This year, my No Buy July series has been all about making the most of what you already have—using up pantry and freezer staples while resisting the urge to shop unnecessarily. Along the way, I’ve shared practical tips for saving money by shopping at home and four simple strategies to cut hundreds from your food bill.

Last week, I introduced the idea of the 3 D’s: decluttering, disposing, and donating—a meaningful way to close out the month and make space for what truly matters.

July is my go-to month for decluttering and organizing. In Central Texas, the sweltering heat of July and August makes outdoor activities less appealing. So, instead of braving the sun, I dedicate this time to summer cleaning (a refreshing alternative to spring cleaning!).

As I go through drawers and other forgotten spaces, I’ve noticed that six particular types of clutter tend to pile up in certain areas.

The Clutter That Hides

I’m not usually one to hold onto things that won’t be used or keep items “just in case.” Yet, I was surprised to uncover six hidden areas of clutter in my home. It was time to declutter, dispose, and donate! These sneaky categories of clutter are so subtle, you might not even realize they’re lurking in your own space.

Cords and Cables

In our digital world, we may go cordless, but charging devices still requires cables and adapters. Over time, upgrades leave us with a stash of outdated or forgotten cords.

Take a moment to check your home—if a cable no longer works with your current devices or if you have extras, set them aside for recycling.

To stay organized, I created a kitchen charging station, with only essential cords in our nearby junk drawer.

If you have unused smartphones, Apple products, or other tech, consider selling them to Decluttr. I’ve turned unwanted devices into extra cash!

Storage Containers

I’ve always loved buying matching containers and pretty baskets for organizing. But if I’m truly organized, do I really need more? Extra containers just take up space—or worse, collect more clutter I don’t need. Time to donate!

Food storage containers are no exception. Somehow, we always seem to accumulate more than we use. Twice a year, I go through mine, matching each container with its lid. Any extras go in the recycling, along with stained or worn-out pieces. It’s a simple way to keep things manageable and clutter-free.

Office Supplies

No one needs an endless stash of pens, post-its, paper pads, and Scotch tape—we can only use so much in a year. If you have unopened extras, check for an upcoming school supply drive in your area.

Know a teacher? See if they could use those supplies in their classroom. I’ve donated items like colored construction paper, stencils, and pencil boxes (washed and in good condition) to teacher friends, and they’ve always appreciated the extra resources.

Arts & Crafts Supplies

As a crafter, letting go of supplies can be tough. But to make room for what I truly love—creating greeting cards—I need to part with the items and unfinished projects I’ll never get around to using.

Recently, I sorted through my paper and other supplies and passed them along to neighborhood kids, giving them a chance to create something of their own.

Magazines

While more magazines are going digital, many of us still enjoy collecting physical copies—sometimes without realizing how quickly they pile up. Special editions, often priced like books, can be especially hard to part with, whether we’re holding onto them for a recipe, article, or some useful tidbit.

But if you haven’t looked at these magazines in a while, chances are you won’t. Consider donating or recycling anything older than a month.

Check with your local library—they may have a magazine exchange program. My library has dedicated racks where patrons leave read magazines for others to take for free, keeping them in circulation instead of the recycling bin.

Off-Season Clothes

In Texas, there are only a couple of months when a jacket or coat is truly necessary. It’s a stark contrast to my time in Michigan, where cold temperatures and snow stretched across much of the year—demanding multiple layers of outerwear. I remember my beautiful emerald green wool coat, worn daily to work, alongside a hooded jacket for casual outings and a parka for bitter cold, wind, and heavy lake-effect snow.

Now, one heavy jacket is enough, and my winter wardrobe is minimal. (Though with the unpredictable weather of the past few years, that could change!)

If you have off-season clothing you no longer need—sweaters, coats, boots, gloves, hats, or scarves—consider donating to local women’s shelters or organizations that support the homeless and those in need. A small gesture can make a big difference.

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As No Buy July comes to an end, let’s carry forward the momentum—decluttering, disposing, and donating to make space in our homes, simplify our surroundings, and let go of what no longer serves us. By passing along unused items, we not only free ourselves from excess but also give others an opportunity to benefit from what we no longer need.

A clutter-free home fosters a sense of calm and clarity, allowing us to focus on what truly matters. Whether it’s creating an inviting space, organizing with intention, or simply embracing a more peaceful lifestyle, small changes can make a big impact.

Next week, we’ll explore more ways to cultivate a serene and harmonious home environment. Stay tuned!

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