Ah, summer! The season of open windows, fresh air, and that undeniable urge to clean, clear out, and reclaim space. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably looked around lately and thought, “Where did all this stuff even come from?” Let’s be honest, though, no one wants to spend their sunny afternoons sorting through a pile of “maybe someday” stuff.
But here’s the truth: clearing out clutter doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on small, everyday things that have outlived their usefulness, you can create more space for joy, ease, and fresh air. So grab a donation bag and let’s look at surprisingly simple items you can ditch today to lighten your home and brighten your spirit.
1. Expired Sunscreen & Bug Spray
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Using expired SPF is a risky game. Over time, its active ingredients break down, according to the Mayo Clinic, making it less effective at protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Similarly, old bug sprays can lose potency and won’t ward off mosquitoes the way you’d hope.
Check the expiration dates on all your bottles, including those in your beach bag, bathroom cabinet, glove box, and anywhere else they may be hiding. Toss what’s expired and make a note to restock with products that offer broad-spectrum protection and safe ingredients.
2. Worn-Out Towels and Beach Blankets
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You know those towels that smell a little… off, even after a good wash? Or the ones that feel like sandpaper? Over time, towels lose their absorbency and can harbor bacteria, especially if they’ve been through lots of humid summers. A good towel should be soft, clean-smelling, and effective. If it’s none of those, it’s time to part ways.
Instead of tossing them in the trash, consider giving them a second life. Old towels can be cut into cleaning cloths, donated to animal shelters, or used for messy DIY projects. Just keep your summer essentials fresh, fluffy, and ready for a beach day or poolside fun.
3. Extra Water Bottles (Yes, Even the Freebies)
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Reusable water bottles are fantastic, until your kitchen cabinet starts looking like a lost-and-found box. If you have bottles missing lids, made from questionable plastic, or ones you never actually reach for, it’s time to declutter. A cluttered cabinet makes it harder to grab what you need and often leads to using disposable plastic instead, which can adversely affect your health in the long run.
Keep a small set of high-quality, BPA-free bottles that suit your daily habits, whether that’s a thermal bottle for long hikes or a lightweight one for the gym. Recycle or donate the rest.
4. Unused Garden Tools
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If you’ve got three hand trowels, two rusted pruning shears, and a hoe that’s never seen soil, you’re not alone. Many of us collect garden tools with good intentions, only to realize we use the same two or three over and over again. Excess tools just take up space and make it harder to find what you really need.
Take inventory of what you actually use during your gardening sessions. Keep the tools that feel comfortable in your hand, are still sharp, and suit your garden’s needs. Everything else? Donate it to a community garden or a neighbor. Less clutter in the shed means more time enjoying your garden, not digging through drawers.
5. Broken or Mismatched Outdoor Furniture
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That wobbly chair you’ve been meaning to fix since last summer? It’s probably not adding joy to your patio. Broken furniture not only looks bad, it can be unsafe, and let’s face it, it’s unlikely you’ll ever get around to fixing that sun-faded umbrella or squeaky lounge chair.
Now’s the time to let it go. Focus on keeping the pieces that are sturdy, functional, and make your outdoor space a place you actually want to spend time in. You don’t need a full set to entertain. Just a couple of reliable chairs and a table can transform your porch or balcony into a cozy summer haven.
6. Old Party Supplies & Paper Goods
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We’ve all got that box of leftover napkins, mismatched cups, and faded decorations from parties past. Maybe you have a box of crafting supplies you’re never going to touch again.
While holding onto supplies can feel practical, it often turns into an overflowing bin of forgotten themes, half-used plates, and crafting supplies you haven’t touched in a year. If you haven’t used it in over a year, or it doesn’t match your current style, it’s time to get rid of it.
Donate or recycle what you can, and keep only the neutral, reusable items that you’ll actually reach for. When your party drawer is streamlined, hosting becomes a lot more fun, and you’ll save time and space when planning your next backyard bash.
7. Expired Pantry Staples
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Pantry clutter can sneak up on you. Summer often means fresh produce and grilling, which pushes older pantry items to the back. But those expired crackers, dusty cans, and sticky condiment bottles aren’t doing you any favors. In fact, some older items can attract pests or lose nutritional value.
A quick pantry sweep takes less than 30 minutes and can make a huge difference in how you eat and cook. Toss what’s expired, compost when you can, and organize the rest so healthy snacks and ingredients are front and center. You might even discover something useful hiding in the back!
8. Unworn Sunglasses and Hats
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Sunglasses and sun hats are essential. But how many pairs among the ones you own do you actually wear? Chances are, a few don’t fit right, are scratched beyond use, or simply don’t suit your current style. Instead of letting them clutter your entryway or car, do a mini fashion audit.
Keep the items that make you feel confident and offer real protection (think UV-rated lenses, wide-brim hats, or hats you’ll use in the winter). Donate the extras or give them a second life at a local shelter or community center. It’s all about choosing function and comfort without sacrificing style.
9. Toys No One Plays With
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Often, your garage or yard can be cluttered with toys your kids haven’t touched in a year. Not only does excess stuff create more mess, but it can actually make it harder for kids to stay engaged. Too many choices can be overwhelming.
Involve your kids in the process by asking them which toys they still love and which can be passed on. Donate gently used items to a community center or give them to a younger child in your neighborhood. You’ll free up space and maybe even make another family’s summer a little brighter.
10. Excess Reusable Shopping Bags
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Reusable bags are fantastic for the environment, but somehow they multiply like rabbits. You get them at every event, store, and delivery, until suddenly you have a mountain of totes you never use. They take up precious kitchen space and often end up forgotten when you actually need them.
Choose a handful of favorites, ideally ones that are washable, foldable, and sturdy enough to withstand grocery shopping. Keep them in your car or by the door so they’re easy to grab. Then recycle or donate the extras. It’s a small step that can make your grocery runs easier and your kitchen a bit less chaotic.
11. Unused Cookware
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That waffle maker you used once during lockdown? Or the corn-on-the-cob holders you forgot you owned? Specialty kitchen gadgets often sound fun, but end up taking up valuable drawer space. If you haven’t used it in the past two summers, it’s probably time to let it go.
Focus on multipurpose tools and cookware you use regularly. If you’re not sure, try the “box method”: pack away the “maybe” items for a month and see if you miss them. If not, donate them. Your kitchen will feel more open, and cooking will feel less like a treasure hunt.
12. Duplicate Chargers & Cables
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We all have that drawer: full of tangled cords, mystery chargers, and tech relics from three phones ago. The truth is, you only need a few good-quality cords to keep your devices charged. The rest just add clutter and confusion.
Sort through your stash, match cables to the devices you actually use, and toss damaged or obsolete ones (many electronics stores recycle cords). This way, you will actually find the cords you’re looking for when you need them and spend less time untangling them from a bunch of useless ones.
Make Space for What Matters
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Decluttering doesn’t have to mean parting with everything or achieving Pinterest-level perfection. It’s really about choosing what supports your lifestyle now and letting go of what no longer serves a purpose. Each item you release creates a little more room for ease, for movement, and for joy.
So start small. Pick a few items from this list and build momentum. Whether it’s clearing a single drawer or tackling your entire shed, you will be making space for a lighter, brighter summer. And honestly, isn’t that what this season is all about?