Are you tired of stepping over piles of clothes, tripping over half-empty detergent bottles, or losing socks in an overcrowded laundry room? A cluttered laundry room can make an already tedious task feel even more daunting. However, as a pro organizer, I can tell you that a well-organized laundry room can make all the difference. Here are nine items in your laundry room that you should consider tossing right away to reclaim your space.
1. Old Laundry Detergent Bottles
Old laundry detergent bottles take up valuable space and can create a messy look in your laundry room. These bottles are often left with a tiny bit of detergent at the bottom that’s never used. Take the time to consolidate detergent into one bottle and recycle the others. Not only will this create more space, but it will also make your laundry room look tidier.
2. Mismatched Socks
We all have that pile of mismatched socks that we keep in hopes of finding their mates. However, if a sock has been single for a few months, it’s unlikely its partner will show up. It might be time to let go and toss those lone socks.
3. Unused Laundry Baskets
Extra laundry baskets that are not being used can take up a lot of space. Choose a couple of sturdy, functional laundry baskets that fit your needs and donate the rest. This will free up room and reduce visual clutter.
4. Worn-Out Clothes
We all have those clothes that are too worn out to wear but are not quite rags yet. These often end up cluttering the laundry room. It’s best to toss these or turn them into cleaning rags and store them neatly.
5. Extra Hangers
Extra hangers can take up unnecessary space in your laundry room. Keep only the number of hangers you need for your clothes and declutter the rest. This will make your laundry room feel much more spacious and organized.
6. Empty Product Containers
Empty containers of bleach, fabric softener, or stain remover can make your laundry room look messy. Take the time to recycle these and enjoy the extra space it creates.
7. Expired Products
Just like food, laundry and cleaning products also have expiration dates. Expired products can be less effective and take up unnecessary space. Check the labels and toss out any expired products.
8. Unnecessary Gadgets
Sometimes we buy laundry gadgets thinking they will make our life easier, but they often end up unused and collecting dust. If you haven’t used a gadget in the last six months, it’s probably time to let it go.
9. Old Towels and Linens
Old towels and linens often end up in the laundry room. If they are too worn out to use, it’s time to toss them. You can also consider donating them to local animal shelters.