Let’s face it, organizing can feel like a never-ending battle against the clutter that seems to multiply overnight. You tidy one area, and before you know it, another one’s gone rogue, overflowing with stuff you forgot you even had. But what if you could learn from the pros? Professional organizers have a knack for creating order out of chaos, and they’ve got some strong opinions about what should stay and what should go. Spoiler alert: some household items are just not worth keeping. Here are seven things they refuse to let take up precious space.
1. Duplicates of Anything
How many spatulas do you really need? If you’ve got three, it’s time to let a couple go. Professional organizers are big fans of the ‘one in, one out’ rule. They’ll tell you that keeping duplicates just leads to confusion and clutter. Trust me, you don’t need ten coffee mugs that all say “World’s Best Mom” — even if you are one. Pick your favorites and let the rest find new homes.
2. Unused Kitchen Gadgets
Ah, the infamous kitchen gadget graveyard. You know, that drawer where dreams of gourmet cooking go to die? Organizers are pretty adamant about clearing out anything you haven’t used in the past year. That avocado slicer? Unless you’re whipping up guacamole every weekend, it’s probably time to say goodbye. Get real: if you’re not using it, it’s just taking up valuable space.
3. Old Magazines and Newspapers
We all have that pile of magazines with articles we swore we’d read “someday.” Spoiler alert: “someday” might never come. Professional organizers suggest a strict “in, out” policy for paper products. If it’s over six months old and you haven’t cracked it open, toss it or, better yet, recycle it. Your coffee table will thank you, and you won’t have to worry about dusting all those pages.
4. Clothes That Don’t Fit (or You Haven’t Worn in Ages)
Let’s chat about those jeans you’re convinced you’ll fit into again someday. Organizers are all about keeping your wardrobe functional and joyful. If those jeans have been hanging around for two years without seeing the light of day, it’s time to part ways. Instead, make room for pieces that make you feel fabulous. You deserve a closet that sparks joy, not frustration.
5. Expired Toiletries and Makeup
Raise your hand if you’ve got a stash of half-used beauty products lurking in your bathroom cabinet. We’re all guilty of hanging onto those items that we thought would work wonders but ultimately didn’t. Organizers recommend a yearly purge of toiletries and makeup. Check the expiration dates and toss anything that’s past its prime. Trust me, you don’t want to be putting expired cream on your face — yikes!
6. Broken or Damaged Items
That lamp with the cracked shade? The chair with a wobbly leg? Professional organizers are firm believers in the “if it’s broken, fix it or ditch it” philosophy. Hanging onto damaged items just clutters your space and your mind. If you can’t repair it or don’t love it enough to fix it, it’s time to let it go. Life’s too short to live with things that bring you down!
7. Sentimental Items That Don’t Spark Joy
We all have that box of sentimental items we can’t seem to part with. While it’s lovely to hold onto memories, professional organizers encourage us to evaluate whether those items truly spark joy or just take up space. If it’s a dusty trophy from high school that you never think about, maybe it’s time to snap a picture of it and let it go. Keep what brings you joy, and let the rest drift away.
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it—seven household items that professional organizers refuse to keep. It might feel a little daunting to start decluttering, but remember, the goal isn’t perfection; it’s creating a space that feels good to you. Plus, think of all the room you’ll have for the things you truly love! So grab a trash bag, tune into your favorite podcast, and get to work. You’ll be amazed at how freeing it feels to let go of what no longer serves you. Happy organizing!
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