Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed by clutter? You’re not alone. Many of us hang on to items we don’t really need, thinking they might come in handy someday.
But more often than not, these objects just take up space and make our homes feel messy and disorganized. You’d be surprised at how many everyday items you don’t actually need to keep. Here are 12 items that you can start decluttering today.
1. Expired Medications and Cosmetics
Expired medications and cosmetics can be harmful and ineffective. It’s easy to forget about these items sitting in your medicine cabinet or makeup bag. But using them past their expiration date can lead to skin irritations or, at worst, they may not perform their intended function. These items are not only space occupiers but can also pose a health risk.
Dispose of them properly and create more space in your cabinets and drawers. Check out this article for more household items you might not need.
2. Old Chargers and Cables
Technology evolves rapidly, leaving us with a nest of old chargers and cables that are no longer compatible with our current devices. Rather than letting them gather dust in a drawer, consider recycling them. Many electronics stores have recycling programs for these items.
Chances are, you won’t need that old phone charger from 2009, or the USB cable for a device you no longer own. Clear out your tech drawer and free up space for items you actually use.
3. Unused Kitchen Gadgets
That avocado slicer or egg separator seemed like a good idea at the time, but if you’re not using these gadgets regularly, they’re just taking up valuable kitchen space. Donate or sell these items and simplify your cooking routine. You’ll find that a good knife set and a few versatile tools are all you really need.
Have a look at this Reddit thread for more ideas on what items might be unnecessary in your home.
4. Outdated Textbooks and Magazines
Unless you’re using them for reference, there’s no need to keep textbooks from your school days. The same goes for old magazines. If you haven’t flipped through them in a year, chances are you won’t miss them. Donate these items to a local library or recycle them to free up space on your bookshelves.
5. Clothes You Haven’t Worn in a Year
It’s time to be honest with ourselves. If we haven’t worn it in a year, we’re probably not going to wear it. These items are just taking up precious closet space. Donate them, sell them, or recycle them into rags. Your closet will thank you.
For more tips on decluttering, check out this article on what professional organizers always save and what they toss.
6. Excess Cookware and Tableware
How many pots, pans, and dishes do you really need? If you have duplicates or items that you never use, it’s time to let them go. Consider donating them to a local shelter or selling them online. You’ll have more kitchen storage and it’ll be easier to find what you need when you’re cooking.
7. Unused Exercise Equipment
That treadmill or exercise bike that’s gathering dust in your basement? If you’re not using it, sell it or donate it. There are plenty of people who would love to have it. Plus, you’ll free up space for activities you actually enjoy. Remember, your home is for living, not storing.
8. Old Greeting Cards and Letters
While it’s nice to keep a few sentimental items, there’s no need to hold onto every birthday card or letter you’ve ever received. If they’re just sitting in a box collecting dust, it’s time to let them go. Keep a few special ones and recycle the rest. You’ll free up storage space and reduce paper clutter in your home.
9. Unnecessary Paper Clutter
Old bills, receipts, and paperwork can quickly pile up. Digitize important documents and recycle the rest. You’ll be amazed at how much space you can free up by reducing paper clutter. Plus, it’s easier to find documents when they’re organized digitally.
10. Old or Broken Electronics
If it’s broken and you’re not going to fix it, it’s time to let it go. Old cell phones, DVD players, and obsolete electronics can be recycled responsibly at many electronics stores. You’ll free up storage space and reduce electronic waste.
11. Unused or Broken Furniture
That chair with the broken leg or the coffee table you never use? If it’s not serving a purpose in your home, it’s just taking up space. Donate or sell these items and enjoy your newfound space. Your home will feel bigger and more organized without these unnecessary items.
12. Outdated Calendars and Planners
Last year’s calendar or an old planner you never used? These items are just taking up space on your desk or in your drawers. Recycle them and free up space for current, useful items. You’ll feel more organized and focused without this clutter in your workspace.
Remember, decluttering is a process. Don’t try to tackle everything at once. Start with one category or area of your home and work your way through the list. You’ll feel lighter, your home will be more organized, and you’ll have more space for the things that truly matter.
