If you have stuff around your house that you just can’t seem to get rid of, don’t worry—we all do. Maybe it’s out of habit or a sense of sentimentality, but whatever the reason, some things take up far too much space without really serving a purpose anymore. The good news is that clearing out these unnecessary things can be easier than it may seem and free up loads of room, making your home feel more organized. Here’s a list of common household things people struggle to part with—but probably should.
Old Electronics
That drawer full of outdated phones, tangled chargers, and broken headphones? Yeah, we all have one, but it really isn’t doing you any favors. A lot of people hold onto these gadgets because they don’t know what to do with them or think they might need them someday, but they rarely do.
Instead, it’s better to recycle them responsibly or donate working items to someone who can use them. This is a great way to reclaim some valuable space and feel good about giving them a second life.
Expired Medications
It’s easy to forget about old bottles of pills in the back of your medicine cabinet. But expired medications can lose their effectiveness and even become unsafe to use, so there’s really no point holding on to them. This creates clutter in a space where you need quick access to essentials. Most pharmacies or health departments have drop-off programs for safe disposal, so if you have any lying around, it’s time to get rid of them.
Mismatched Tupperware
You’re not alone if you have a cabinet overflowing with mismatched lids and warped containers. It can be hard to keep things organized, but keeping only the sets you actually use will make it easier to store leftovers without a chaotic search for the right lid. Recycle or repurpose the ones you no longer need and enjoy the extra breathing room in your kitchen.
Old Towels
You really shouldn’t let that stack of faded, threadbare towels hiding in your linen closet take up such prime real estate. Sure, they may still work for cleaning up messes, but you probably don’t need as many as you’re holding onto. If you’re ready to say goodbye, donate them to animal shelters or move them somewhere else and use them as cleaning rags. You deserve to replace them with a few high-quality options that make you feel like you’re at a spa 24/7.
Outdated Magazines
Sometimes, it’s best to leave the past in the past. Stacks of magazines might feel nostalgic or like they’ll be useful someday, but they often end up as nothing more than dust collectors. If you haven’t flipped through them in months (or years), it’s time to let them go. You can either recycle them or donate them to schools or waiting rooms if you want to give them a new purpose.
Broken Jewelry
Let’s be real: those tangled chains and broken bracelets at the bottom of your jewelry box aren’t bringing you a whole lot of joy. If you haven’t repaired or worn them in ages, it’s probably time to part ways. Consider selling items with valuable materials or donating costume jewelry to thrift stores where someone else might give them a new life.
Clothes That Don’t Fit
Everyone has that section of their closet reserved for “someday” clothes. Maybe you think of them as a source of motivation or security, but holding onto items that no longer fit can clutter your space and weigh you down emotionally. If it’s been years since you wore it, it might be time to let it go.
We recommend donating or selling these items and focusing on clothes that make you feel good now.
Old Greeting Cards
We can all admit that it’s nice to keep a few sentimental cards, but holding onto every birthday or holiday card you’ve ever received can quickly lead to piles of chaotic clutter that you never actually look at. If you’re ready to let go but worried about forgetting them, you can simply snap a photo of the most meaningful ones beforehand.
Takeout Menus
Back in the day, restaurants had a bad habit of flooding us with stacks of paper menus. But in the age of online menus and delivery services, there’s really no point keeping them around. If you’re still holding onto these out of habit, recycle them and rely on your phone or computer for meal planning instead. Your kitchen drawer will thank you for the extra space!
Outdated Makeup
Sure, “good” makeup is very subjective. But not when it comes to stuff that’s just plain old. These products have expiration dates for a reason—using old cosmetics can lead to skin irritation or infections. That mascara you bought years ago or that lipstick you never really liked probably needs to go.
Mystery Keys
“Mystery keys” may sound like an exciting item in a video game, but the reality is far more mundane and useless. Most people have at least a few keys lying around that no one remembers the purpose of. Instead of letting them pile up, go through them and see if any still have a use. If you can’t figure it out, it’s probably safe to get rid of them.
VHS Tapes and DVDs
If you don’t even have a player for those old VHS tapes or DVDs anymore, it’s probably time to say goodbye. You could make an exception if they hold sentimental value or are rare, but otherwise, they’re just taking up space. Your best bet is to donate or recycle them, and consider digitizing any home movies to preserve any important memories.
Worn-Out Shoes
You probably have that one pair of shoes that are too worn to wear but too hard to throw out. But the thing is, if you don’t, they’ll linger in your closet for years. If they’re simply beyond repair, it’s time to let them go. The good news? Many stores and charities accept old shoes for recycling, so you can feel better about giving them up.
Dead Houseplants
It’s okay to admit that you’ve tried and failed to keep a houseplant alive—sadly, it happens to everyone. However, holding onto dead plants in the hope that they’ll magically revive really isn’t gonna work out. Toss them out, repurpose the pots, and maybe try a low-maintenance plant like a succulent next time.
Random Cords and Cables
How many cables do you have lying around, with no idea where they came or what they’re used for? The likelihood is, you’ll never use most of them. It’s worth taking the time to identify the ones you actually need and recycle the rest. Freeing up that space will make it easier to find the cables you use regularly.
Old Bedding
Faded sheets and lumpy old pillows are common culprits of closet clutter. If they’ve outlived their comfort or usefulness, it’s time to part with them. You can still donate gently used bedding to shelters or repurpose it as fabric for DIY projects.
Expired Spices
If your spice rack includes jars that haven’t been touched in years, they’re probably no longer adding much flavor to your cooking (or your life). Old spices lose their potency over time, so it’s best to clear them out and buy new, fresh ones that’ll liven up your meals.