unused exercise equipment, oversized furniture, unnecessary decor, or duplicate household items. Does it actually serve a function? If not, it’s ready to go.
10. Sentimental items you forgot about
Photos, souvenirs, or memorabilia can bring back great memories, but keeping everything can weigh you down. Keep what truly matters to you and photograph the rest. A childhood keepsake or major award? Keep it. A movie ticket or forgotten souvenir? Let it go.
How to Declutter for the New Year (Tips from Removalists)
- Take a visual inventory: Snap photos of rooms before you start so you can track your decluttering progress.
- Work room by room: Focus on high-use areas first like kitchens and bedrooms. Break each room down into even smaller zones.
- Set a timer: Don’t try to finish it all at once. Set a timer for 15–30 minutes each day and focus on a small area. You might get more done in frequent but short bursts.
- Separate memories from clutter: Keep items that spark joy or are truly meaningful; otherwise, let them go.
- Create a “Maybe” Box: Put unsure items into a box, seal it, and set a date (e.g. 3 months). If you haven’t needed or thought about the items by then, let them go.
Starting the new year with a clean, open home can set the tone for an organised year ahead. Use our top 10 list of items our removalists see people regret keeping as a starting point for your declutter.
Ready to get started? Holloway Removals & Storage can help with moving and storage, so you can focus on enjoying a clutter-free home.
