Many of us struggle with excess belongings. But what’s even more challenging is figuring out how to let go of items they don’t need anymore. We often live under the delusion that some things will have great potential to be used for something later— resulting in a growing number of boxes in the garage or attic due to “what ifs?”.
No one ever aims to live in a pile of clutter, yet it sneaks up on many of us. Prioritizing what to throw away can make all the difference. Professional organizers say decluttering is also good for your mental health, not just your space.
Experts recommend removing all the unusable things in your home, from unworn socks and broken sandals to no out-of-season door wreaths. Here’s what you need to part with to enjoy a more stress-free living space.
1. Old Electronics
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Do you have old electronics lying around in your home? You may be quite attached to your first phone, tablet, or transistor radio you found at a garage sale, but it may be time to consider bidding them goodbye. Outdated and ruined gadgets such as phones, tablets, and laptops can take up valuable space and contribute to clutter.
If any of the gadgets are working but not in use, donate them to schools or charities. Many organizations need functional devices and will put them to good use. You can also sell your electronics online to make some extra cash. This way, you make money while helping the environment by keeping these electronics out of landfills.
2. Outdated Cosmetics and Toiletries
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Is your bathroom beginning to look like a poorly organized pharmacy? It’s time to clean it out. Expired or outdated cosmetics and toiletries can take up valuable space and be a health hazard. Be sure to regularly check the expiration dates of these items and dispose of anything beyond the sell-by date.
Keeping your bathroom organized and free of expired products is not only a matter of hygiene but can also help you save money in the long run. Removing expired products will free up space for the items you actually use and need.
3. Unused Toys
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Unused toys can accumulate rapidly, especially if you have children at home. Trucks, trains, Lego, and all the Barbie dolls with missing eyes tucked in the spare bedroom closet need to go. These toys can take up so much space that your living space looks disorganized.
If they are still in good condition, consider donating them to children’s charities. This is a wonderful way to help families in need. You get to positively impact the lives of children who may not have access to the same resources as your kids.
4. Old or Unused Kitchen Appliances and Kitchenware
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Are you someone who always keeps old or unused kitchen appliances, even when they no longer serve their purpose? Pots and pans aren’t small and may take up space you could use better. Or maybe you only use a particular appliance once every year or two, making it hard to justify keeping.
Instead of keeping them tucked away and forgotten, consider giving them away if they’re still usable. If you’d like to profit from them, set up a garage sale and sell those you no longer need.
5. Unused or Unwanted Artwork
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Unused or unwanted artwork can be a tricky item to declutter. Many people have an emotional attachment to art pieces, whether they created them or received them as gifts. However, if you have artwork that no longer serves a purpose in your home, it’s time to let it go.
Good art fetches good money. Try putting the pieces up for sale and making some decent cash. Many people appreciate art; you can give the unused pieces away as gifts. If you’re an artist, experts recommend using painting material that is less bulky than canvas, such as mixed-media paper.
6. Old Magazines and Newspapers
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Old magazines and outdated newspapers are like emotions—everyone has them. Since they’re produced periodically, they can pile up quickly, creating a huge mess and cluttering your space. If you do not need them for anything, create a beautiful bonfire with them or throw them in the recycling bin.
As long as periodicals continue to arrive in the mail, they will pile up quickly again. Consider subscribing to digital versions of your favorite publications to save space and reduce clutter.
7. Clothes No Longer Worn
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Is your closet bursting at the hinges with clothes that no longer fit or haven’t been worn in a while? They take up unnecessary space and are among the things you should get out of your house. You may never wear it again if you haven’t worn it in a year.
Most needy people and charities will appreciate a gift of good clothes. For a fun project, you may also repurpose old clothes by making carrier bags or comforters with them (if you simply can’t let them go).
8. Excess Furniture
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A home can only have so much furniture, and excess furniture can be a significant source of clutter, making walking around difficult. Whether it’s an old couch you no longer use or a dining table that doesn’t fit your decor, these bulky pieces can take up space that could be better utilized for other purposes.
Removing excess furniture can be helpful when it’s time to move to a new home. Moving large pieces of furniture can be a hassle, and many people leave behind items they no longer need or want. Declutter your home ahead of time and get rid of any excess furniture.
9. Broken or Unwanted Jewelry
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Are broken and unusable pieces of jewelry swimming in your jewelry box and bedroom dressing table? They soon become unsightly clutter. You can sell the good pieces to a jeweler. Many jewelers offer cash for gold or silver; some will even buy damaged or broken pieces.
And if you have sentimental pieces you don’t want to part with, consider repurposing them into something new, like a charm bracelet or necklace. This makes perfect use of the broken pieces.
10. Unmatched Things
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See those socks whose partners got a secret divorce? They must go, together with unmatched gloves and shoes whose partners haven’t recovered. We all have that one drawer or basket where we throw such items, hoping their match will be found someday. However, it’s time to face reality and get rid of them.
Unmatched things only contribute to clutter and take up space in your home. Instead of holding onto them, don’t donate them (no one else wants an unmatched sock) and throw them in the trash immediately.
11. Broken Brooms and Mops
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Broken brooms and mops are no longer as clean as they used to be and are quite unsightly. Although essential in every home, they can easily accumulate over time, especially if you don’t dispose of the broken ones. Keeping broken brooms or mops in your home makes cleaning more difficult and less efficient.
If the broom or mop is made of wood, you can break it down and use it as wood for your fireplace. Recycle or upcycle plastic items and make them more useful for them.
12. Old Trophies and Medals
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Understandably, you were the reigning champion in your high school football, but why do you still have the trophies 20 years later? They may function as reminders of the good old days, but also become an eyesore, especially if not stored well.
Your former school may appreciate the trophies more—they may repurpose them for future generations or add them to the school collection.
13. Excess Grocery Bags
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If you check in almost every kitchen, you will find a grocery bag full of tens of more grocery bags. Getting rid of a perfectly good grocery bag feels wasteful, but if you don’t, it will soon overrun your kitchen.
Take inventory of your bags and determine how many you actually need. Keep a few reusable bags on hand and dispose of any damaged or unusable bags in an environmentally friendly way. You can also repurpose and recycle excess grocery bags by making them planters for your flowers.
For future shopping trips, get in the habit of bringing your own reusable bags to stop accumulating plastic waste. Your home and the environment will both be thankful.
14. Old, Worn-out Towels
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That old kitchen towel that’s hanging on for dear life may seem to be doing its job, but it can become musty and harbor bacteria (and a lot of lint). Sometimes, we just leave them to accumulate in our linen closets without much thought. Old towels are less effective at drying us off and potentially cause skin irritation or infection.
Upgrade to better-quality towels, which are more absorbent and durable, and improve your bathing experience. If your old towels are not too tattered, you can donate them to animal shelters or rescue organizations.
15. Tupperware With Missing Lids
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Tupperware can Trojan horse its way into the house, and before you know it, you’re drowning in plastic containers, most of which can’t be used. It’s even more frustrating when the containers have no lids since they aren’t readily recyclable.
All containers seem to have a promising future, but if they’re just taking up space and not being used for anything, they’re a good candidate for the trash or recycling bin. You can repurpose some of them as storage for other items, such as craft supplies or office supplies.