By Maria Jerez – RIDGEHILLS DESIGNS CO.
Preparing for a new year isn’t just about setting goals; it’s about making space—both physically and mentally. Decluttering is an act of self-respect that brings peace and simplicity to your life. Here are the 26 things to let go of before 2026.
1. Toxic Calendar Dates: Say “no” to coffee dates with people you don’t actually like or social clubs that no longer fulfill you.
2. Influencers Who Make You Feel Bad: Unfollow any account that triggers comparison or makes you feel “less than.”
3. The Word “Lazy”: Remove this negative label from your vocabulary. It’s an outdated way to talk to yourself.
4. Resentment: Let go of the annoying things people have said or done. Like water off a duck’s back, let it go for 2026.
5. Annoying Notifications: Turn off the pings that distract you or cause stress.
6. Outdated Dreams: If you dreamed of being a runner but hate it, or living on a boat but get seasick—release the dream and the guilt.
7. The Tech Graveyard: Toss mystery cords, broken cables, and old charging bricks.
8. Dead or Dying Plants: If that African violet isn’t coming back, it’s time for the trash.
9. Negative Memory Items: Even if it’s “sentimental,” if it makes you feel sad or guilty, it’s gotta go.
10. Anything Broken: Don’t spend more on glue than the item is worth. If it’s chipped or broken, let it go.
11. Old Keys: If you don’t know what it locks, you don’t need the key.
12. The “Doom” Piles: Those piles of things you were “meaning to return” or donate? Put them on the curb for free or drop them at Goodwill today.
13. One Expensive Burden: That $300 vacuum or gadget you never use is just collecting dust. Sell it or give it away.
14. Gross Shower Liners: If it’s disgusting, replace it. Don’t hold onto old, backup shower curtains either.
15. Dusty, Half-Burnt Candles: If the wick is gone or you’re just keeping the “nice jar” you’ll never actually clean out, toss it.
16. Kitchen & Bathroom
Dish Towels That Don’t Absorb: We all have that one favorite towel. Toss the ones that just move water around.
17. Sauce Packets: Those tiny ketchups and soy sauces in the drawer are likely expired and taking up space.
18. Specialty Ingredients: If you bought a spice for one recipe three years ago and haven’t touched it since, it’s clutter.
19. Stained Food Containers: Nobody wants to eat out of the spaghetti-stained plastic.
20. Lidless Tupperware: If it doesn’t have a match, it’s just creating friction.
21. Hand-Wash Only Items: If you avoid using something because it’s too hard to clean, it’s not for you.
22. Personal Items & Wardrobe
Inspirational Clothing: “Someday” clothes that are too small only serve to make you feel bad. You deserve to look great in clothes that fit now.
23. Outdated Prescriptions: Take your old eyeglasses to the eye doctor to be donated.
24. Old Planners & Journals: You rarely reference them. Start 2026 with a clean slate.
25. Expired Loyalty & Gift Cards: Clean out your wallet. Most loyalty cards are digital now anyway.
26. Unused Holiday Decor: When you pack up this year, anything that stayed in the bin and didn’t make it onto the tree shouldn’t be stored for another year.
The Goal: Find 26 things to release. Whether you follow this list or just fill a trash bag, giving yourself a specific number helps beat the overwhelm.
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