Declutter now!
It's not often that someone needs everything they've accumulated at home—so let us assure you that getting rid of some items is perfectly fine. Keep reading to discover things you likely don't require which are just gathering dust and contributing to messiness within your living space. Draw motivation from these suggestions. home organization makeovers .
Extra cooking utensils
Despite having an overfilled drawer of cooking tools, it can still be challenging to know which ones you frequently use. Discard those that are cracked, bent, or have flaking plastic coatings. Place the remaining items in a container on your countertop, advises Jamie Novak, a seasoned organizer. While preparing meals, put back the utensils you utilize into their designated spot within the drawer. "If after one week certain items remain in the container, they're likely being overlooked," notes Novak. Sort through them and hold onto any favorites, but dispose of everything else. Ensure you Never purchase these 10 everyday essentials for your house to keep it clutter-free!
Fast food extras
All those additional plastic utensils, individual condiment packs, and drinking straws from quick-service meals often accumulate, frequently becoming crumpled napkins or unused stirrers. "While some individuals deliberately collect such items, for others they simply become part of their takeaway," explains Maeve Richmond, who founded and operates the organization firm called Maeve’s Method. She suggests setting a limit on these keepsakes—like retaining only two soy sauce sachets in your pantry or four paper napkins in your vehicle. Should you not plan on using them at all, particularly when it comes to less healthy sauces, inform the staff member ringing up your order to omit the sweet-and-sour dipping packets or disposable cutlery; this way, you won’t end up discarding them right after arriving back home. Below is further guidance: tidy up the most disorganized areas in your house .
Painting outfit
Many of us keep an old set of clothes for tasks like painting or gardening where staining doesn't matter as much. "These outfits aren't exactly stylish and likely won't be missed," explains Novak. "There's definitely another piece in your closet you'd prefer to wear instead." You shouldn’t feel obligated to save these garments just for those unlikely events. Alternatively, find out how to clean remove paint stains from your clothing .
Old papers and notes
When preparing for a journey or organizing an event, you likely jotted down various details such as names, contact numbers, and brainstormed ideas. As stated by Richmond, "The data collected throughout 'the preparation phase' appears crucial at first; however, once the occasion concludes, much of this information becomes obsolete." Before discarding these notes, review them carefully. Transfer essential contacts into your mobile device, and preserve meaningful items either in a keepsake book or digitize them for a virtual collection. Adhere to these practical suggestions. KC Davis To effectively clear out your home.
Specialty appliances
Specialized gadgets certainly simplify tasks like making cake pops, quesadillas, and ice cream; however, they often aren't justified by their size requirements. "Everything we have now could be prepared even without those specific tools," states Novak. Dispose of items that gather dust or relocate them elsewhere in your home if infrequently used, as advised by her. Utilize what you do keep efficiently instead. kitchen organization ideas .
Food storage containers
It appears inefficient to discard the plastic containers from takeout meals; however, they can accumulate quickly. Keep only the ones you would reasonably use throughout the week—for instance, those that fit into your lunch bag or accommodate usual leftover portions—and dispose of the others, particularly if the plastic shows signs of wear such as peeling or warping. Alternatively, consider purchasing microwave-safe glass containers, which eliminate potential health risks associated with certain plastics, according to Richmond. "We often feel we shouldn't spend money on items we could obtain at no cost," she notes. "But if this is part of your daily routine, investing in high-quality options makes perfect sense." Discover more Items that professional organizers avoid purchasing.
Water bottles
"Travel mugs are the latest must-have items," according to Novak. With an array of options like smoothie bottles, cups with straws, standard water bottles, and thermal flasks, these vessels occupy significant space in cabinets. To streamline your collection, keep only the water bottles and travel mugs that you frequently use, suggests Novak. Retain ones that fit perfectly into your car’s cup holders, bicycles, and gym bags, and donate the others. Professional organizers clear clutter from their spaces each and every day. .
