You probably feel overwhelmed by clutter more often than you admit, and you can take control without a big, scary overhaul. You’ll free space, time, and mental energy fast by removing a few common items pros say never belong in your home.
This article walks you through six easy-to-spot culprits—from expired skincare to duplicate gadgets—so you can spot what to ditch and why it matters. Follow along and you’ll spot practical wins that make your space calmer and easier to use.
Expired cosmetics and skincare products
Check your makeup and skincare for odd smells, color changes, or separation; those are signs they’ve gone bad. Using expired products can irritate skin or cause infections, so toss anything past its recommended life.
Empty or nearly-empty bottles also take up space and collect bacteria. For disposal tips, see guidance on how to properly dispose of old cosmetics and lotions.
Worn-out or uncomfortable shoes
If shoes pinch, rub, or make your feet ache, let them go. Holding onto painful pairs wastes space and keeps you from wearing shoes you actually like.
Toss or donate shoes that are scuffed, broken, or flattened beyond repair. For guidance on what pros recommend clearing out, see this roundup of items organizers say to remove from your closet.
Old magazines and newspapers
You probably keep stacks “just in case,” but those piles rarely get read.
If you need an article, you can usually find it online; keeping every issue just takes space and collects dust.
Recycle the bulk and save one or two issues you truly value.
For sentimental clippings, scan or photograph them so you keep the memory without the clutter.
Consider donating glossy magazines to waiting rooms or craft groups if they’re still in good condition.
Unworn clothes with tags still on
If the tags are still on, you probably already decided you won’t wear it. Letting those pieces linger steals space and creates decision fatigue.
Holding onto them because you spent money or hoped they’d fit later rarely pays off. Donate or sell items you never wore and free your closet for things you actually love.
If you need guidance, professional organizers explain why letting go of tagged items simplifies wardrobe curation and reduces clutter (see expert tips).
Broken kitchen gadgets
If a blender, coffee maker, or mixer doesn’t work reliably, let it go.
Broken tools take up space and make cooking slower and more frustrating.
Keep only items that you actually repair or use regularly.
Donate or recycle the rest so your counters and drawers stay functional and clutter-free.
Duplicates of small appliances
You probably own more than one blender, toaster, or hand mixer because each seemed useful at the time. Keep the one you actually use; donate or sell extra units that sit idle in cabinets.
Duplicates take up valuable counter and storage space and collect dust. If appliances are single-purpose and rarely used, let them go to someone who will use them.
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