If your home is feeling cluttered and chaotic, it’s time to take control and create a more organized, refreshing space—starting by tossing items you no longer need or use. These 17 items take up valuable space, and by recycling them, donating them, or throwing them away, you’ll make your home considerably more efficient.
Old Magazines and Newspapers
Old magazines and newspapers quickly pile up and they can become a fire hazard in your home if you don’t keep on top of them. The good thing about these products is that they’re easily recycled, helping to reduce the amount of waste you’re sending to landfills.
Expired Medications
Using medications that have expired could have dangerous side effects or simply not treat your condition as well as it should. According to the FDA, “the best way to dispose of your expired, unwanted, or unused medicines is through a drug take back program—or you can do it at home.”
Unused Electronics
When electronics are sent to landfill sites, they can start to leak harmful chemicals such as lead and mercury into the local environment so it’s important to dispose of these items properly. If they are functional, find somewhere to donate them or sell them on an online auction site.
Outdated Clothing
There’s little point in keeping clothes that you no longer like or that no longer fit you. It’s helpful to sort them out every couple of months so that you can keep on top of this, making sure you sort your clothes into piles of “sell,” “donate,” and “recycle” depending on their value and condition.
Mismatched Socks
We all have a few socks that have mysteriously lost their matching partner, but rather than keeping them in your drawer in the hopes that they might turn up, you’re best off removing them. This makes sock matching much easier when you’ve done the laundry, and the odd ones can be used as dusting rags.
Plastic Containers with Missing Lids
Plastic containers take up a lot of room in the kitchen cupboards, and while they’re great for storing leftovers and other goods, there’s no point in keeping ones that don’t have a lid. You could repurpose them in other parts of the house to organize drawers that hold small items.
Old Makeup and Cosmetics
The American Academy of Dermatology says, “Over time, bacteria and mold often contaminate makeup. These germs can cause an eye infection or a common skin infection like impetigo or folliculitis.” To keep track of this, you could try labeling your makeup with stickers or markers so you know when you opened each item.
Worn-Out Shoes
Once shoes lose their support, they cause you foot pain and other issues, so it’s best to replace them. If your shoes are wearable, there are organizations to which you can donate them; if not, check your local area to see if you can recycle them.
Out of Date Spices
Over time, spices tend to lose their flavor, and Healthline says, “It’s still generally safe to consume dried herbs and spices that are past their prime, although they won’t add nearly as much flavor as their fresh counterparts.” To help reduce waste, try buying spices in smaller quantities so it’s easier to use them up in time.
Old Bedding and Linens
Regularly updating your bedding can improve your sleep hygiene and comfort, so there’s no need to hang on to old sets. You could take them to animal shelters, or there may be a textile recycling scheme near you that will repurpose the fabric into something new.
Overused Cleaning Supplies
Old sponges, brushes, and cloths can harbor a lot of bacteria, so they need to be replaced regularly to prevent the spread of germs. According to Good Housekeeping, “You need to clean them weekly, and toss shabby ones every two to three weeks, depending on use.”
Unidentified Frozen Foods
Although freezers do significantly increase the life of foods, it doesn’t mean they’ll be preserved forever, so it’s important to label items with the date they were frozen. Try to keep your freezer organized, with older items near the front, so that you don’t let anything go to waste.
Single-Use Plastic Items
Reducing the amount of single-use plastics you use at home can cut down on the amount of waste you send to landfills and reduce your carbon footprint. Don’t throw out items you haven’t used or that could be used again, but try to replace them with eco-friendly alternatives next time.
Old Towels
New towels can refresh the look and feel of your bathroom and are more hygienic. Old towels make excellent cleaning cloths, or you can repurpose them for your pets. If you have too many old towels, animal rescue shelters are always happy to receive donations.
Broken Cookware
When the surfaces of non-stick cookware start to break down, it can be dangerous, as particles of the non-stick chemicals can make their way into your food. If you can, try to invest in good quality pans that will cook your food more evenly and be a lot more durable.
Old Paint Cans
Old paint cans begin to release harmful chemicals if they are left for a long time, so it’s best to dispose of them once they go out of date. They’ll need to be disposed of as hazardous waste, and you should never pour paint down the drains.
Unused Kitchen Gadgets
Sorting through your kitchen appliances and utensils can free up some valuable storage and countertop space, helping to make your kitchen more functional. If you have items that you don’t use but are in good condition, donate them to thrift stores or local charities.
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