You probably have things lying around that are just taking up space without serving any real purpose. It’s easy to hold onto items out of habit or thinking they might come in handy someday, but often, these things just add clutter to your life.
Knowing what to let go of can make your space feel more open and reduce stress. This article will help you identify common items you’re likely keeping that don’t need to stay. Getting rid of them clears the way for a tidier, more functional home.
Expired plastic containers
You probably have plastic containers lurking in your kitchen that are chipped, cracked, or no longer seal properly. These containers aren’t just useless—they can actually harbor bacteria and should be tossed.
If you find containers missing lids or that have warped shapes, it’s time to say goodbye. Keeping expired plastic containers only creates clutter and takes up space you could use for fresh, reliable storage options.
Old phone chargers that don’t work
You probably have a bunch of old phone chargers lying around that don’t work anymore. Keeping them takes up space and adds to clutter you don’t need.
If a charger is broken or outdated, it’s best to recycle it properly. Look for an electronics recycling center or drop it off at stores like Best Buy that accept old cables.
This way, you get rid of junk responsibly instead of tossing it in the trash.
Single socks missing their pair
You probably have a drawer full of single socks that lost their match somewhere. Holding onto those lonely socks might seem harmless, but they often just take up space you could use better.
If the pair hasn’t turned up after a while, it’s okay to let that sock go. Old single socks can still be reused as dust rags or cleaning mitts before tossing them out. Don’t hang on to socks that don’t serve a purpose anymore.
Empty candle jars
You probably have empty candle jars sitting around that you don’t use. Instead of tossing them, you can repurpose them for storage. They work well for small items like screws, coins, or makeup tools.
If you’re into DIY, these jars can become containers for homemade scrubs or even small planters. They’re handy in the bathroom or kitchen to keep things organized.
Dry, crusty markers
You might be holding onto those old markers hoping they’ll work again. Most dry markers aren’t worth the effort, though.
If you want to try, add a bit of water to the cap and set it upright for an hour. Sometimes this brings them back to life.
Otherwise, toss them. They just take up space and add to plastic waste. Some stores even offer recycling programs if you want to be eco-friendly.
Broken earbuds
If your earbuds don’t work anymore, hanging on to them probably isn’t worth it. They’re often tricky to fix, and cheap replacements can be just as good.
Leaving broken earbuds around can contribute to electronic waste. Many parts inside can be recycled, so look for e-waste recycling points near you.
Don’t just toss them in the trash. Proper disposal helps keep harmful chemicals out of the environment.
Torn grocery bags
You probably have a stash of grocery bags with ripped handles or holes. Keeping them around “just in case” can quickly turn into clutter.
If a bag is too torn to carry groceries or reuse safely, it’s time to let it go. You can recycle some types, but most damaged bags don’t hold up and don’t serve much purpose.
Instead, swap them out for reusable bags that last longer and won’t tear as easily.
Crumpled old receipts
You probably have a bunch of crumpled receipts stuffed in drawers or your wallet. Most of the time, they’re useless after you’ve checked your return period or warranty.
Holding onto them just adds clutter and makes it harder to find the important stuff. Unless you need one for taxes or a recent return, tossing them frees up space and clears your mind.
Bent paperclips
You probably have a bunch of bent paperclips lying around. Once they lose their shape, they don’t work well for holding papers together anymore.
Keeping them around just adds clutter. Instead, toss them and use fresh clips when you need them.
If you like Crafts or junk journaling, bent clips aren’t the best choice either. Straight clips are easier to work with.
Dried up nail polish
You probably have some old nail polish that’s thick and gloopy. It’s tempting to keep it, but once it’s dried up, it’s essentially unusable.
You can try adding a nail polish thinner if it’s just thick, not fully dried out. Otherwise, it’s better to toss it. Holding on won’t help your nails or your storage space.
Empty notebooks with nothing inside
You probably have a pile of empty notebooks lying around, right? They might seem useful, but if you’re never going to use them, they’re just taking up space.
Instead of holding onto them hoping to write someday, think about donating them. Schools or community centers often need extra supplies, and your unused notebooks could be helpful.
If donation isn’t an option, consider recycling them. Keeping empty notebooks with no plan to use them just adds clutter to your space.
