We’ve all got that one drawer in our homes. You know the one. It’s a mysterious black hole where expired coupons, random charging cables, and that odd button from a jacket you haven’t worn in years go to die. But guess what? Professional organizers are here to help us clear the clutter and reclaim our spaces. They’ve got a list of seven things that should’ve been tossed ages ago. Let’s chat about them!
1. Expired Food
First up, let’s talk about expired food. You might think that jar of pickles lurking in the back of your fridge is still good because it looks “fine.” Spoiler alert: if it expired last year, it’s probably not fine. Those dates aren’t just for decoration! Check your pantry and fridge; if it’s expired or looks questionable, it’s time for it to go. Trust us, your stomach will thank you.
2. Old Magazines
Remember that magazine subscription you were so excited about? Yeah, it’s likely collecting dust on your coffee table. Unless you’re planning on making a time capsule or holding onto that 2012 issue of *Vogue* for nostalgic reasons, it’s safe to say it’s time to let it go. Most articles you wanted to read are probably online now anyway, and your coffee table will look much less cluttered with just your favorite few around.
3. Outdated Electronics
Ah, the tech graveyard. It’s where old phones, chargers, and gadgets go to haunt us. Do you really need that flip phone from 2005? Or that ancient video game console that only plays one game? If it’s not being used and it’s sitting there, just taking up space, it’s time to donate or recycle it. Trust us, the latest tech is much more exciting to play with anyway!
4. Worn-Out Shoes
Let’s be real: if those shoes are so worn out that they’ve lost all semblance of structure, it’s time to bid them farewell. You know, the ones you’ve been holding onto “just in case”? Yeah, those are just taking up valuable real estate in your closet. Go ahead and treat yourself to a new pair. You deserve it, and your feet will thank you.
5. Unused Kitchen Gadgets
Raise your hand if you’ve got a gadget in your kitchen that you’ve only used once. A bread maker? A fondue pot? A spiralizer? They all seemed like great ideas, but when was the last time you made an artisanal loaf or enjoyed a cheese fountain? If you haven’t used it in the last year, it’s time to let it go. You might even find that you have more counter space for the things you actually use!
6. Clothing You Never Wear
We’ve all got that section of our closet that’s dedicated to clothes we love but never wear. Maybe it’s those jeans that don’t fit quite right or that stunning dress you bought for an event that never happened. It’s time for a reality check—if you haven’t worn it in six months, it’s probably time to pass it along to someone who will. Plus, think of all the space you’ll free up for new favorites!
7. Books You’ll Never Read
Last but not least, let’s talk about books. We like to think we’ll read every single book we own, but let’s face it: some are just gathering dust. If you’ve got titles that have been on your shelf for years, it’s okay to let them go. Donate them to your local library or a favorite bookstore. You’ll not only clear some space but also make someone else’s day when they discover a gem you once loved.
Making Space for What Matters
So there you have it! Seven things that professional organizers say should’ve been tossed ages ago. It’s all about making space for what truly matters and what you actually use. As you start to clear out these items, you might find that it feels oddly liberating. Decluttering can be a form of self-care, and who doesn’t like a little extra room to breathe? So grab a trash bag or a box, put on some music, and get started. Your future self will thank you!
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