Spices and herbs
Recognizing when to discard sour milk or limp greens is straightforward, yet you may be keeping spices and herbs around longer than necessary. While these ingredients won't spoil in a way that causes illness, they certainly will lose their taste and strength," explains Novak. "Grab some of the spice or herb between your fingertips and slightly bruise it; if it doesn’t emit an aroma, then it lacks flavor." Whenever you're unsure, Novak suggests consulting StillTasty.com, where you can look up various food items to determine their shelf life.
Rusty razors
Vintage razors may lead to health issues such as razor burn and skin infections, particularly when stored in a damp bathroom where germs thrive. It’s advisable to replace blades after they have been used over four times. Below are additional tips: items to remove from your bathroom , stat.
Old makeup
Throw away mascara after three months and items with SPF after six. As for the rest of your cosmetics, consider a yearly replacement guideline, advises Novak. "While using old products might not necessarily be harmful, it could pose risks or lead to breakouts," she explains. Label each item with the opening date so you can keep track easily. However, do not wait until the year mark; discard them immediately if their texture, hue, or fragrance alters. Explore more tips like this here. Items a seasoned organizer would surely discard upon visiting your home .
Plastic shopping bags
Absolutely, those plastic shopping bags can be useful, yet that doesn't imply you should maintain an unlimited stash. Spend some time figuring out how many you genuinely utilize during a standard week. "Crunch the numbers," recommends Richmond. "This is something I apply when my clients find it challenging to manage quantity." She suggests adding around five more to this tally for extra flexibility.
Reusable bags
Durable reusable bags are stronger and better for the environment compared to regular plastic shopping bags—provided you actually bring them with you. You might have purchased additional ones because you left yours behind at home. "A few of these bags can be wrinkled and noisy, preventing them from filling up properly," notes Novak. She suggests keeping only the bags you use frequently and discarding those whose patterns you dislike. However, it’s important to also consider knowing about downsides of reusable bags , too.
Gift bags
Don’t hold onto every gift bag you get, simply because you think you may use it again someday. A large pile only increases the chance they’ll become wrinkled and appear worn out. According to Novak, keep just two neutral-colored bags in each size: small, medium, and large. She advises avoiding themed bags. Instead, opt for attractive ones that can work with almost any present.
Worn-out bath mats
It's time to bid farewell to your worn-out bath mat whose rubber backing is starting to peel away. As Novak points out, "We keep holding onto it thinking we might use it someday." Throw it in the garbage; trust us, you definitely won't regret getting rid of it.
Outdated magazines
As a stack of magazines grows larger and larger, it becomes increasingly improbable that you'll manage to read through them all. Richmond recommends discarding those that are more than four to six months old. "This way, you can explore newer and fresher content," she explains. Consider adopting some tips from this advice. 10 practices of individuals with organized spaces .
Gift wrap
Keep only the gift wrapping paper with neutral designs suitable for various occasions like birthdays, holidays, and more. As Novak explains, "If the wrapping paper has specific themes tied to particular events, you end up using just one sheet out of every thirty pieces once or twice a year, which often leads to creasing and wrinkling." She recommends donating the remaining themed papers to local libraries or schools where teachers might incorporate them into their arts and crafts activities instead. Sadly though—no—you can’t recycle your wrapping paper .
Loofahs
You may not consider their lifespan, but items like loofahs, bath poufs, and body brushes can accumulate harmful bacteria over time. Since these tools are difficult to thoroughly sanitize, it’s best to simply get new ones. As Novak suggests, "These products typically aren't costly, making it easy for you to grab replacements regularly and maintain clear skin."
Single socks
It's okay to keep an unpaired sock around temporarily as you await its match, particularly if they're from the same brand and design. However, filling your drawers solely with individual socks is quite inefficient. As Richmond suggests, "Utilize that space for something more substantial, such as a sweater or a pair of jeans." You're using precious storage room for numerous small items. Don't forget these smart tips: strategies for optimizing your storage capacity .
