Devin Jacobs
Some things just sit there, taking up space like they’ve earned it. They’re not exactly clutter, but they’re not exactly useful either. Over time, they fade into the background, becoming part of the routine without ever contributing to it. So, here are 20 examples of everyday things that quietly overstay their welcome.
Old VHS Tapes
Once a Friday night essential, those bulky VHS tapes now just hog shelf space. Unless you’re harboring a vintage player (and some serious nostalgia), they’re pretty much useless. Moreover, nearly every movie they hold is now streaming online.
Unused Exercise Bike
Touted as the ultimate home fitness fix, exercise bikes promise cardio without leaving your living room. But when motivation fades, they quietly convert into glorified coat hangers. So, if your exercise bike sees more sweaters than sweat, it’s time to reclaim the floor space.
Old Magazines
That towering stack of magazines hasn’t been cracked open in years—but it’s still hogging your coffee table like it’s 2005. With nearly every article archived online, they’ve lost their edge as go-to resources. This shows that it’s time to recycle and get your space back.
Broken Toys
Missing wheels or silent buttons, broken toys rarely bounce back into action. Yet they linger in bins and corners like forgotten childhood ghosts. While the sentiment is real, the function is long gone. If it can’t be fixed or safely played with, it’s just taking up space.
Outdated Decorations
Outdated decorations linger in homes long after their visual appeal has vanished. That once-trendy wall decal or glittery holiday centerpiece quietly collects dust and drags your space back in time. Hanging onto old decor can also prevent you from refreshing your home’s look.
Unused Kitchenware
Unused kitchenware takes up more space than most people realize. Items like bread makers, juicers, fondue sets, and single-use gadgets are purchased with good intentions or received as gifts. However, many of them are rarely, if ever, used.
Old Electronics
Devices like outdated phones are commonly shoved into drawers. They are rarely reused, and many are no longer compatible with current technology. Recycling or donating old electronics through proper programs is a simple way to free up space.
Unused Clothes
When was the last time you wore that shirt in the back of your closet? If you have to think about it, chances are it no longer serves you. That’s why donating unused clothes gives them a chance to be used by someone who needs them.
Unused Shoes
Unused shoes—whether they’re too tight, too flashy, or just not your style anymore—sit untouched for years. They take up floor and shelf space, crowding out the pairs you actually wear. Some may still have tags, while others haven’t seen daylight since that one event you bought them for.
Expired Medicines
Expired medicines stay in bathroom cabinets or drawers long after their use-by dates. While it may seem harmless to keep them around, expired drugs can lose effectiveness. Holding onto them also increases the risk of accidental use or confusion during illness.
Unused Furniture
Take a moment to look around—do you have a chair no one sits in or a shelf that serves no purpose? Unused furniture quietly invites dust to settle. In fact, pieces that sit untouched become home to dust mites, which can impact air quality.
Unused Craft Supplies
That drawer packed with glitter, yarn, stencils, or dried-out glue sticks probably hasn’t been opened in ages. Many people collect craft supplies with the best intentions, but projects go unfinished. So, keep only what you’ll realistically use soon, and pass along the rest.
Outdated Calendars
An outdated calendar doesn’t serve much purpose beyond nostalgia. Once the year ends, those pages stop being useful, yet people still stash them away. Hence, if it’s not framed, referenced, or cherished, it’s simply outdated paper waiting to be recycled.
Broken Garden Tools
Broken garden tools tend to get tossed aside with the idea that they might be repaired someday. Instead, they sit forgotten, collecting rust. Holding onto them also increases the chance of accidents when reaching for something else.
Old Makeup
That eyeshadow palette from 2012 is a petri dish in disguise. Makeup expires, and when it does, bacteria move in like uninvited roommates. Using it can mean breakouts, rashes, or worse. So unless you’re prepping for a science experiment, toss it.
Unused Pet Accessories
Unused pet accessories serve no function and can even become unhygienic over time. Regularly sorting through these items helps you identify what’s actually used. If it’s no longer serving your pet dog, it’s time to let it go.
Unused Candles
While candles may have been bought for ambiance or emergencies, many remain untouched for years. Over time, fragrances degrade and wicks dry out, reducing both the functional value. Assess which candles you’ll realistically use and consider donating or discarding the rest.
Picture Frames
You know those picture frames you swore you’d fill “one day?” They’re probably still stacked in a closet, waiting for a moment that never comes. Let them go, and make space for the memories you actually want to display.
Free Branded Tote Bags
Tote bags promise eco-friendly convenience, but too often, the branded freebies we collect end up as unused clutter. They accumulate in drawers and closets, rarely seeing daylight. While reusable in theory, most don’t suit our daily needs.
Empty Gift Boxes
Every year, they stack up like a gift-wrapped promise—saved for future use, stored with care, then slowly forgotten. Slowly, they lose the charm that once made them feel worth keeping. Instead of letting them crowd your shelves, choose a few to reuse and recycle the rest.