When it comes to keeping your home clutter-free and organized, knowing what to remove is just as important as finding the right storage solutions. Many common household items can take up unnecessary space and make your living areas feel crowded or chaotic.
Professional organizers often avoid keeping certain items because they don’t add real value or create unnecessary mess. By learning what these items are, you can make smarter choices about what stays in your home and what should go.
Missing tops or bottoms on containers
You might think keeping containers without their lids or bases is harmless. However, these incomplete containers take up more space and create clutter.
They also fail to protect your items from dust or damage. Organizers advise tossing these or replacing missing parts.
Having full sets helps you stack and store efficiently, making your space neater and easier to manage.
Unused gifts or souvenirs
You might have gifts or souvenirs that have never been used or displayed. These items often take up space and add to clutter without bringing any joy.
Consider donating unopened gifts to shelters or passing along souvenirs you no longer connect with. This way, you free your space and give those items a new purpose.
Keeping only meaningful possessions helps you maintain a tidy home and appreciate what truly matters.
Greeting cards clutter
You might find it hard to let go of greeting cards, especially if they hold sentimental value. These cards can quickly pile up and create clutter in your space.
Organizers often recommend keeping only a few meaningful cards and recycling the rest. If you want to hold on to many, store them like photos—in acid-free boxes to help preserve them safely.
Limiting your collection makes it easier to enjoy the memories without feeling overwhelmed by the clutter.
Mismatched hangers
If your closet is full of mismatched hangers, it can make your space look cluttered and disorganized. Using uniform hangers helps your clothes hang neatly and saves space.
You might find it helpful to switch to hangers designed for specific items, like knitwear, to prevent stretching. Investing in a set of matching hangers can feel like a small step that makes daily dressing easier and more pleasant.
Duplicate or nearly empty makeup bottles
You might have several makeup bottles that look almost the same. Keeping duplicates can take up unnecessary space and cause clutter.
Nearly empty bottles are also common. Instead of holding onto them, finish them up or toss them to free room in your collection.
Organizers suggest using one product fully before opening another. This helps you stay organized and avoid waste.
Broken or outdated electronics
You probably have old phones, chargers, or gadgets tucked away that no longer work. These items take up space and can make organizing your home harder.
Getting rid of broken or outdated electronics clears clutter and helps protect your personal data. Plus, it creates room for things you actually use.
Consider recycling these items properly. Many communities have e-waste programs that handle electronics safely and responsibly.
Expired spices and pantry items
You should regularly check your spices and pantry items for expiration dates. Old spices lose their flavor and can even develop mold or bacteria.
Tossing expired spices and pantry goods helps keep your meals tasty and safe. Pull everything out to spot forgotten items hiding in the back.
Using tools like spice risers or label makers can make organizing easier. Keeping your pantry tidy helps you avoid buying duplicates too.
Old magazines and newspapers
You might feel attached to old magazines and newspapers, but they often just take up space. Organizers know these stacks can quickly become clutter and make your home feel messy.
If you want to keep important articles or memories, consider saving only a few meaningful editions. Otherwise, recycling is a great way to clear out the bulk without guilt.
Worn-out or holey clothes
You probably have clothes with holes or heavy wear that no longer serve you well. These items take up space and can make your closet feel cluttered.
If you can’t repair them, it’s best to toss or recycle them. Keeping only clothes in good condition helps you find and wear what you love more easily.
Excessive kitchen gadgets
You might have several kitchen gadgets you rarely use. These take up space and add clutter.
Stick to versatile tools that serve multiple purposes. For example, a good set of measuring cups and a reliable kitchen scale are more useful than a dozen single-use gadgets.
Keeping only essentials helps your kitchen stay tidy and makes cooking easier. Avoid buying novelty appliances that sit idle. This way, your space stays organized and functional.
Junk drawers full of random items
Your junk drawer might feel like a catch-all for everything you don’t have time to sort. It often ends up filled with tangled cords, old batteries, and random bits that don’t have a clear place.
Organizers recommend you keep only essentials that you use regularly. Clearing out unnecessary clutter can help you find what you need faster and keep your space tidier.
Unfinished DIY projects
You might think keeping unfinished DIY projects is a good idea, but they often just take up space. These half-done crafts can create clutter and add unnecessary stress.
Letting go of them frees up room and mental energy. If you’re attached, consider donating supplies or completing small parts before deciding what stays. You’ll feel lighter with fewer projects hanging over your head.
Unused or duplicate appliances
You probably have appliances you rarely use or duplicates taking up space. Professional organizers suggest keeping only what you use regularly.
Specialty gadgets like avocado slicers or seasonal waffle makers often end up collecting dust. Clearing these out can free valuable kitchen space and reduce clutter.
Focus on multi-functional appliances that serve several purposes. This approach helps keep your kitchen simpler and more organized.
Promo items like pens or notepads
You probably have a drawer full of pens and notepads from events and promotions. While they seem useful, these items often pile up and get forgotten.
Many are low quality or duplicate what you already own. Keeping only the ones you truly use helps reduce clutter.
If you get a pen or notepad, consider whether it fits your style or needs before adding it to your space. This way, your supplies stay practical and neat.
Plastic bags piling up
You might notice plastic bags quickly take over your drawers or cabinets. They seem small but stack up fast and become clutter.
Even with bans in many places, plastic bags often still end up in homes. You might find yourself with more than you expected.
Choosing to stop collecting these bags can free up space and reduce mess. Keeping just a few reusable bags ready works better for daily use.