Expired medications
Medications become less effective as they age, hence it’s advisable to inspect your medicine cabinet for any outdated containers. "It's better to discover that your cough syrup has expired before an emergency arises, instead of during one," advises Novak. Determine whether the Drug Enforcement Administration is hosting collection events nearby, or inquire at your nearest drugstore or police department about their policies regarding returns.
Old sheets
Do not keep outdated sheets that no longer match any of your current mattresses at home. As Novak points out, this often stems from an 'it might come in handy someday' mindset. Should you eventually get a new mattress of the same size, purchasing new sheets will be easy enough. Instead, consider donating these older sheets so they can provide immediate use for others.
Unflattering clothes
You might already realize that reducing your wardrobe is beneficial, yet having too many clothes in your closet can feel daunting. Make things simpler by starting with the items at the rear of your closet or at the bottom of your drawers. "Chances are those are pieces you've overlooked and will find easier to part with," advises Novak. Use these guiding questions for decluttering your closet to determine which garments deserve valuable storage space. Do not overlook this advice. Actions you're taking with your closet that a professional organizer would avoid.
Expired batteries
Take a swift walk through your house to locate all the stray batteries scattered across various drawers. Remove any that have exceeded their expiration dates or show signs of corrosion. Even if some of these old batteries still hold power, you'll be one step nearer to decluttering that messy drawer. "Give the battery challenge a try at least once in your home to get rid of items that aren’t serving any purpose," advises Richmond.
Ratty towels
To be frank: It’s unlikely that you’d use an old, worn-out towel when you have several fresh, soft options available. "If you wouldn’t offer them to guests, why would you keep using them?" asks Novak. Reserve a couple for urgent situations such as mopping up water from flooding, but discard the remainder, she suggests.
Souvenir T-shirts
Avoid filling your wardrobe with vacation T-shirts solely due to their emotional significance. "Some items you believe are part of your attire are really keepsakes," notes Novak. "Those garments should be stored in a memory box rather than taking up space in your closet."
Unused specialty foods
You may have employed a tablespoon of a particular sauce or seasoning while exploring international cuisines. "We enjoy getting motivated to prepare something new," remarks Richmond. "However, certain items either go unused or our interest in them fades." Dispose of those spices at the rear of your pantry that were opened just once and do not have imminent use planned.
Memorabilia
Limit yourself to only one memorabilia box that’s simple to stow away when not in use. When this single container becomes full, declutter rather than allowing additional boxes to accumulate. Rather than keeping the actual items, think about photographing them for sentimental purposes. As Novak suggests, "Whenever possible, snap a photo of each item and maintain an electronic folder filled with these cherished moments." This way, instead of storing heavy containers brimming with old stuffed animals and faded candles, preserve those memories as digital files.
Costume jewelry
There's a good chance that somebody else might find greater value in your costume jewelry than you currently do. Many consignment stores purchase jewelry immediately rather than waiting until it sells. Additionally, local theater groups frequently utilize such items as prop accessories, according to Novak. Another option would be listing these pieces for sale on Etsy; individuals who incorporate these materials into their artistic creations typically seek out this type of item. "Those buyers are exactly what you should aim for," she notes.
Old intimates
Dispose of any stockings with snags or intimates whose elasticity is nearly gone. "Make sure all your supportive undergarments truly provide the support you need," advises Novak.
Cardboard boxes
You may keep the initial box for items such as TVs or computers, particularly if you plan to resell them or find moving easier with their original containers. However, these boxes typically take up too much room. The additional money you could earn from selling something in its original package likely isn’t significant enough to justify the storage space, so consider this carefully before deciding. hoarding Boxes should be kept unless you intend to move within two months, according to Richmond. She advises, "If there’s a chance you may send something back, keep the initial packaging for at least a month or two." However, she notes that after this period, when the item has become part of your household, the original box loses significance and can be discarded.
Purses
You likely have some favorite purses that you frequently use and others that remain largely untouched. Discard any bags that are too heavy for your liking, appear worn out, or have damaged linings. As Novak points out, "If you wouldn't pay to get it fixed—even if it were repairable—then you shouldn't keep using it."
