You probably have items around your home that you tell yourself you’ll organize someday. These things often linger longer than intended, creating clutter and making it harder to find what you really need.
Knowing which items to let go of can help you clear space and reduce stress. Identifying these commonly kept “just until” items is a key step toward an organized and more manageable living space.
Old receipts from 2019
You probably keep old receipts thinking they might come in handy someday. But receipts from 2019 have likely lost their value for returns or warranties.
Holding onto them just adds clutter to your space. If you need proof of purchase long-term, digital copies are a better option.
Go through those scraps and toss the ones that serve no current purpose. It’s an easy way to clear out space and simplify your organizing process.
Expired coupons from last summer
You probably keep coupons “just in case” you get around to using them. But coupons from last summer are long past their expiration dates.
Holding onto expired coupons only adds clutter. They won’t save you money anymore, so it’s better to toss them.
If you want, you can create a system for current coupons. Then you’ll know exactly what’s usable and what needs to go.
Broken headphones in the drawer
You probably have a pair of broken headphones tucked away, waiting for a fix that never comes. Holding onto them “just until you organize” only creates clutter.
These headphones take up space and collect dust. Tossing them frees room for things you actually use.
If repair is an option, consider recycling the parts instead. Otherwise, it’s better to let them go and simplify your drawer’s contents.
Outdated phone chargers
You probably have chargers hanging around that no longer fit your current devices. Holding onto them just in case often creates clutter.
Old chargers can be incompatible with new phones or gadgets, making them useless.
Keep only the chargers that you actively use. Recycling or donating the rest frees up space and reduces mess.
Single socks missing their pair
You probably have a drawer full of single socks waiting for their match. Holding onto them “just in case” can clutter your space without any real benefit.
If the pair hasn’t shown up by now, it’s unlikely to appear later. Consider donating or recycling those lone socks to free up room.
Keeping single socks can add unnecessary frustration when trying to find matching pairs. Letting them go helps keep your drawer neat and your mornings easier.
Dried out pens you never use
You probably have a stash of pens that don’t write anymore. They sit around “just in case,” but they rarely serve a purpose.
Holding onto them takes up space that could be better used for supplies you actually need. Tossing these dried out pens frees you from clutter.
If you want, keep one or two as backups. But clear out the rest so your pen collection feels fresh and useful.
Empty jars saved for crafts
You probably keep empty jars because one day you’ll use them for a craft project. But all those jars often just collect dust and take up space.
If you haven’t used them after months, it’s okay to let them go. It frees up room for things you actually need.
Consider recycling the jars instead of holding onto them “just in case.” You can always buy more when a craft idea finally sticks.
Torn notebooks from school
You probably keep those torn notebooks thinking you’ll fix or use them later. But most times, they just take up space and add clutter.
If the notes inside are important, consider scanning or photographing them to save digitally. That way, you don’t lose anything valuable.
Old, damaged notebooks rarely get reread. Letting them go frees up space for new things that actually matter to you.
Unworn party clothes from years ago
You probably hold onto party clothes thinking you’ll wear them again someday. But if those outfits have sat untouched for years, they’re unlikely to make a comeback.
Keeping them just “until you organize” can create clutter and steal space from clothes you actually use.
Try donating or recycling these clothes if they no longer fit your style or lifestyle. This clears room and makes it easier to find items you love.
Faded holiday cards
You probably save faded holiday cards, thinking you’ll organize or display them someday. But over time, the colors and messages can become hard to read.
Keeping them out can clutter your space without adding much joy. Instead, pick a few favorites that truly mean something to you.
Digitize the cards by taking photos or scanning them. This way, you preserve memories without the physical clutter. The rest can go.
