As moms, we often find ourselves in the role of the family’s unofficial keeper of things. Whether it’s art projects from kindergarten, old clothes, or expired pantry items, we tend to hold on to these items, thinking we might need them someday. But this can lead to clutter, disorganization, and stress.
Here’s a list of 16 things moms should stop hoarding to make our homes feel fresher and more organized.
1. Outgrown Children’s Clothing
One of the most common items moms hoard is children’s clothes that no longer fit. These tiny garments are filled with memories and letting go can be tough. But keeping these clothes can take up valuable storage space.
Consider donating these items to local charities or selling them in a garage sale or online. If the clothes are sentimental, keep one or two as keepsakes and take pictures of the rest. This way, you can still reminisce without the clutter.
2. Expired Food
We’ve all been guilty of buying food items on sale, then forgetting about them until they expire. Not only does this take up pantry space, it can also lead to food wastage.
Start by cleaning out your pantry and checking the expiration dates of all items. Regularly plan meals around what you already have at home to avoid overbuying and reduce food waste.
3. Old Magazines and Newspapers
It’s easy to let magazines and newspapers pile up, especially if they contain interesting articles or recipes. However, these can quickly turn into clutter.
Instead of hoarding paper copies, consider switching to digital versions. You can also cut out and digitally scan the pages you want to keep, and recycle the rest.
4. Unused Appliances
How many times have you bought an appliance and used it once or twice before it ended up collecting dust? These gadgets can take up a significant amount of kitchen space.
Before buying a new appliance, think about whether you’ll really use it regularly. If you already have unused appliances, consider selling them or donating them to someone who would use them.
5. Broken Toys
Children’s toys break all the time, but we often keep them around with the intention of fixing them. However, they usually end up forgotten in a corner.
If a toy is beyond repair, it’s time to let it go. You could also consider donating broken toys to organizations that recycle their parts.
6. Old Makeup and Skincare Products
Women tend to accumulate a collection of makeup and skincare products. However, these products have a shelf life and can harbor bacteria over time.
Regularly go through your beauty products and discard any that are past their expiration date or that you haven’t used in a while. This will help declutter your vanity and keep your skin healthy.
7. Gift Wrapping Supplies
Gift bags, ribbons, and wrapping paper can accumulate over time, especially if you save them to reuse. But unless you’re regularly wrapping gifts, these items can take up unnecessary space.
Keep a small selection of versatile gift wrapping supplies and recycle or donate the rest. This will simplify your gift wrapping process and free up storage space.
8. Plastic Grocery Bags
While it’s good to reuse plastic bags, having too many can create clutter. Moreover, they’re not good for the environment.
Consider switching to reusable shopping bags. If you have a stash of plastic bags, return them to a grocery store that recycles them, or use them for small trash cans.
9. Old Electronics
Old cell phones, chargers, and other electronics tend to pile up in drawers and closets. But these items are rarely used and take up space.
Consider recycling old electronics or selling them to companies that refurbish them. This will help declutter your home and is also better for the environment.
10. Unused Craft Supplies
Craft supplies for projects that never happened can accumulate over time. But these materials can quickly become clutter if not used.
Organize your craft supplies and donate or sell any that you don’t need or use. This will make it easier to find what you need for your next project.
11. Old Prescription Glasses
Old prescription glasses can pile up over time, especially if your prescription changes regularly. But these glasses are rarely used again.
Consider donating old glasses to organizations that redistribute them to people in need. Not only will this free up space, it will also help someone else.
12. Old Medications
Expired or unused medications can pile up in your medicine cabinet. Not only do they take up space, they can also be dangerous if taken by mistake.
Dispose of old medications properly by taking them to a local pharmacy or a drug take-back event. This will help declutter your medicine cabinet and ensure the safety of your family.
13. Excess Bedding and Towels
We all have extra sheets and towels just in case, but these items can take up a lot of closet space.
Keep a reasonable amount of extra bedding and towels and donate the rest. This will free up space in your linen closet and help someone in need.
14. Old Paint Cans
Old paint cans can accumulate in your garage or basement over time. But these cans take up space and can be hazardous if not stored properly.
Consider recycling old paint cans at a local hazardous waste facility. This will help declutter your garage or basement and is also safer.
15. Unused Exercise Equipment
Exercise equipment can take up a lot of space, especially if it’s not being used regularly.
If you haven’t used a piece of exercise equipment in a while, consider selling it or donating it. This will free up space in your home and could help someone else get in shape.
16. Old Schoolwork and Art Projects
Children’s schoolwork and art projects can accumulate over time. While these items are sentimental, they can also become clutter.
Consider taking pictures of these items and creating a digital scrapbook. This will allow you to keep the memories without the clutter.