Clutter can sneak into your home without you even noticing, making spaces feel crowded and chaotic. Knowing what to clear out can make a big difference in how your home looks and feels.
Professional organizers focus on items that create clutter but are often easy to replace or no longer useful. Learning which things to let go of first can help you create a tidier, more functional living space.
Expired spices
You might not notice when your spices lose their flavor, but over time they do become less potent. If your spices have no smell or taste, it’s a good sign they need to go.
Expired spices don’t just affect taste; they can also make cooking less enjoyable. Tossing old spices frees up space and encourages you to buy fresh, better-quality seasonings.
Check your spice jars regularly. If a spice has been sitting unused for years, it’s likely doing more harm than good in your kitchen.
Torn wrapping paper
If you have torn or crumpled wrapping paper, it’s time to let it go. Keeping damaged paper takes up space and rarely gets reused.
You’ll find that fresh, neat wrapping paper makes gift wrapping easier and looks better.
Recycle the torn pieces to clear clutter and make room for new supplies you’ll actually use.
Faded gift bags
You might hold on to gift bags that have lost their color or are wrinkled from use. Professional organizers often suggest tossing these because they don’t look fresh anymore and can’t brighten up a gift the way new bags do.
Keeping only vibrant, clean bags makes your gift-giving easier and more presentable. Instead of saving every worn bag, try recycling the faded ones to keep your storage neat. This way, you always have attractive options ready for any occasion.
Greeting cards from years ago
You might have a pile of old greeting cards saved from birthdays, holidays, or special events. While they can hold sentimental value, professional organizers often suggest letting go of most.
If you keep them, consider holding onto a few that truly mean something to you. Otherwise, most of these cards can be recycled to free up space and reduce clutter. Remember, your memories don’t live in paper alone.
Containers missing tops or bottoms
If you have containers without matching lids, it’s time to reconsider keeping them. These take up extra space and don’t stack or seal properly.
You might want to recycle or toss these because they rarely serve a practical purpose once their pair is lost.
Keeping only complete containers helps keep your storage neat and functional.
Expired medications
You should check your medicine cabinet regularly for expired medications. Keeping old prescriptions can be risky since their effectiveness may decrease and some could be unsafe to use.
Dispose of expired drugs properly by taking them to medication-take-back locations or participating pharmacies. Avoid throwing them in the trash or flushing them unless the label instructs you to do so.
Stained linens
You might feel attached to your linens, but stained ones often hold no practical use. Unless the stain is fresh and treatable, it’s usually best to let them go.
Hanging onto stained sheets or towels can create clutter and take up space. Freeing yourself from them makes room for clean, fresh linens.
If you want to be eco-friendly, consider repurposing stained linens as cleaning rags before tossing them. This way, they still serve a purpose without crowding your home.
Junk mail piles
You probably receive more junk mail than you realize. It quickly builds up into piles that clutter your space.
Most of this mail is unnecessary and can be recycled right away. Sorting through it regularly keeps your home tidy.
Try setting a specific spot for incoming mail to avoid scattered piles. Toss what you don’t need without delay to prevent clutter from taking over.
Clothes you don’t love
If you’re holding onto clothes you don’t enjoy wearing, it’s time to reconsider. These items take up space without adding value to your daily life.
Keep only what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Letting go of what you don’t love frees up room for pieces you truly enjoy.
It might feel hard, but donating or discarding unwanted clothes helps simplify your closet and your choices each day.
Half-functional cookware
If your pots or pans have warped bottoms or peeling nonstick surfaces, it’s time to let them go.
Using damaged cookware can affect how your food cooks and may even be unsafe.
Keeping only the tools that work well makes cooking easier and your kitchen less cluttered.
You’ll save space and avoid frustration by tossing items that don’t perform right anymore.
Duplicates of paperwork
You likely have more copies of documents than you need. Professional organizers recommend keeping just one clear original or digital version.
Extra bills, receipts, or notices can pile up quickly and create clutter. Sort through and toss duplicates regularly to stay organized.
If you’re worried about losing important papers, try scanning them. This way, you keep a digital backup and reduce physical clutter.
Excess water bottles
You probably have more water bottles than you actually need. Professional organizers often recommend keeping just a few that you use regularly.
Extra bottles take up space and can create clutter in your kitchen or bags. Consider donating or recycling the ones you don’t use.
By clearing out excess bottles, you free up storage and make it easier to find the ones you want quickly.