We all have them—those items we’ve held onto for years and yet, we’ve never actually used them. Whether it’s an impulse buy, a well-intentioned but ill-suited gift, or something we’re convinced will become useful ‘one day’, our homes are often cluttered with unused possessions. This list is compiled based on real-world trends, data, and research, delving into the most common items people tend to hoard without ever utilizing them. Whether you’re a packrat or a minimalist, you might find a few familiar items on this list!
1. Exercise Equipment
According to a study by Nuffield Health, exercise equipment is one of the most common items people buy but never use. The initial enthusiasm to get fit often wanes, leaving the equipment to gather dust. It’s recommended to try out different forms of exercise before investing in expensive equipment. Joining a gym or taking up outdoor activities could be more effective and less likely to turn into an expensive coat rack.
2. Cookbooks
In the era of online recipes, cookbooks are often bought for their aesthetic appeal rather than practical use. They look great on the kitchen shelf, but most people end up googling recipes instead. If you’re a cookbook collector, consider donating some to local libraries or schools where they can be utilized. Or, challenge yourself to try one new recipe from your cookbooks each week.
3. Craft Supplies
Craft supplies are another common culprit. Whether it’s knitting yarn, scrapbooking materials, or paint sets, we often buy these with grand plans of DIY projects that never happen. These supplies not only take up space but can also be a source of guilt. Consider donating unused craft supplies to schools or community centers where they can be put to good use.
4. Old Technology
Remember that old camcorder or Palm Pilot that’s still in the drawer? With technology advancing rapidly, we often hold onto outdated tech that we’ll never use again. E-waste is a growing problem globally. Consider recycling old tech responsibly or donating it to programs that refurbish old electronics for those in need.
5. Books
According to a Gallup poll, we often buy more books than we can read. Over time, these books pile up, taking up space and gathering dust. If you have books you’ll never read, consider donating them to a library or selling them online.
6. Clothes with Tags
Many people have clothes with tags still attached in their wardrobes. These are often impulse purchases or items bought for a specific occasion that never happened. Consider selling or donating these clothes instead of letting them take up valuable closet space.
7. Specialty Kitchen Gadgets
From avocado slicers to egg separators, specialty kitchen gadgets are often used once or twice before being forgotten. These gadgets take up valuable kitchen space and can often be replaced with basic kitchen tools.
8. Old Magazines
Old magazines can accumulate over time, taking up space and rarely being read again. Consider recycling old magazines or donating them to doctors’ offices, libraries, or schools.
9. Unused Gift Cards
According to a report, billions of dollars’ worth of gift cards go unused. If you have unused gift cards, consider using them to buy gifts for others or selling them online.
10. Extra Bedding and Towels
Many people have more bedding sets or towels than they actually need. These items take up valuable storage space. Consider donating extra items to animal shelters, which often need these items.
11. Old Prescription Glasses
If your prescription has changed, your old glasses are likely just taking up space. Many organizations collect old glasses to distribute to those in need.
12. Travel Toiletries
We often come back from hotels with travel-sized toiletries that we never end up using. These small bottles take up space and can create clutter. Consider donating these items to shelters where they can be put to good use.
