If you’re looking for that “perfect moment” to finally declutter and get yourself organized, the new year is just that moment. As you’ve probably noticed, holding onto old things can really weigh you down both mentally and physically, making it harder to embrace new beginnings. So, let’s take a look at a few things you should consider letting go of for a fresh start.
Expired Food in Your Pantry
This one may sound kind of obvious, but there’s a strong likelihood you have more expired cans and spices in your pantry than you’d think. It’s easy to forget about them, but clearing out these items makes space for fresh food and helps you feel a lot more organized.
Clothes You Never Wear
If your closet is filled with clothes that no longer fit or match your style, now’s a great time to say goodbye. You may feel sad or wasteful getting rid of them, but keeping them around only creates clutter and makes it harder to find what you actually wear.
Plus, you can always donate gently used pieces to give them a second life.
Outdated Electronics
If you know you’ve got one or two drawers full of old phones, chargers, or gadgets that no longer work, it’s probably time for a clear-out. It’s more than likely you’ll never use them again, so they’re just taking up space. Recycle them responsibly through a local electronics recycling program to free up space and help the environment.
Paper Clutter
Everyone knows that stacks of old bills, receipts, and magazines can quickly take over desks and counters. But nowadays, there are so many digital options available that most of this paper is completely unnecessary. So, it’s time to shred sensitive documents and recycle the rest to free up that valuable space.
Unused Kitchen Gadgets
It’s great that people are always coming up with new inventions, but a lot of time they end up as nice novelty ideas that never actually get used. Your kitchen gadgets that once seemed like a good idea are probably now gathering dust—things like waffle makers or avocado slicers especially. If you haven’t used it in the last year, it’s time to let it go.
Broken Furniture
That wobbly chair or damaged coffee table might be on your “fix it someday” list, but are you realistically ever going to get around to it if it’s been sitting there for months or years? If this sounds all too familiar, it’s time to move on. Broken furniture takes up space and rarely adds much value to your life.
Old Makeup and Skincare Products
Makeup and skincare products have expiration dates for a reason. They won’t only be harder to use but could actually cause skin irritation or infections. If you’ve got dried-up mascara or half-used lotions that have been sitting for ages, it’s time to toss them out.
Unread Books
If you consider yourself a bookworm, it can be really difficult to let go of books you’ve been meaning to read. But it’s important to be honest with yourself about which ones you’ll actually read.
The rest can be donated to libraries or second-hand stores, meaning they’ll still be adding value to someone else’s life.
Unmatched Socks
Some people will insist on wearing only odd socks, but if you have a pile of single socks waiting for their match to appear, it’s probably best to accept that they’re gone for good. Clearing out mismatched socks instantly reduces drawer clutter and makes your mornings easier.
Half-Burned Candles
You may feel wasteful throwing out old candles, but those that are nearly finished or ones you don’t like the scent of any more don’t need to stick around. These take up space without serving a real purpose. It’s best to recycle the containers and keep only the candles you genuinely enjoy using.
Old Towels and Linens
Are you really getting anything out of those old towels with frayed edges or sheets that have lost their softness? If not, they don’t need to take up space in your home any longer. Animal shelters often accept old linens for bedding, so donating them can be a thoughtful way to declutter.
Freebie or Promotional Items
Getting stuff for free can feel like a real treat, so it can be difficult to say no even if you don’t really need them. These branded tote bags, pens, or keychains from events often end up piled up somewhere and never getting used. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to admit that they’re just taking up space. Let go of the junk and focus on things you actually love and need.
Kids’ Toys They’ve Outgrown
It can be really hard to let go of old kids’ toys, even if you know your kids have grown out of them. But if they haven’t touched them in months or years, it may be time to clear them out. You can donate gently used items to local charities or pass them along to friends or family. This not only frees up space but also teaches your kids the valuable gift of giving.
Outdated Home Décor
It’s super important to make your house feel like a home, and décor that no longer fits your style can make your space seem stale. Maybe you have an old lamp, wall art, or throw pillows you never really enjoy looking at anymore. Letting go of these items creates room for new pieces that gel with your personal style.
Duplicate Items
How many spatulas, phone chargers, or water bottles do you really need? While it’s normal for people to end up with several copies of these things, they typically end up cluttering drawers and cabinets for no good reason. Get yourself organized by keeping the best ones and donating or recycling the extras.
Old Hobby Supplies
Hobbies are really important for our well-being, but craft materials, sports gear, or instruments you haven’t touched in years can take up significant space and make you feel bad about not using them. If your interests have shifted, it’s okay to let these items go. You can always put them to good use by donating them to schools or community centers.