Whether you're gearing up for a move or just ready to take on the new year with a fresh start, decluttering is a must. The question isn’t just what to toss or keep—it’s also about what to store away for later use. You don’t need to get rid of everything, but there are some items that might need a little "temporary" vacation in storage. 

Here’s a simple guide to help you decide what to keep, what to finally admit you’ll never use again and some storage tips for the things you just can’t part with (yet).

1. The Living Room:

What to Keep:

• Furniture in good condition: If your couch or coffee table is sturdy and comfortable, it’s worth moving.
• Sentimental décor: Keep the items that make your living room feel like home—family photos, cherished artwork, or meaningful trinkets, but only if they haven’t been collecting dust in the corner for a decade.
• Electronics: Keep working TVs, sound systems, or gaming consoles. If they’re outdated or broken, it’s time to replace them. 

What to Toss:

• Worn-out furniture: If your couch is sagging, or chairs are uncomfortable, it’s probably time to say goodbye. 
• Old magazines and books: If you haven’t read them in a year or more, pass them along or recycle them.
• Unused gadgets: Declutter outdated electronics, or items you no longer use. You know you don’t need 17 remotes, so pick the one that works and let the others go to remote heaven.

What to Store:

• Seasonal décor: Holiday decorations or those fancy throw pillows you only bring out for special occasions? Store them in a safe spot for next season.
• Large furniture (if moving or downsizing): If you’re moving or redoing the space, but can’t part with that vintage armchair just yet, store it until you have room for it again.

2. The Kitchen:

What to Keep:

• Everyday cookware: Pots, pans, and utensils you use frequently should be kept.
• High-quality knives or appliances: Keep your good knives and coffee makers—if they’re in good condition and function well. And your blender that actually blends, not just makes noise - keep it! 
• Food storage containers: If they have lids, hang onto them.

What to Toss:

• Expired food: Check your pantry and fridge for anything past its expiration date. Toss and do not donate! 
• Broken or mismatched dishes: If a plate or bowl is chipped, or you’re missing a matching piece, it’s time to let it go. 
• Old utensils or appliances: If you haven’t used a certain kitchen gadget in the last 6 months, it might be time to donate or discard it.

What to Store:

• Specialty cookware: If you’re not making pasta from scratch every week, store those fancy pots or baking dishes for when you need them.

3. The Bedroom:

What to Keep:

• Comfortable bedding and sheets: Keep what feels cozy and still has life left in it.
• Clothing you wear regularly: Keep what you wear often and fits well. Your favorite jeans or that shirt you wear when you need a confidence boost—definitely keep those.
• Sentimental items: Jewelry, keepsakes, or anything that holds special meaning.

What to Toss:

• Old, worn-out clothes: If you haven’t worn it in a year or it no longer fits, it’s time to let it go. Donate or just toss if it’s too dingy or stained.
• Broken or outdated furniture: If your dresser is falling apart or your bed frame is creaky, it may be time to replace it.
• Worn-out shoes or accessories: If they’ve seen better days, they’re better off in the trash than your closet.

What to Store:

• Off-season clothes: That winter coat you won’t need for a few months? Store it away until the weather calls for it again.
• Extra bedding or décor: If you’ve got a pile of extra pillows or throws you only use for guests, store them until they’re needed.

4. The Bathroom:

What to Keep:

• Towels and linens in good condition: Keep bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths that are still soft and in good shape.
• Personal care products you use daily: Keep your shampoo, skincare, and the toothbrush you actually use. Toss anything outdated and donate anything unopened.
• Extra toiletries: Keep backup soap, toothpaste, and deodorant—you’ll always need it.

What to Toss:

• Expired medications and beauty products: Check the dates on anything in your medicine cabinet or beauty drawers. That sunscreen from 2012? Toss it. It’s not saving you from anything.
• Old towels and mismatched bath mats: If they’re frayed or too worn, it’s time to replace them.
• Broken or unused gadgets: Toss any hair dryers, razors, or other items that no longer work. They are definitely past their prime!

What to Store:

• Extra towels or seasonal items: If you have a fancy set of towels for guests, store them away and keep your regular ones handy.

5. The Home Office:

What to Keep:

• Essential office supplies: Pens that still work, notebooks that aren’t empty, and a computer that doesn’t require 10 minutes to boot up—keep them.
• Important documents: Keep records, legal paperwork, or personal files that are necessary, not only keep them, but organize them while you’re at it!
• Tech equipment that works: Keep computers, printers, or office equipment that WORK!

What to Toss:

• Old paperwork: Shred old tax returns, outdated files, or documents you no longer need.
• Broken electronics: If a printer or phone is no longer working, why do you still have it?
• Excessive office supplies: If you’ve got a mountain of pens or never-ending stacks of paper, it’s time to streamline.

What to Store:

• Seasonal files or documents: If there are documents you need only once a year (tax records, receipts), store them safely.
• Extra office furniture or equipment: If you don’t have space for a second desk right now, store it until you need it.

6. The Garage 

What to Keep:

• Tools or equipment you use regularly: Keep the tools that help you tackle your home projects, like your trusty drill, lawnmower, or gardening tools. If it's still in good shape and you use it regularly, it’s a keeper.
• Outdoor gear: Camping gear, bicycles, or your fishing rods that you actually use? Keep them handy. Those items that make weekends adventurous should stay in your garage.

What to Toss:

• Broken or outdated tools: If your drill hasn’t worked since 2015 and is just taking up space, it’s time to part ways. The same goes for any other equipment that's beyond repair.
• Old paint and chemicals: If you have cans of paint that are solidified or cleaning chemicals you forgot you even had (and they're past their prime), please be sure to dispose of them properly!
• Clutter and junk: Old boxes, random bits of broken furniture, and that pile of stuff you’ve been meaning to deal with for “someday”? It's time to toss or donate.

What to Store:

• Large camping or recreational gear: That kayak, snowboard, or inflatable paddleboard you use once a year? Store it so you can enjoy it next season without tripping over it.
• Seasonal decorations and supplies: Store your holiday lights, inflatable yard decorations, and other seasonal décor. Keep them out of the way for when it's time to deck the halls or scare up some Halloween fun.

Tips from the Pros:

• Start small: Begin with one room (or just one drawer) and celebrate the little wins. You’ve got this!
• Donate and recycle: You can’t keep everything, but you can share the love by donating things in good condition.
• Get help: If you’re struggling with deciding whether to keep that high school trophy, ask a friend to help you out—especially if they’ll do it with a sense of humor.
• Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute. The earlier you start, the easier it will be to enjoy your new, clutter-free space.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a stressful, dramatic process. With guidance and some smart storage, 2025 can be the year you finally tackle the clutter—and maybe even find a few priceless relics along the way. Happy organizing!