As you probably know, clutter can really sneak up on you. Things that you don’t use may seem neatly stored away at first, but over time, they pile up and begin to take over your space completely, making your home feel cramped and claustrophobic. But the good news is you can clear out a surprising amount of clutter by letting go of things you don’t actually need. This list goes over some of the best things you can toss today for a tidier space.
Expired Medications
This one might sound obvious, but so many people have long-forgotten collections of old pill bottles and half-used prescriptions. These not only take up space but could even be unsafe if you accidentally use them. Medications lose their effectiveness over time and can become harmful.
Worn-Out Towels
If you have old towels that are frayed, stained, or threadbare, it’s time to face the fact that they aren’t doing you any favors. While a couple might be useful for cleaning, holding onto too many just adds clutter to your linen closet. You can donate gently used towels to animal shelters and toss the ones that are too far gone.
Extra Coffee Mugs
It can be hard to say goodbye to long-owned coffee mugs, but if you never use them, there’s not much point holding onto them. Most people don’t need a dozen or more taking up all that kitchen cabinet space.
You can keep your favorites and any that hold sentimental value and let go of the rest. If they’re in good condition, consider donating them to thrift stores, or repurpose them as planters or desk organizers.
Empty Boxes
I know those empty boxes from online orders or appliances might seem useful for “someday,” but they often pile up and take over closets and basements. Unless you’re actively moving or shipping items, recycle those boxes and free up valuable storage space.
Old Magazines
Most people have the odd stack of old magazines lying around, but this can quickly overwhelm a room, even if you plan to read them later. If you haven’t flipped through them in months, it’s time to consider recycling them. You can always keep a few pages with recipes or inspiration by tearing them out and storing them neatly in a binder.
Duplicate Kitchen Utensils
How many spatulas or vegetable peelers does one person actually need? If your kitchen drawers are overflowing with duplicate tools, it’s time to pare down. Simply keep the ones you love and use and donate the extras to someone setting up a new kitchen.
Unused Electronics
Let’s face it: you’re never gonna get any use out of those broken headphones or old phones you haven’t used in years. They’re just taking up space and cluttering up your drawers. If they’re in working condition, you can donate or sell them. If not, find an electronics recycling program in your area to dispose of them responsibly.
Clothes You Never Wear
If your closet is filled with items you haven’t touched in a year or more, it’s time for a big cleanout. But don’t worry: this doesn’t have to be a difficult process. You can simply sort things into piles and donate clothes that no longer fit or match your style. Letting go of unworn clothes makes more room for things you’ll actually use and love.
Random Cables and Chargers
Everyone has that tangled mess of cords and chargers in a drawer somewhere, but do you actually know what they’re used for? Go through your collection and recycle anything that’s outdated or doesn’t match any devices you currently own.
Expired Beauty Products
You might be surprised at just how many of your makeup and skincare products are far past their prime. Old beauty products can harbor bacteria and lose their effectiveness, making them more harmful than helpful. Make sure to check expiration dates and toss anything that’s past its prime.
Takeout Menus
These days, online apps and menus are everywhere, so there’s really no need to keep physical copies around anymore. Recycle those old takeout menus cluttering your kitchen drawer and turn to your phone for any restaurant information you need instead.
Broken Jewelry
If you love your accessories, you probably have a pile of tangled necklaces and broken bracelets cluttering up your jewelry box. If it’s been ages since you thought about fixing or wearing them, it’s time to let them go. You can donate costume pieces or sell items with valuable materials for scrap.
Outdated Décor
Old decor can feel vintage and fancy, but if it no longer suits your taste or feels out of place, all it does is make your home look cluttered. If you have an old vase, a worn-out throw pillow, or a dated wall hanging, pass them along to someone who will appreciate them or donate them to a local charity.
Old Receipts
We all know that receipts pile up quickly, but most of them aren’t needed once you’ve verified the purchase or gone through with any necessary returns. Shred or recycle old receipts that aren’t tied to warranties or tax purposes, and consider switching to digital copies if you don’t want to deal with a big stack of paper in the future.
Excess Water Bottles
It’s great to invest in reusable water bottles rather than buying plastic ones again and again, but it’s easy to end up with far more than you actually use. Keep a few that work well for you and donate the rest to organizations or friends. This will make it easier to grab the ones you really need.
Outdated Manuals
Do you really need to hang onto those old manuals for gadgets you don’t even own anymore? Even if you do still have it, most manuals can be found online if you ever need them. So it’s best to recycle those outdated paper copies and enjoy the extra space in your drawers.
Stretched-Out Hair Ties
Those old hair ties that have lost their stretch or are covered in lint aren’t exactly doing their job anymore. If you’re ready to say goodbye, toss the ones that have seen better days and replace them with a small set of new ones that you’ll actually use.
Forgotten Hobby Supplies
If you haven’t touched that sewing kit or set of paints in years, it might be better off in someone else’s hands. If a hobby no longer interests you, donate or gift the supplies to someone who will use them. This will also make room for the hobbies you’re passionate about now.
Extra Sets of Bedding
Still hanging onto multiple sets of bedding that you rarely use? They’re probably just taking up your valuable storage space. Most families only need two or three sets per bed: one in use, one in the wash, and a spare. Donate or repurpose any extras that are worn or outdated.