Clearing out clutter can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to let go of makes the process much easier. You don’t have to hold onto everything, and getting rid of certain items can create more space and peace in your daily life.
This article will help you identify things you can toss today without second-guessing your decision. By focusing on items that provide little value or use, you can simplify your surroundings and free up both physical and mental space.
Old VHS tapes and DVDs
You probably haven’t used your VHS tapes or DVDs in years. These items take up space and often lose quality over time.
If you want, you can donate or sell them at used media stores. Otherwise, consider recycling or simply letting go if they no longer hold value.
Digital copies are a good way to keep memories without the clutter. Holding onto outdated formats only makes it harder to stay organized.
Worn-out skinny jeans from years ago
You’ve probably kept skinny jeans that don’t fit or look faded after years of wear. Holding onto them takes up space and adds clutter.
If they’re too stretched out, torn, or no longer your style, it’s time to let them go. You can always recycle or upcycle the fabric instead of tossing it in the trash.
Think about making denim patches, bags, or even organizers from old jeans before deciding to throw them out.
Expired makeup and skincare products
You should toss expired makeup and skincare items to protect your skin. Using old products can cause irritation, dryness, breakouts, or infections.
Check your products for changes in smell, color, or texture. If anything seems off, it’s time to throw them away.
Most skincare items last between six months to a year after opening. Cleansers and scrubs can last longer, around one year. Keeping your products fresh helps keep your skin healthy.
Receipts older than one year
You likely don’t need to hang on to receipts that are over a year old. Most warranties, returns, and tax-related needs don’t require them after this time.
Keeping old receipts can create unnecessary clutter. Tossing them helps clear your space and your mind.
If there’s something important, like tax documents or major purchases, consider scanning or photographing receipts before you throw them away.
Broken jewelry pieces
If you have broken jewelry that you no longer wear or can’t repair, it’s okay to let it go. Holding onto damaged pieces can add unnecessary clutter to your collection.
You might consider donating or selling pieces that still have value. Otherwise, tossing those that are beyond repair helps you keep only the jewelry you love and use.
Unused hotel key cards
You probably have old hotel key cards from past trips tucked away somewhere. These cards serve little purpose once your stay is over.
If you don’t want to keep them as souvenirs, feel free to toss them. They can add clutter but usually hold no real value after use.
However, if you enjoy memories, you could repurpose them into magnets or bookmarks. Otherwise, it’s okay to let them go without regret.
Old contact lens cases
You might be holding onto old contact lens cases without much use. Tossing them won’t cause any problems if you’ve already replaced them.
If you want, you can reuse these cases to store small items like earrings, spices for camping, or tiny craft supplies. They keep things organized and travel-friendly.
Just make sure to clean them well before using them for anything other than contacts. Otherwise, it’s perfectly fine to throw them away.
Puzzles with missing pieces
If you have puzzles missing pieces, it’s usually best to let them go. They can be frustrating to complete and lose their fun.
Keeping them takes up space but doesn’t offer much value. Donating or recycling these puzzles frees up room for projects you enjoy more.
You might feel attached, but remember, there are plenty of complete puzzles out there waiting for you to try.
Outdated workout clothes
You might be holding onto workout clothes that no longer fit or have seen better days. These pieces can take up valuable closet space and make it harder to find what you actually wear.
If your gym clothes are worn out, stained, or uncomfortable, it’s time to let them go. Refreshing your workout wardrobe helps keep you motivated and comfortable during exercise.
Remember, keeping only what you use regularly makes your closet more organized and your fitness routine more enjoyable.
Torn or stained socks
You probably have socks with holes or stains that you never wear. These can clutter your drawer and make it harder to find pairs you like.
Toss any socks that are torn or badly stained. Keeping them only takes up space and doesn’t add value to your wardrobe.
If some socks are still usable but worn out, consider using them as cleaning rags before throwing them away.
Expired coupons
You probably have expired coupons lying around that no longer save you money. Holding onto them just takes up space and creates clutter.
Tossing expired coupons helps you stay organized and makes it easier to find the ones still valid. Plus, stores usually won’t accept old coupons, so keeping them won’t benefit you.
Regularly clearing out expired coupons means you avoid the temptation to use deals on things you don’t really need. Keep only what’s current to save time and hassle.
Duplicate phone chargers
You probably have more chargers than you actually need. Having extra ones around just takes up space and adds clutter.
Keep one or two reliable chargers for convenience, and get rid of the rest. This helps clear your drawers and reduces electronic waste.
If any chargers are damaged or don’t work, toss them immediately. That way, you avoid clutter and potential hazards.
Old self-help books you no longer resonate with
If you have old self-help books that no longer speak to your current mindset, it’s okay to let them go. What once inspired you might feel outdated or irrelevant now.
Holding onto these books can create clutter and slow your personal growth. You can always find new resources that better match where you are today. Don’t feel guilty—your journey changes, and so can your bookshelf.
Unused wound care supplies
If you have unused wound care supplies, it’s usually safe to toss them once they are past their expiry date or opened for too long. Keeping these items can take up space and may increase the risk of contamination.
Before tossing, consider donating unopened supplies. Many organizations accept these donations to help people who can’t afford them. If donation isn’t an option, dispose of them properly to avoid health risks.
Greeting cards from past relationships
You don’t need to keep every greeting card from past relationships. Holding onto them often only brings up old emotions or clutter.
If a card has special meaning, consider keeping just that one. Otherwise, it’s okay to let them go without guilt.
Clearing these out can help create space for new memories and reduce unnecessary clutter in your home.