Ready to tackle your clutter one little project at a time? Decluttering can help us feel better and give us back precious time and energy. Here are 30 things to declutter in July so you can enjoy your summer and your home more! There’s a free printable checklist you can grab too!
WHY DECLUTTER YOUR HOME IN JULY?
July is the perfect time for a fresh start. The days are longer, the weather’s (hopefully) warmer, and there’s something about the middle of the year that makes us want to hit reset.
But if your home, mind or digital life feels messy and cluttered, it can be hard to fully relax and enjoy the summer. I, for one, want to spend as much time as I can outdoors and enjoying precious time off with family. I definitely don’t want to feel stuck inside clearing up my stuff or managing my home. That’s where a gentle July declutter can help.
This isn’t about overhauling everything. Whilst you MIGHT decide that summer is a great time to pull everything out of the garage, attic or shed, or take advantage of car boot and yard sales to get rid of your unwanted stuff, there’s much to be said for doing a little bit of decluttering often. Even tiny decluttering projects can make a big difference.
Think, for example, how much easier it is to have just one pair of your favourite sunglasses that you can easily grab from a drawer instead of having several pairs you have to rummage through to find that favourite pair. Yes, it’s a small example but just multiply that frustration many times over when your whole home is cluttered and you can’t find what you need!
Suggested Reading: You can read this article on how to declutter your home which is packed full of links, tips and resources to help you declutter. Or, you may like to read more about the benefits of decluttering your home so you can understand exactly why decluttering can have such a profound impact on our physical and mental health and our homes too.
30 (SUMMERY) THINGS TO DECLUTTER IN JULY
Here are 30 things you can declutter this July—one a day if you like! Each one is simple, doable, and helps you move closer to a calmer, less cluttered home and an easier summer.
Don’t have time to read this article? Grab the free July Declutter Checklist PDF version. Just pop your details in the box at the bottom of the article and I’ll send it directly to you.
1. Expired sunscreen and summer toiletries – Check dates on suncream, aftersun, bug spray and travel-size bottles. Toss anything out of date or sticky and leaky.
2. Flip-flops and sandals you never wear – If they’re uncomfortable, broken, or not your style, let them go.
3. Picnic gear you never use – That awkward plastic container or leaky flask? Time to pass it on.
4. Garden clutter – Broken plant pots, old tools, faded decor—clear what’s just taking up space.
5. Beach bags and towels – Keep your favourites and donate the rest. If they’re stained or scratchy, bin them.
6. Half-used candles – If they’re melted together or past their best, say goodbye.
7. Old summer clothes – Let go of anything that no longer fits, flatters or makes you feel good.
8. Duplicates in your sunglasses drawer – How many pairs do you actually wear?
9. Unused BBQ gadgets – That burger press or fish holder you’ve never used? Time to declutter.
10. Out-of-date condiments – Ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce—check the back of the fridge and cupboard.
11. Receipts and leaflets in your car – Clear out the interior, compartments and side pockets. Add a bin or small bag for future clutter.
12. Digital photos and videos – Delete blurry shots, duplicates, or ones you don’t want to keep.
13. Old playlists or downloads – Clear digital clutter from your music and podcasts.
14. Your inbox – Unsubscribe from what you don’t read. Delete or archive the rest.
15. Apps you haven’t used in months – Less visual noise = more focus and calm. Less temptation to waste time on your phone.
16. Phone notifications – Turn off anything that’s not essential. Reclaim your attention.
17. Social media follows – Unfollow accounts that drain you, stress you, or make you compare.
18. Summer decorations – Life’s too short to be dusting bunting or garlands that you don’t truly love.
19. Travel bags and cases – Donate broken or unused ones. Wipe down the ones you use regularly.
20. Journals and notebooks you’ll never finish – Keep what you use. Recycle the rest.
21. Summer reading pile – Be honest. If you’ve tried a book and didn’t enjoy it, pass it on.
22. Out-of-date medicine – Especially travel kits and hayfever tablets—check expiry dates.
23. Kids’ activity supplies – Crusty glue, half-used sticker sheets, dried-out pens—clear it out.
24. Frozen summer food – Free up space in the freezer by using or tossing old lollies and freezer-burned items.
25. Outdoor furniture clutter – Wobbly chairs, rusty tables, or broken parasols—let them go or repair them.
26. Craft supplies or hobby kits you’ve lost interest in – Make space for what truly brings you joy now.
27. Holiday souvenirs – If it’s gathering dust or stuffed in a drawer, you probably won’t miss it.
28. Excess water bottles or flasks – Keep the ones you love. Donate or recycle the rest.
29. Summer-themed decor you never put up – Let go of “just in case” items that never make it out of storage.
30. Mental clutter – Take 5 minutes to brain-dump everything that’s swirling in your head. Just getting it down on paper can feel like a declutter in itself.