Lunchboxes
Discard worn-out lunchboxes with faulty clasps or zippers, or those lacking insulation if maintaining low temperatures for your meals is necessary. As Novak points out, "Many of these containers accumulate grime in hard-to-reach spots where food gets trapped."
Chipped mugs
"They can be harmful as they might cause injury," explains Novak. She adds that anything too inappropriate to offer a visitor shouldn't be stored in your cabinets. Here are the items: mistakes you might be making while cleaning your kitchen .
Unread books
Selecting a book once meant heading to a physical store, browsing through numerous titles until finding an appealing choice. However, with today’s instant access at our fingertips via clicks online, unread volumes often accumulate rapidly without us even noticing. As Richmond points out, "The realization of having paid for something but not using it tends to instill feelings of individual remorse." Take some time to reflect on exactly when and why certain purchases were made, and consider donating those less likely to be read soon to charitable organizations focused on sharing literature.
Old knickknacks
Achieve a minimalist home environment by removing decor pieces that no longer align with who you are. As Novak points out, "Over time, things blend into the background." Clear everything from your shelves, rethink which objects truly resonate with you, and return only those. Consider adopting this approach. 16 kitchen organization ideas To maintain a tidy pantry!
Holiday table runners
Maintain a selection of tablecloths and table runners in neutral tones that can be used throughout various seasons. Those designed exclusively for particular holidays tend to occupy valuable storage space unnecessarily. As Novak suggests, "There’s no need to keep special pieces that sit unused most of the time except when you occasionally recall them and feel like ironing."
Old toys
Reducing the quantity of toys your children possess is the initial move toward minimizing the clutter created when they play. Discard those with damaged or lost components. Should you observe that some toys aren't being used much, encourage your kids to select three to donate. As Novak suggests, "Inform them that these will be sent through an organization to children without any toys." Alternatively, Novak recommends storing lesser-played-with items in a box for about half a year; should your kids not request these objects afterward, chances are they won't feel attached enough to miss them if you decide to pass them along.
Obsolete technology
"Life is evolving rapidly," remarks Richmond. "The technology we invested heavily in just a few years ago has become obsolete." It’s difficult to part with these items since you recall their past utility, she notes. However, unless you genuinely believe you’d utilize that old phone without a compatible charger, it’s best to dispose of it.
Bath bombs and salts
If bathing isn't usual for you, you'll likely never find yourself using those. bath bombs And those salts you've held onto? Chances are, by the time you decide to use them, humidity and frequent use in your bathroom might render them useless. "It’s not very soothing to have a crumbling salt or bath bomb dissolve in your bathtub," according to Novak.
Designer dress bags
Feel free not to retain the protective packaging that comes with high-end dresses or suits. As Richmond suggests, "Consider these bags as transport aids." If you wish to utilize them within your wardrobe...go ahead and safeguard your garments accordingly. However, if you prefer stuffing them into a cramped space in your closet, it’s perfectly fine to discard the bags.
Drink coasters
“Many individuals possess an unusually high quantity of drink coasters in their side tables, as though they frequently host large gatherings,” notes Novak. If this isn’t reflective of your lifestyle, consider discarding the surplus items you rarely use. Coasters that are unstable, chipped, or have damaged cork backs should be immediately thrown away. Discover how to arrange your living space like an expert with these 50 suggestions.
Junk in your purse
Bills, bits of paper, expired cosmetics, empty pens, and packaging should all be tossed out. See if you can use apps for your reward cards to slim down your wallet. "Whenever possible, we're aiming to become more digital," explains Novak.
Potpourri
Take a sniff of that potpourri. "Without its fragrance, it has failed its main function," according to Novak. If you're not using it for its smell, either replenish the contents or discard it entirely.
Extra buttons
Dispose of the surplus buttons and threads included with clothing pieces you may have long since gotten rid of. As Novak points out, "It’s unlikely you’d find a matching button." There are numerous thread shades available, making it easy for a tailor to get an exact match regardless. Don’t overlook these additional tips though: storage hacks to eliminate mess and immediately feel more structured.