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Many of us have a collection of items gathered over time from purchases or gifts, saved for a “someday” use. However, this “someday” often never comes, resulting in these items taking up precious space in our homes and, occasionally, straining our budgets without offering any real benefits.
If this scenario resonates with you, it’s important to take action and clear out your space. Identifying and letting go of these items is key to keeping your home clean, safe, and organized.
Below are 15 items likely cluttering your home without serving any practical purpose.
Old Cell Phones
Keeping old cell phones often has no practical benefit, particularly if they’re obsolete and just taking up space. It’s unlikely you’ll use them again, so it’s a good idea to find a store or recycling center that takes cell phones and get rid of them today.
Damaged Appliances
If you have broken or outdated appliances, consider getting rid of them. This action will free up space in your kitchen, providing more room for work and freeing up countertop or cabinet space.
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Old Power Cords
Technology is evolving rapidly, so it’s a good idea to consider parting with that cord you’re still holding onto from your last cell phone or laptop. In most cases, those older power cords are incompatible with newer devices.
Old Toothbrush
How likely are you to repurpose or reuse that old toothbrush? The chances are slim. Dental experts recommend changing your toothbrush every three to four months. Unless you plan to use the old toothbrush for tasks like cleaning grout or polishing shoes, it’s probably time to get rid of it.
Memorabilia
Many people keep items with sentimental value, such as old greeting cards or foreign train pass receipts. However, these items can pile up, taking up precious space at home. Allocating time to go through your collection of keepsakes is wise. Hold onto the items that have deep significance and think about recycling or throwing away the rest to free up space in your living area.
Worn Loofahs and Sponges
Sponges and loofahs tend to accumulate bacteria over time. It’s a good idea to swap them out every one to two months or even earlier if you spot mold or detect an off-putting odor. If you’re aiming for a more hygienic bathing routine, consider switching from sponges and poufs to a washcloth that you can wash after each use.
Expired Medicine
Expired drugs, medications, or vitamins could potentially pose risks to your health if consumed. Consider reviewing your medicine cabinet and gather any expired pills, antacids, laxatives, or cold medicines you may have accumulated, ensuring they are properly disposed of.
Damaged Clothing
Check your clothing for signs of permanent damage, like rips, tears, stubborn stains, or smells. Unless they hold personal meaning, it’s better to part with them and focus on maintaining clothes in good shape.
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Clothes That No Longer Fit
Many of us have clothes in our closets that no longer fit or suit us. It is unlikely that you will make it to the seamstress to alter it or find the time to wear it after all these years. You can donate or sell them to make space for clothes that make you look and feel your best.
Free Stuff
It’s time to consider parting with the free tote bags and t-shirts you received from a giveaway or for being a loyal customer. Unless you’re actively using them, these items are occupying precious space.
Expired Skincare Products
Review your makeup bag and skincare collection for products that have expired. Using cosmetics past their expiration dates can lead to skin irritation or skin infections. It’s a good idea to eliminate items that have gone bad and replace them with new ones.
Hotel Samples
It’s likely that product samples, such as shampoo, conditioner, perfume, and skincare items you’ve collected from hotels or giveaways, will go unused. Often, they just clutter up space. Consider sorting through your stash to free up room for the full-size products you use.
Boxes
Once you’ve completed your move or unpacked your delivered items, you’re often left with empty cardboard boxes that can quickly clutter your space. It’s a practical decision to let go of these cardboard boxes, as the chances of needing them again in the near future are quite slim.
Soap Scraps
Soap scraps tend to pile up in the shower. Unless you’ve got a way to combine all those soap scraps scattered around your shower into a functional bar of soap, it’s best to toss them out.
Dried Up Wipes
Flushable wipes often find their way into our bathrooms, but it’s not uncommon for us to forget to seal the packaging, leading them to dry out properly. If this happens, it’s a sign that it’s time to dispose of them. Additionally, it’s important to note that despite their labeling, flushable wipes can cause issues for your toilets and drains.
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