Holding onto things can feel safer than letting go, especially when you worry you might need them later or feel guilty about throwing them away. But clutter often weighs you down more than you realize, making it harder to find peace and order in your space.
Knowing what items you’re okay to part with can make decluttering feel less overwhelming and more freeing. This article will help you identify those things you’re afraid to toss but probably should, so you can create more room for what really matters.
Old clothes that never fit anymore
You might hang on to clothes that no longer fit, hoping to wear them again someday. But if they’ve been sitting in your closet unused for over a year, it’s probably time to let them go.
If the clothes are in good shape, consider donating or selling them. If they’re worn out, you can repurpose the fabric for cleaning rags or crafts instead of keeping them around.
Expired makeup and skincare products
You might hate tossing out old makeup and skincare, but using expired products can actually hurt your skin. They lose effectiveness over time and could cause irritation or breakouts.
Products like foundation, mascara, and primers shouldn’t be kept past their expiry. Powders might last a bit longer, but it’s best to play it safe.
Holding on to old stuff can damage your skin barrier and make issues like redness or dryness worse. Just throw them out.
Broken electronics gathering dust
You probably have old phones, laptops, or chargers lying around that no longer work. Holding onto them won’t help, and they just take up space.
Instead of tossing them in the trash, find a local electronics recycling program. It helps keep harmful materials out of landfills and recovers useful parts.
Getting rid of broken gadgets responsibly is simple and better for the environment. Plus, it clears room for things you actually use.
Receipts older than a year
You probably hold on to receipts thinking you might need them someday. But if it’s been over a year and the purchase isn’t for taxes or a big warranty, you can toss it.
Most stores only allow returns or exchanges within 30 to 90 days. After that, receipts lose their value. Keep only the ones related to taxes, big purchases, or items still under warranty.
Books you’ll never read again
You probably have books on your shelves that you’re never going to pick up again. Maybe you finished them once and don’t feel the need to revisit the story. Or they left you feeling down, like a heavy read you don’t want to go back to.
Some people hold onto books for sentimental reasons, but if a title just collects dust, it’s okay to let it go. It frees up space and clears your mind a bit. You don’t owe any unopened book a second chance.
Takeout menus from places you never order
You probably have takeout menus stuffed in your drawer from places you rarely call. They pile up over time, and chances are, you won’t use them again.
Menus change often, so the items listed might not even be available anymore. Holding on to them just creates clutter.
If you want a quick order, it’s better to check online for the latest menu. Toss the old ones and save yourself the mess.
Old chargers and cables you don’t use
You probably have a bunch of old chargers and cables lying around that don’t match any of your current devices. If you haven’t used them in months, it’s okay to let them go.
Keep a few like Micro-USB cables if you still have older gadgets. Otherwise, sorting through and recycling what you don’t need can free up serious space.
If someone you know needs them, consider passing them on instead of tossing. But don’t hang on to every tangled cord “just in case.”
Expired medications and supplements
You might be holding onto old meds and supplements “just in case,” but expired ones can lose effectiveness over time. Keeping them around can be risky since the dosage or safety isn’t guaranteed.
The best move? Take them to a drug take-back program or a pharmacy that accepts returns. If that’s not an option, mix pills with something like coffee grounds before tossing them in the trash. This helps keep anyone else from accidentally using them.
Wedding or event souvenirs with no sentimental value
You probably have a drawer full of random wedding or event souvenirs that don’t mean much to you. If they don’t bring back any real memories or feelings, it’s okay to let them go.
These items can clutter your space without adding value. Keeping only those that hold true meaning helps you focus on what really matters.
If you want to keep a memory, consider storing just one special item in a memory box instead of everything. It’s a simple way to reduce clutter without losing the important stuff.
Outdated magazines and newspapers
You might feel attached to old magazines and newspapers, but holding onto them often just creates clutter. Most of these materials can be recycled easily, clearing space in your home.
If you want to keep something, consider saving just a few favorites or important articles. Otherwise, recycle the rest to make room for what really matters now.
Unused kitchen gadgets
You probably have a few kitchen gadgets that you rarely or never touch. Those single-use tools might seem handy but often just take up valuable space.
If you haven’t used something in months, it’s likely safe to let it go. Keeping them out only clutters your cabinets and makes cooking more complicated.
Focus on items you actually reach for. That potato ricer you love? Keep it. But those novelty appliances gathering dust? They’re just holding you back.
Stacks of junk mail
You probably have piles of mail you’re afraid to toss, just in case something important is inside. Mostly, it’s just junk. Mail marked as Business Bulk or Third Class is safe to toss without opening.
To cut down, contact senders and ask to be removed from mailing lists. It’s a small step that saves you from future clutter. Let go of those stacks—they only add to the mess and stress.
Old phone cases and accessories
You probably have a drawer full of old phone cases that don’t fit your current phone. They take up space but rarely see the light of day.
Instead of holding on, consider recycling or repurposing them. You can use an old case as a small tray for keys or to hold sponges in the kitchen.
If recycling isn’t an option in your area, just toss them. They don’t lose value, and keeping them usually just adds clutter.
Toys your kids have outgrown
You probably have a pile of toys your kids no longer use. It’s okay to let go of them.
Try storing the toys out of sight for a few weeks. If no one asks for them, it’s safe to toss or donate them.
Keep in mind, getting rid of old toys can help clear space and reduce clutter. It can also create a calmer environment for your family.