Keeping your space tidy can feel overwhelming, especially when clutter seems to build up faster than you can manage. You don’t need to tackle every corner at once to see lasting results.
The key to a permanently tidier space is knowing what to eliminate to prevent clutter from coming back. By focusing on certain items that commonly cause mess, you can create a more organized and stress-free environment that stays neat with less effort.
Shabby towels
Shabby towels take up space and make your bathroom look cluttered. You don’t need to keep every towel, especially ones that are worn out or stained.
Keeping fewer, good-quality towels means less laundry and easier storage. Roll or fold them neatly to maximize space.
If you have too many towels, consider donating the ones in decent condition. This helps you maintain a tidier, more organized bathroom.
Expired cosmetics
You might not realize how quickly makeup can go bad. Using expired products like mascara or foundation can cause skin irritation or infections.
Check the dates or look for changes in smell, texture, or color. Toss anything past its shelf life to keep your routine safe and fresh.
Removing old cosmetics frees up space and helps you focus on the products you actually use and love. It’s a simple way to keep your beauty area tidy.
Half-used jars of condiments
You probably have several jars of sauces and condiments sitting partially used in your fridge. Over time, these can expire or take up more space than necessary.
Check the expiration dates and toss anything past its prime. Combine similar sauces if the flavors will work together, to free up room. Keeping only what you regularly use helps keep your fridge tidy and organized.
Old tins of paint
Old paint cans take up space and often dry out or become unusable over time. Keeping them around just clutters your storage areas.
You can pour leftover paint into smaller, clear plastic containers with tight lids to save space. Label them clearly with the color and room for easy touch-ups.
Avoid storing paint in extreme heat or cold, like in an unheated garage, to prevent it from drying out faster. If you don’t need it, consider disposing of old cans safely.
Excess cleaning supplies
You might have more cleaning supplies than you actually need. Excess products take up space and can make your storage areas cluttered.
Some chemicals can be absorbed into your body quickly, so it’s wise to reduce how many you keep.
Keep only the essentials you use regularly. Consider donating unopened items to shelters or giving them away for free. This helps clear space and avoids waste.
Empty candle containers
Empty candle containers can clutter your space if you hold onto them without a plan. Instead of tossing them, clean out the remaining wax by soaking the jars in warm, soapy water. This helps loosen any residue and makes them easier to reuse.
You can repurpose these containers for storage, like holding cotton balls or small office supplies. They also work well as small planters or decorative holders, giving your space a neat and useful upgrade.
Unwanted clothes
You probably have clothes you no longer wear or need. These can take up space and make your closet feel cluttered.
Old, stretched-out T-shirts or items with damage should be removed. If you can’t donate worn-out pieces, consider turning them into cleaning rags.
Also, get rid of duplicate items or clothes that no longer fit. Clearing these out will give you more room for the things you actually wear.
Broken electronics
You might be holding on to broken electronics hoping to fix them someday. But these items often just take up space and add to clutter.
If a device is beyond repair, it’s best to recycle it properly. This frees up room and prevents unnecessary waste.
Keeping only working gadgets makes your space feel more organized and easier to manage. Consider donating or selling electronics that still function but aren’t used.
Unused kitchen gadgets
You probably have kitchen gadgets taking up space that you rarely or never use. Holding onto these items can clutter your counters and drawers.
Clearing out gadgets you don’t need helps make your kitchen easier to navigate. Keep only what you regularly use or truly enjoy.
If something hasn’t seen the light of day in months, consider donating or recycling it. This simple step frees up room and keeps your kitchen tidier.
Duplicate utensils
You probably have more kitchen utensils than you actually use. Keeping multiples of the same tool takes up extra space and adds to clutter.
Take a look through your drawers and pick your favorite spatulas, peelers, and whisks. Donate or discard the extras.
Fewer duplicates mean less mess and more room for the utensils you use regularly. It makes cooking smoother and cleaning easier.
Expired food items
You should regularly check your pantry for expired food. Keeping old items can take up valuable space and make your kitchen feel cluttered.
Some foods, like canned goods, may last longer but can lose quality over time. Others, like dairy or snacks, often become stale or unsafe faster.
Toss anything past its expiration date or that smells or tastes off. This simple step helps keep your space neat and your food fresh.
Old magazines and newspapers
You might be holding onto stacks of old magazines and newspapers without realizing how much space they take up. These papers can quickly pile up and create unnecessary clutter in your home.
If you don’t regularly refer to them, it’s a good idea to recycle old issues. Keeping only the current ones or those with important information will help you maintain a tidier space.
Damaged shoes
If you have shoes that are worn out or broken, it’s time to let them go. Holding onto damaged shoes takes up space without adding value.
You can repair some shoes, but if the damage is beyond fixing, donating or recycling is a better option. Removing these helps keep your shoe collection manageable and your space tidier.
This also makes it easier to find the shoes you actually wear and enjoy.