WHY DECLUTTERING IN JULY MAKES SUMMER BETTER
I think there are several reasons why decluttering your home in July helps make summer feel more enjoyable. Here’s some benefits I can think of. Can you think of any more?
- You create more time for rest and fun when you’re not constantly tidying or managing stuff.
- You feel calmer and more present because there’s less visual and mental clutter stealing your energy.
- You make room for what matters—connection, sunshine, hobbies, and real moments.
A few minutes a day is all it takes. No pressure. No perfection. Just simple, gentle progress that helps you feel less stressed and more able to take your foot off the pedal and enjoy the summer.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT DECLUTTERING IN JULY
Here are some questions you might be wondering about after reading this article.
1. Do I need to declutter every single day?
Not at all. The list is there to guide you. Do one item a day, a few at the weekend, or batch several on a day when you’ve got time. There’s no right or wrong. Remember that decluttering is not about getting it perfect, just progress.
2. I feel overwhelmed by clutter. Where do I start?
Start small. One drawer, one shelf, or one category (like sunglasses or condiments). Quick wins help build momentum and confidence. You don’t need to do everything at once.
3. What if I get rid of something and regret it?
That’s normal to worry about, but most people never miss the things they declutter. If you’re unsure, pop it in a “maybe” box and put it out of sight for 30 days. If you don’t reach for it, you’re ready to let it go. Here are some other ideas for decluttering without regret.
4. How do I get my family on board?
Lead by example. Talk about how lighter spaces make you feel. Involve them in small ways—like asking kids to pick out 3 toys to donate or checking old sandals together. Keep it fun and pressure-free.
5. What’s the best way to get rid of the stuff?
Try donating to a local charity shop, using a buy-nothing group, giving items to friends, or responsibly recycling. Whatever works best for you—just don’t let your unwanted stuff sit in a pile for weeks.
6. Do I need to buy storage or organisers?
No! Decluttering is about removing what you no longer need. In fact, once you declutter, you may find you need less storage than before.
Do you like following a checklist to help you declutter? I’ve created a complete set of decluttering checklists and workbook inside of Clear Your Clutter. It’s my most popular decluttering resource and has helped many others plan their decluttering strategy and put it into action. Click here to see if it could help you too!
CONCLUSION
I wrote an article a while ago about how decluttering is a form of self-care. Traditionally, we’ve always thought of self-care as spa trips, manicures or watching TV as a guilty afternoon pleasure. But, as lovely as these activities might be, they don’t address the root of the problem when we’re feeling tired or pulled in a million different directions.
So, as you try these July decluttering projects I encourage you to consider how decluttering makes you FEEL, not just how it makes your home LOOK.
Decluttering your home, whether it’s a massive one-weekend project, or a slow, daily mini project, helps to clear clutter in your home, but also your mind. One less item of stuff is one less thing to think about and manage. It frees up your time and energy for other things in life so you feel better generally – not reliant on other forms of self-care as a quick fix but which don’t solve the underlying cause. This, in itself, is why decluttering is the ultimate act of self-care.
So, decluttering in July is a gift to yourself. It’s a way of clearing out the things that get in the way—so you can have a summer that feels lighter, calmer and more enjoyable.
What now? Well, no time like the present so grab a bin bag, put on your favourite playlist, and pick just one thing from the list.
MORE DECLUTTERING HELP…
If you enjoyed this article and want to carry on decluttering, here are some other articles and resources you might find useful.
- 30 Things to Declutter This June to Get Your Home Ready for Summer
- 31 Things to Declutter in August to Simplify Your Home and Life
- Digital Detox Tips to Reclaim your Time and Well-Being
- 10 Ways to Declutter When You Want to Keep Everything
- Clutter and Stress: Why Clutter Stresses Us Out
And if you’d like a free printable checklist to help you tick things off as you go, sign up below and I’ll send one straight to your inbox!
Antonia Colins is the creator of Balance Through Simplicity, a website helping busy people declutter their home and life and live more intentionally. She has over 20 years of personal and professional experience in juggling work and family life and supporting individuals to remain independent and enjoy their home more. In her spare time, you can find Antonia walking, reading or planning her next travel adventure! She lives in the UK with her husband and teenage kids. Get your free Declutter Starter Kit.