Emily Flores
A cluttered home makes finding what you need and enjoying your space harder. Sometimes, we hold onto items that are no longer used, thinking we might need them someday. However, keeping unnecessary items only takes up valuable room and creates unnecessary stress. Start by removing these ten articles and see how much space you’ll save.
Old Magazines And Newspapers
Many people hold onto magazines and newspapers, thinking they will revisit them for information or nostalgia. However, these piles often go untouched for years, collecting dust and taking up valuable space. Most articles and news stories are accessible online, making it unnecessary to keep outdated prints unless they hold significant sentimental or historical value.
Expired Medications
Keeping old medicine bottles clutters bathroom cabinets and can pose risks if taken accidentally. Expired prescription and over-the-counter medications lose their effectiveness over time and can even become hazardous. Proper disposal methods, such as designated drop-off sites or mixing them with unpalatable substances before trashing, help free up space and ensure safety.
Unworn Clothes And Shoes
Decluttering your wardrobe can make it easier to find and enjoy the clothes you wear. Unwanted clothing often takes up unnecessary closet space. Many people hold onto items with the hope of wearing them someday, but donating or selling them is a better option if they haven’t been used in a long time.
Duplicate Kitchen Gadgets
Some kitchens are filled with multiple peelers, spatulas, and specialty appliances that rarely get used. Items like bread makers or ice cream machines often occupy valuable counter and cabinet space but are used infrequently. Keeping only essential and frequently used kitchen tools helps reduce clutter and improves functionality.
Old Electronics And Cords
Broken phones, outdated laptops, tangled charging cables, and obsolete gadgets often pile up in drawers or storage boxes. Some people hesitate to eliminate them due to potential data loss or uncertainty about disposal methods. Recycling old electronics through certified e-waste programs is best to keep the environment safe.
Unused Or Expired Beauty Products
We often accumulate half-used bottles, thinking we’ll eventually finish them, but these products can expire before we use them up. Makeup, skincare, and hair products have expiration dates and can degrade over time, leading to skin irritation or infections. Make it a habit to regularly check and discard old beauty items to keep your bathroom storage organized and hygienic.
Unused Exercise Equipment
Fitness gear can quickly gather dust when our routines change or motivation wanes. Holding onto it with the hope of getting back into shape only leads to months of unused equipment. Selling or donating these items not only clears up space but also gives them a second life with someone who will actually use them.
Promotional Freebies And Trinkets
Items like free tote bags, keychains, mugs, and other promotional items from events, businesses, or giveaways often accumulate around the house. At first, keeping them may seem useful, but eventually, they will take up unnecessary space. Constantly evaluate which items are beneficial and donate or discard the rest.
Excess Tupperware And Mismatched Lids
Keeping only a reasonable number of containers with matching lids simplifies meal prep and storage. Plastic food containers often accumulate over time, which leads to overflowing cabinets filled with mismatched lids and unnecessary duplicates. These containers pile up, occupy space, and may remain unused for months.
Greeting Cards And Random Paper Clutter
Old birthday cards and random paper documents tend to pile up in drawers and storage boxes. While some hold sentimental value, many lose their significance over time. Digitizing essential documents and keeping only the most meaningful cards can significantly reduce clutter while preserving memories.