Leap into Decluttering: 29 Tasks for a Fresh Start in February

Make the most of February's 29 days this year with this decluttering guide! Tackle these 29 easy-to-declutter items and create a fresh, organized space to enjoy the extra day (and move into spring with a clean space!).

Conquer Counters

1. Mismatched Tupperware or containers without lids

  • Sort through your storage containers, recycling or repurposing ones without mates or lids.

2. Unused kitchen gadgets

  • Donate gadgets you rarely use to free up valuable kitchen space.

3. Outdated or expired food and spices

  • Check pantry items for expiration dates, discarding anything past its prime.

4. Chipped dishes, mugs, and glassware

  • Replace or repurpose damaged items; declutter your kitchen essentials.

Untangle Tech

5. Tech cord clutter

  • Organize cords using cable organizers or ties to reduce visual and physical clutter; delete duplicates or unused items.

6. Digital clutter (duplicate photos, unopened email, unused apps, outdated software)

  • Dedicate time to delete redundant photos, off-load unneeded apps, and update software for better device performance.

Funnel Fashion

7. Broken jewelry

  • Repair or repurpose, or consider donating pieces you no longer wear.

8. Extra hangers

  • Keep only what you need, recycling or donating excess hangers.

9. Worn out clothes, underwear, or socks

  • Declutter your wardrobe by discarding worn-out items and making space for new essentials.

10. Tired shoes and sneakers

  • Toss or donate shoes that have seen better days.

 Filter Funtimes

11. Dried-up or expired art supplies

  • Refresh your artistic space by discarding dried-up supplies and organizing the rest.

12. Travel-size toiletries and makeup you never use

  • Streamline your beauty routine by donating unused items to local thrift shops or shelters.

13. Exercise and sports clutter

  • Evaluate your sports equipment, donating or selling items you no longer use.

14. Expired sunscreen or skincare products

  • Ensure your skincare items are within their use-by dates for maximum effectiveness.

15. Board games or puzzles with missing pieces

  • Declutter entertainment spaces by recycling incomplete games or puzzles.

16. Toys your children or grandchildren have outgrown

  • Donate toys to clear space and bring joy to others.

Household Havoc

17. Expired warranties or guarantees

  • Dispose of expired warranties and guarantees, freeing up space in your files.

18. Expired coupons or promotional materials

  • Organize your coupons and promotional materials, discarding outdated ones.

19. Unused manuals or instructions

  • Digitize manuals or store only essential hard copies.

20. Old receipts

  • Shred old receipts, keeping only those necessary for potential returns or warranties.

21. Burnt-out candles

  • Repurpose candle jars or discard safely.

22. Dead plants

  • Refresh your living space by removing dead or dying plants.

23. Expired or unneeded medications

  • Safely dispose of expired medications following proper guidelines.

24. Paper clutter

  • Go through paperwork, recycling or digitizing documents to reduce paper clutter.

25. Magazine clutter

  •  Consider canceling subscriptions or recycling old magazines.

26. Books you'll never read again (or never started)

  • Donate or sell books that no longer serve a purpose in your collection.

27. Old greeting cards with no sentimental value

  • Keep only meaningful cards, recycle or donate the rest.

28. Outdated travel brochures or maps

  • Organize travel materials, discarding outdated brochures and maps.

29. Empty gift boxes and tissue paper

  • Store only a few versatile boxes and discard excess, freeing up storage space.

So grab this year’s Leap Year decluttering guide (download an easy-to-read copy), roll up your sleeves, and conquer your clutter as we move into spring!

OrganizationCecilia BeislerA Simpler Life Noworganizing, decluttering