In our lives, we often accumulate items that we believe we need, but in reality, they do little more than take up space and clutter our living environments. Whether it’s due to sentimental value, the ‘just-in-case’ scenario, or the ‘I might need this someday’ mindset, we hold onto things far longer than necessary.
However, decluttering can bring an enormous sense of relief and organization to our lives. Let’s delve into 15 surprising items you don’t need anymore, which will save you space, time, and even money.
1. CD/DVD Collections
In the era of digital downloads and streaming services like Netflix and Spotify, physical copies of your favorite movies and music are no longer necessary. They take up a significant amount of space and can often be replaced with digital versions. With the majority of entertainment content available online, it’s time to donate, sell or recycle your CD and DVD collections.
Start by digitizing your favorite albums and movies. There are several inexpensive or even free software programs available that can help with this task. If you’re not tech-savvy, there are also companies that offer this service for a small fee. After digitizing, consider selling your collections on online marketplaces, donating them to libraries or charities, or recycling them.
2. Old Chargers and Cables
We all have a drawer filled with miscellaneous chargers and cables from old devices. But, most of these old chargers and cables are obsolete and will never be used again. They clutter up your space and can even become a fire hazard if not stored properly.
Instead of hoarding these cables, identify the ones you actually need and discard the rest. You can drop off old cables and chargers at electronic recycling stations, often found at local libraries or electronic stores. Some companies even offer mail-in recycling programs. Remember, it’s important to dispose of electronic waste responsibly to prevent environmental harm.
3. Outdated Electronics
Just like old chargers and cables, outdated electronics like old cell phones, tablets, and computers can accumulate over the years. Not only do they take up valuable space, but they also become less valuable over time as technology advances.
Instead of letting these devices gather dust, consider selling them online. There are several websites and apps where you can sell used electronics. Alternatively, you could donate them to charities or schools, where they can be put to good use. If they’re no longer functional, remember to recycle them responsibly at an electronics recycling station.
4. Unused Kitchen Gadgets
We often buy kitchen gadgets with the best intentions, but they end up gathering dust in the back of a cupboard. Whether it’s a juicer, bread maker, or an ice cream machine, if you’re not using it regularly, it’s probably not worth the space it’s taking up.
Instead of letting these items clutter your kitchen, consider donating them to a charity, selling them online, or giving them to a friend who would use them. Simplifying your kitchen can make cooking more enjoyable and efficient.
5. Old Magazines and Newspapers
While it can be nice to have a collection of magazines or newspapers, they can quickly become clutter. Unless they hold significant sentimental value or are collectible editions, there’s no need to keep these items.
Consider recycling old magazines and newspapers, or donate them to libraries, schools, or waiting rooms. If a particular article or edition is important to you, consider digitizing it or keeping just that specific page instead of the whole publication.
6. Old Paint Cans
Many of us have old paint cans sitting in our basements or garages, but unless you’re planning on touching up your walls, these cans are just taking up space. Over time, paint can separate or dry out, rendering it useless.
Instead of hoarding old paint, consider donating it to a local school, theater group, or community center. Some paint stores also have take-back programs. If the paint is no longer good, take it to a hazardous waste facility for proper disposal.
7. Unused Exercise Equipment
We often buy exercise equipment with the best of intentions, but more often than not, these items end up being used as expensive clothes hangers. If you’re not using it, it’s time to let it go.
Consider selling your unused exercise equipment online or donating it to a local community center or school. If it’s broken, check with your local waste facility to see if they accept exercise equipment for recycling.
8. Old Prescription Glasses
If you wear glasses, you likely have a few outdated pairs lying around. While it’s always a good idea to have a spare pair, there’s no need to keep every pair you’ve ever owned.
Consider donating your old glasses to organizations that provide glasses to those in need. Many optometrists also have donation boxes in their offices. If your glasses are broken, check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept them.
9. Old Makeup and Beauty Products
Makeup and beauty products don’t last forever. Using old products can lead to skin irritation or even infection. Plus, they take up valuable space in your bathroom or vanity.
Go through your makeup and beauty products and discard any that are old, dried out, or you no longer use. Many brands have recycling programs for their packaging. If not, check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept these items.
10. Excess Bedding and Towels
While it’s good to have a few sets of bedding and towels, there’s no need to keep more than you use. These items can take up a lot of space in your linen closet.
Consider donating your excess bedding and towels to animal shelters, homeless shelters, or other charities. If they’re too worn out to donate, consider repurposing them as rags or check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept textiles.
11. Unworn Clothes
Clothes can accumulate over time, and before we know it, our closets are bursting at the seams. If you haven’t worn an item in over a year, it’s probably time to let it go.
Consider donating your unworn clothes to charities, selling them online, or hosting a clothing swap with friends. If the clothes are too worn out to donate, check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept textiles.
12. Old Greeting Cards
While it’s nice to receive greeting cards, they can quickly pile up. Unless a card holds significant sentimental value, there’s no need to hold onto it.
Consider recycling old greeting cards, or repurpose them into new cards, gift tags, or craft projects. If a card is particularly sentimental, consider taking a photo of it or storing it digitally to save space.
13. Unused Craft Supplies
It’s easy to go overboard when buying craft supplies. But if you’re not actively using them, they’re just taking up space.
Consider donating your unused craft supplies to a local school, community center, or charity. If the supplies are too old or unusable, check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept these items.
14. Old School and Office Supplies
Just like craft supplies, it’s easy to accumulate excess school and office supplies. But unless you’re using these items regularly, they’re just taking up space.
Consider donating your unused school and office supplies to a local school or charity. If the supplies are too old or unusable, check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept these items.
15. Old Medications
Old medications can be dangerous if taken accidentally or misused. Plus, they take up valuable space in your medicine cabinet.
Never throw old medications in the trash or flush them down the toilet as they can harm the environment. Instead, take them to a local pharmacy or police station. Many have take-back programs for unused or expired medications.