Devin Jacobs
Basements are the ultimate catch-all for things we just don’t know what to do with—outdated electronics, old furniture, and more. But if a professional organizer got a peek down there, they’d be armed with a garbage bag and a lot of tough love. It’s time to face the facts: some of those treasures might actually be trash. Here are 15 things in your basement that a pro would throw out and why they should be on your get-rid-of list, too.
Old Exercise Equipment
Remember that treadmill you vowed to use every day? If it’s now doubling as a clothes hanger, let’s be honest, it’s just taking up space. Unused exercise gear collects dust and can be a bulky obstacle in an otherwise open area. Donating or selling it could give it a second life in a more active home.
Paint Cans with a Past
Those half-used paint cans from home improvement projects of yesteryear are probably more solid than liquid by now. Instead of holding onto colors that no longer match your style, dispose of them safely. Old paint can become hazardous and isn’t worth the space it occupies.
Broken Furniture
That wobbly chair and the dresser missing a drawer might have had their day, but if they’ve been sitting in your basement waiting for a repair that’s never going to happen, it’s time to say goodbye. Broken furniture is just clutter, and letting it go can make room for pieces that actually serve a purpose.
Outdated Electronics
Old VHS players, cassette decks, and bulky computer monitors are nostalgic but also obsolete. Holding onto these relics can make your basement feel like a tech museum. Instead, recycle them responsibly and embrace the technology of today, which takes up far less space.
Unused Holiday Decorations
If your basement is overflowing with holiday décor that hasn’t seen the light of day in years, it’s time to reconsider what you’re keeping. Whether it’s a tangled mess of lights or that inflatable Santa with a slow leak, passing them on or tossing them will clear space for decorations you love.
Expired Pantry Goods
Sometimes, the basement doubles as a secondary pantry, but food items don’t last forever. Expired canned goods and forgotten snacks could do more harm than good, attracting pests or taking up valuable shelf space. Clearing them out makes room for the new emergency supplies you could use.
Outgrown Toys
Kids grow up fast, but their toys often linger in basements long after they’ve moved on. If those toys are gathering dust instead of sparking joy, it’s time to donate them. This simple act can declutter your space and bring joy to another child.
Boxes of Mystery
We all have those boxes we haven’t opened in years, filled with who-knows-what. If you haven’t missed what’s inside, chances are you don’t need it. Go through them, keep only what’s essential or truly meaningful, and let go of the rest.
Worn-out Linens and Towels
These items can harbor bacteria, mold, and unpleasant odors. Using worn-out items can pose health risks, making it essential to replace them with fresh, clean alternatives. Investing in new, high-quality towels can improve your daily routine.
Old Magazines and Newspapers
Stacks of old reading materials might seem harmless, but they quickly become dusty piles that are seldom revisited. Suppose you’re keeping them for “just in case” scenarios; it’s time to let go. Recycle those old magazines and newspapers to free up space and reduce dust.
Unused Building Materials
Leftover tiles, wood scraps, or random hardware from past DIY projects can seem worth keeping, but if they’ve been sitting untouched, they’ll probably not be used. Letting them go can clear space for future projects with materials you’ll need.
Damaged Sports Equipment
That old hockey stick with the broken blade or the tennis racket with a frayed string isn’t going to see action anytime soon. Plus, damaged equipment can be a safety hazard if someone tries to use it. Donate what’s still usable, and discard the rest.
Rusty Tools
Rusty, outdated tools are more of a hindrance than a help. They’re often unsafe to use and can damage whatever you’re working on. Replacing them with newer, more efficient tools frees up space and ensures your next project goes smoothly.
Unused Luggage
Suitcases and bags you haven’t used in years, especially if they’re outdated or damaged, are just taking up space. Instead of letting them gather dust, donate it to people who can use it or recycle what’s no longer functional.
Random Cords and Cables
We all have that drawer or box filled with random cords and cables, most of which we no longer need. These tangled messes are rarely useful and often impossible to identify. Sort through them, keep only what’s necessary, and recycle the rest.