We often hold on to keepsakes due to sentimental value or the belief that they might come in handy one day. However, the reality is that our homes can only hold so much, and we inevitably end up discarding or donating many of these items.
This list is compiled based on real-world trends, data, research, and the experiences of professional organizers and thrift store employees. It’s meant to serve as a guide to help you decide what to keep, what to donate, and what to throw away.
1. Old Clothing
Clothing is the most common item we hang on to for longer than necessary. Whether it’s a sweater from high school that you’ve outgrown or a dress bought on a whim that you’ve never worn, these items take up closet space and collect dust. Many people believe that they might wear these items again one day, but research by Pareto has shown that we wear only 20% of our clothes 80% of the time.
The best way to handle old clothing is to donate it. Clothing in good condition can be given to thrift stores, homeless shelters, or charities like Goodwill. If the clothing is no longer wearable, consider recycling it instead of throwing it out. Companies like H&M and Zara have clothing recycling programs.
2. Old Textbooks
Many people keep their old textbooks, thinking they might refer to them in the future. However, textbooks usually end up gathering dust on bookshelves. In addition, the information in textbooks often becomes outdated quickly, making them less useful over time.
Instead of holding on to old textbooks, consider donating them to libraries, schools, or nonprofits. Organizations like Better World Books accept used textbooks and use the proceeds to fund literacy initiatives worldwide.
3. Unfinished Craft Projects
Craft projects can be fun and fulfilling, but they can also take up a lot of space. If you have unfinished craft projects lying around, it’s probably time to either finish them or let them go.
Donating craft supplies is a great way to declutter your home and help others at the same time. Many schools, community centers, and nonprofits accept donations of craft supplies.
4. Old Electronics
Many of us have old phones, laptops, or tablets lying around. These devices often end up in a drawer or closet, forgotten and unused.
Instead of letting these devices clutter up your home, consider donating them. Organizations like Cell Phones for Soldiers and Computers with Causes accept donations of old electronics and use them to help those in need.
5. Unused Kitchen Gadgets
Kitchen gadgets can be fun to buy, but are often used only once or twice before being forgotten in a drawer or cabinet. These items take up valuable kitchen space and can make cooking more complicated.
Donating unused kitchen gadgets can free up space in your kitchen and help others at the same time. Many thrift stores and charities accept donations of kitchen gadgets.
6. Old Board Games
Board games can bring hours of fun, but they also take up a lot of space. If you have board games that you no longer play, consider donating them.
Many schools, community centers, and nonprofits accept donations of board games. In addition, some board game cafes and bars may be interested in adding your old games to their collection.
7. Old CDs and DVDs
With the rise of digital media, CDs and DVDs have become less popular. Many people have collections of CDs and DVDs that they no longer use.
Instead of letting these items clutter up your home, consider donating them. Many libraries, schools, and nonprofits accept donations of CDs and DVDs.
8. Old Holiday Decorations
Holiday decorations can bring joy and festivity, but they also take up a lot of storage space. If you have holiday decorations that you no longer use, consider donating them.
Many thrift stores and charities accept donations of holiday decorations. In addition, some schools and community centers may be interested in using your old decorations for their holiday events.
9. Old Sports Equipment
Sports equipment can bring hours of fun and exercise, but it also takes up a lot of space. If you have sports equipment that you no longer use, consider donating it.
Many schools, community centers, and nonprofits accept donations of sports equipment. In addition, some sports equipment stores may offer trade-in programs for old equipment.
10. Old Magazines
Many people have collections of magazines that they no longer read. These magazines can take up a lot of space and often end up in the recycling bin.
Instead of letting these magazines clutter up your home, consider donating them. Many libraries, schools, and nonprofits accept donations of magazines.
