We all have them: those drawers filled to the brim with random items that we’re not quite sure what to do with. Though they may seem harmless, these junk drawers can quickly become overwhelming. If you’re ready to tackle the clutter and regain control of your space, here are 17 things in your drawers that you can probably just throw away.
1. Expired Coupons
We all love a good deal, but when coupons expire, they become nothing more than colorful clutter. If you find expired coupons in your drawers, it’s time to let them go.
Remember, saving money isn’t about hoarding every deal you come across. It’s about being strategic and mindful about your spending. Instead of holding onto every coupon you see, focus on those that apply to products you already use or need.
2. Old Receipts
Unless it’s a big-ticket item or something you plan on returning, old receipts are usually not necessary to keep. They tend to accumulate in drawers, making it hard to find what you need when you need it.
If you’re worried about needing them for future reference, consider going digital. Many stores offer email receipts and there are plenty of apps out there that can help you store and organize your receipts on your phone.
3. Outdated Electronics
Got an old flip phone or a digital camera from the early 2000s collecting dust in your drawer? Now is the time to let them go.
These items not only take up space but may also contain harmful materials that should be disposed of properly. Many electronics stores offer recycling programs where you can drop off your old gadgets without any cost.
4. Unused Gift Cards
If you have gift cards in your drawer that you haven’t used and probably never will, consider giving them to someone who will.
There’s no point in letting them go to waste. You could sell them online, donate them, or just give them away to friends or family members. They’re not doing any good just sitting in your drawer.
5. Old Batteries
Old batteries that are no longer in use are a common item found in many drawers. Not only do they take up space, but they can also leak and damage the contents of your drawer.
Instead of keeping them, dispose of them properly. Many cities have special drop-off locations for used batteries since they shouldn’t be thrown in the regular trash.
6. Outdated Medications
Outdated medications can be both ineffective and potentially harmful. If you come across any in your drawers, it’s time to get rid of them.
Remember to dispose of them properly. Many pharmacies have take-back programs where you can drop off your outdated medications for safe disposal.
7. Old Makeup
Makeup has a shelf life and using products past their prime can lead to skin irritations or infections. If you have old makeup in your drawers, it’s time to toss it.
Remember, mascara should be replaced every three months, eyeliner and eye shadow every six to twelve months, and lipstick every year. Powdered products like blush can last up to two years.
8. Random Keys
We all have them: keys that unlock unknown doors. If you can’t remember what they open, it’s probably safe to get rid of them.
Remember, keys are not recyclable in your curbside bin. However, you can drop them off at a local scrap metal recycling center.
9. Old Greeting Cards
While it’s nice to keep a few cards that have sentimental value, you don’t need to keep every single one you’ve ever received. If your drawers are overflowing with old greeting cards, it’s time to pare down.
Consider keeping a few that hold special memories and recycling the rest.
10. Broken Jewelry
Broken jewelry that you’re never going to fix should not be taking up space in your drawers.
Consider selling the pieces for scrap or donating them. Many charities accept broken jewelry and repurpose it into new pieces.
11. Worn Out Hair Accessories
Hair ties, clips, and headbands that have seen better days are not worth keeping. They can damage your hair and aren’t as effective as they once were.
Consider replacing them with new accessories that won’t cause breakage or damage.
12. Old Calendars and Planners
Old calendars and planners might hold some sentimental value, but they take up unnecessary space in your drawers.
Consider going digital with your planning or recycle the papers once their year is up.
13. Unmatched Socks
If you’ve done several loads of laundry and the mates still haven’t shown up, it’s time to let those unmatched socks go.
Repurpose them as cleaning rags or pet toys, or just throw them out.
14. Dried-Up Pens and Markers
There’s nothing more frustrating than reaching for a pen or marker only to find it’s dried up. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to do a purge.
Test all the pens and markers in your drawer and toss out any that don’t work.
15. Old Takeout Menus
Most restaurants have online menus, making paper ones unnecessary. If your drawer is stuffed with outdated takeout menus, it’s time to recycle them.
Before you toss them, make sure you have the restaurant’s information saved somewhere else.
16. Damaged Phone Cases
Phone cases that are cracked, broken, or for an old model phone you no longer own should be removed from your drawers.
These cases are often bulky and take up valuable space. Consider recycling or donating them.
17. Old Event Tickets
While it can be fun to reminisce about past events, old tickets are usually not worth keeping. They take up space and collect dust in your drawers.
Consider taking a picture of them if you want to remember the event, then recycle the physical ticket.
