How to start decluttering: A Guide for Malaysians

If you're a Malaysian, you're not alone if your home filled with things "just in case". Old newspapers, stacks of papers, books from 10 years ago, decorative vases - we tend to keep a lot!

Decluttering is not about throwing everything away; it's about creating space that works for your life today.

We need to understand why we keep so much, many Malaysian mindsets are "Sayang lah nak buang" or "We might need this one day" or one more famous word is "Barang ni mahal kot". Recognizing this mindset helps you to declutter without guilt.

Where to Start (By Common Malaysian Items)

📰 Newspapers & Paper

Old newspapers, bills, manuals, and school papers pile up quickly.

• Keep only important documents (IC, birth cert, house, car, tax)

• Recycle newspapers you haven’t touched in 1–2 months

• Scan documents and store digitally where possible

Tip: One slim folder is enough for most households.

📚 Books & Magazines

Books are meaningful, but they take space.

• Keep books you’ll reread or reference

• Donate books you’ve outgrown or no longer enjoy

• Magazines older than 6 months can go

Rule: If you forgot you owned it, you probably don’t need it.

👕 Clothes

Malaysians often keep clothes for:

• “Rumah clothes”

• Events that never happen

• Old work or school uniforms

Try this:

• Keep what fits and feels good now

• Limit “home clothes” to a reasonable number

• Let go of items untouched in 6–12 months

  
  

🏺 Vases & Decorative Items

Decor tends to multiply over time.

• Choose a few pieces you truly love

• Store seasonal decor only if you actually use it

• Let go of broken or unused items

  
  

Minimalism doesn’t mean no decor — just meaningful decor.

🌱 Plants & Pots

Plants bring life, but too many can feel messy.

• Keep plants that are healthy and easy to maintain

• Rehome pots you don’t use

• Avoid keeping empty pots “just in case”

A few well-placed plants look better than many neglected ones.

📦 “Miscellaneous” Items

Cables, containers, free gifts, old boxes — this is the hardest category.

• Keep only working cables

• Limit storage containers (too many create clutter)

• Be honest about free items you never use

  
  

Simple Decluttering Rules That Work in Malaysia

• One area at a time — don’t rush

• If it hasn’t been used in a year, question it

• Keep multi-use items

• Donate, recycle, or rehome responsibly

Decluttering helps create space, reduce stress, and make daily life easier. Start small. Be kind to yourself. And remember: less clutter means more breathing room. So this new 2026, lets starts to take care of our item and be more grateful with what we have. Chiaw!