Clutter can make your space feel chaotic and stressful without you even realizing it. When your surroundings are messy, it’s harder to focus and relax, which impacts your overall well-being.
Getting rid of things you no longer need can clear both your space and your mind, helping you feel calmer and more organized. This article will guide you through 20 items you should toss out now to create a more peaceful environment.
Old dish sponges
You might be holding on to sponges longer than you should. They trap bacteria and can make your dishes less clean, not more.
It’s a good idea to toss them out regularly instead of trying to sanitize old ones. If you want, replace them with brushes, which dry faster and stay cleaner.
Expired makeup
If your makeup is past 3 to 6 months, it’s time to toss it. Using old products can cause clogged pores or even infections, especially with eye makeup.
Watch for changes like separation, weird smells, or color shifts. These are signs your product isn’t safe anymore.
Don’t risk your skin or eyes just to use makeup that’s hanging around. Fresh stuff works better and keeps you safe.
Stale spices
You might not realize it, but your spices lose their flavor over time. They don’t spoil like fresh food but become weak and bland.
If your spices smell off or don’t pack a punch when you cook, it’s time to toss them. Using old spices can make your meals less tasty without you even noticing.
Keep your spices stored away from heat and light to help them last longer, but don’t hold on to them forever. Fresh spices make a noticeable difference in your cooking.
Wire hangers
You probably have a bunch of wire hangers cluttering your closet. They’re cheap but easily bend out of shape and can damage your clothes.
If you don’t use them for survival hacks or crafting, it’s time to toss them. Switching to sturdier hangers makes your closet look neater and protects your clothes better.
Holding on to wire hangers usually causes more mess than help. Clearing them out can lighten your space and your mind.
Junk mail
You probably get more junk mail than you realize. Flyers, coupons, and letters addressed to “Resident” pile up fast and rarely hold anything useful.
Toss out anything promoting stores you don’t shop at or offers you won’t use. Keeping this clutter only makes your space feel messier and wastes your time sorting through it.
Dried flowers
Dried flowers might seem charming, but they often just collect dust and lose their color fast. If you have old dried flowers lying around, it’s time to toss them out.
They don’t like water, sunlight, or much care, so they easily look shabby. Keeping them only adds clutter and doesn’t really brighten your space.
Let go of those faded blooms to clear up space and refresh your environment. You can always get fresh flowers when you want a pop of color.
Plastic spoons
You probably have a bunch of plastic spoons cluttering your kitchen drawers. They’re cheap but not great for the environment or your sanity.
If they’re scratched or bent, it’s time to toss them. Old plastic spoons can also harbor bacteria in tiny cracks. Switch to reusable spoons or compostable alternatives. This way, you reduce waste and keep your kitchen cleaner.
Old pancake mix
If you find pancake mix way past its expiration date, it’s best to toss it. Old mix might not taste right, and your pancakes could end up flat or stale.
More importantly, expired pancake mix can develop mold, which can cause nausea or food poisoning. Don’t risk feeling sick just to use old pancake mix. Your sanity (and stomach) will thank you for throwing it out.
Torn clothing
If you have clothes with rips or holes that you never fix, it’s time to let them go. Holding onto worn-out items just takes up space and adds clutter.
Keep only what you actually wear or plan to repair soon. Torn clothing rarely gets mended, so donating or tossing them helps clear your closet. This makes room for pieces you enjoy wearing without feeling guilty.
Worn-out towels
If your towels are threadbare or smell stale even after washing, it’s time to let them go. Keeping old towels only adds clutter and takes up unnecessary space.
You can donate usable ones to animal shelters or charities. For totally worn-out towels, use them as cleaning rags or cut them into smaller pieces for dusting. This way, they get a second life before you throw them out.
Broken kitchen gadgets
If you have kitchen gadgets that don’t work right or are missing parts, it’s time to let them go. Holding on to broken tools just adds clutter and frustration.
Gadgets with cracks, chips, or exposed wiring can be unsafe. Tossing them helps keep your kitchen organized and stress-free. You don’t need duplicates or outdated devices either. Keep only what you use regularly to make cooking easier.
Unused tote bags
If you have a bunch of tote bags lying around that you never use, it’s time to let some go. They take up space and often end up cluttering your closets or car.
Keeping around 6 to 12 bags is usually enough. You want enough for trips but not so many that they become a mess. Only hold onto the ones you actually use. Clear out the rest to keep your space cleaner and easier to manage.
Old electronic devices and boxes
You probably have old phones, chargers, or gadgets lying around collecting dust. If they’re broken or you haven’t used them in years, it’s time to let them go.
Keep boxes only if the item is big or still under warranty. For smaller devices, toss the packaging to save space. Before you throw out electronics, remove batteries and recycle them properly. Many places have drop-off bins for old tech and cords.
Instructions manuals and receipts
You don’t need to keep every manual you’ve ever gotten. Most are online now, so toss the paper ones you don’t use.
Keep current warranties and important receipts in one clear pouch or folder. If something has a lifetime warranty, make a copy of the receipt since ink can fade over time. This way, you clear clutter without losing what you might actually need.
Expired food in the pantry
You should definitely check the best-by dates on your pantry items. Even if some foods don’t spoil immediately, they often lose freshness and taste over time.
Canned goods can last a while, but if they’re bulging or rusty, it’s time to toss them. Also, keep foods like spices, grains, and snacks checked regularly to avoid stale or off flavors. Clearing out expired food not only saves space but also makes it easier to find what you actually use.
Expired medicine
You should ditch expired medicine to avoid any risks. Over time, these meds can lose their potency, meaning they might not work as intended.
Using old medicine could be ineffective or even unsafe. The best move is to take them to a drug take-back location. This helps clear your space and keeps things safe.
Stained linens
If you have towels, sheets, or pillowcases with stains that won’t come out, it’s time to let them go. Keeping them just takes up space and doesn’t add value.
You might try soaking in hot water with stain remover, but if it doesn’t work after a few attempts, tossing is the better move. Fresh, clean linens make your space feel more inviting and less cluttered.
Old magazines and newspapers
Old magazines and newspapers can quickly pile up and create clutter. They often just sit around, taking space without much use.
Unless you’re saving an article or a special issue, it’s usually better to toss them. Most content is available online if you need to revisit it later.
Clearing out these stacks can make your space feel fresher and more organized. It also helps you avoid holding onto outdated information.
Broken jewelry
If you have broken jewelry lying around, it’s time to decide if it’s worth fixing. Small repairs can be done, but if it’s beyond saving, don’t hold onto it.
You can try cleaning pieces first to see if they improve. If they’re still damaged or missing parts, tossing them can clear up clutter. Consider donating costume jewelry if it’s in decent condition. Otherwise, let it go to make space and peace of mind.
Outdated calendars
You don’t need to keep old calendars piling up. Once the year is over, they lose most of their use. If you want to keep memories, take photos or scan important pages before tossing them.
Otherwise, recycle or toss them to clear space. Holding on to every past calendar just adds clutter that eats up your peace of mind.
