Declutter Your Home! 30+ Items You Shouldn’t Be Holding Onto
Is your home feeling a bit cramped lately? It might be time for a decluttering session. We all accumulate items over time, but not everything deserves a permanent spot in our living spaces. Sometimes it’s hard to pull the trigger and finally get rid of those items you’ve been holding onto “just in case” — but we’re here to tell you it’s time. Here are 35 things you can confidently toss to create a cleaner, more organized home.
1. Board Games with Missing Pieces
Nothing ruins game night quite like realizing you’re missing crucial pieces. If you’ve been holding onto incomplete board games, it’s time to let them go. Consider donating complete sets to local charities or schools instead.
2. Old Notebooks
Those old notebooks from college or work projects you haven’t touched in years? It’s time to bid them farewell. If there’s important information, consider digitizing it before tossing the physical copies.
3. Receipts
With most transactions now tracked digitally, hanging onto paper receipts is often unnecessary. Keep only what’s needed for taxes or warranties, and shred the rest to reduce paper clutter.
4. Single Earrings
That single earring without its mate isn’t doing you any favors. Unless you’re planning to repurpose it into a new piece of jewelry, it’s time to let it go.
5. Obsolete Technology
Still holding onto that VCR or floppy disks? It’s time to embrace modern technology and bid farewell to these outdated items. Consider recycling electronics responsibly.
6. Tarnished Bed Linens
Treat yourself to a better night’s sleep by replacing old, worn-out bed linens. Donate gently used items and recycle what’s beyond repair.
7. Unwanted Gifts
It’s the thought that counts, but you don’t need to keep every gift you’ve ever received. Pass on items you won’t use to someone who will appreciate them more.
8. Childhood Hobby Supplies
Those art supplies from your elementary school days have served their purpose. If you’re not using them now, it’s time to let them go or donate to aspiring young artists.
9. Wire Hangers
Trade in those flimsy wire hangers for sturdier options that will better care for your clothes. Recycle the wire ones or return them to your local dry cleaner.
10. Empty Flower Pots
Unless you have immediate plans for them, empty flower pots are just taking up valuable space. Keep only what you need for your current gardening projects.
11. Old Chargers
With technology constantly evolving, those old chargers are likely obsolete. Recycle them properly and enjoy a less cluttered drawer or workspace.
12. Leftover Building Materials
That half-empty can of paint or spare tiles from your last home improvement project? If you haven’t used them in a year, you probably won’t. Dispose of them responsibly.
13. Outdated Appliances
If you’ve upgraded your appliances, don’t hang onto the old ones “just in case.” Donate working items or recycle them properly to free up valuable storage space.
14. Ill-Fitting Clothes
Clothes that no longer fit or suit your style are just taking up closet space. Donate items in good condition and give your wardrobe a fresh start.
15. Gifts from Ex-Partners
Holding onto gifts from past relationships can hinder emotional growth. Unless an item has practical value, consider donating or selling it to make room for new memories.
16. Obsolete Media Players
Is that old iPod or CD player gathering dust? With streaming services at our fingertips, it’s time to let go of outdated media players.
17. Mismatched Socks
We’ve all held onto single socks hoping their mates would turn up. If it’s been months (or years), it’s time to let them go and invest in new pairs.
18. Junk Drawer Contents
Sort through that infamous junk drawer and be ruthless. Keep only what’s truly useful and say goodbye to the random odds and ends.
19. Worn-Out Gym Shoes
Old, worn-out gym shoes can lead to discomfort or even injury. Invest in a new pair and recycle the old ones for a safer, more comfortable workout.
20. Hotel Toiletries
Unless you travel frequently, those hotel toiletries are just taking up bathroom space. Donate them to local shelters or use them up quickly.
21. Old Cell Phones
Hanging onto old cell phones serves little purpose. Consider donating working phones to charities or recycling them properly to reduce electronic waste.
22. Expired Makeup
Expired makeup can harbor bacteria and cause skin issues. Toss anything past its prime and treat yourself to fresh products for a healthier beauty routine.
23. Unused Cookbooks
With countless recipes available online, old cookbooks often gather dust. Keep your favorites and donate the rest to make room in your kitchen.
24. Outdated Jewelry
Jewelry styles change, and so do our tastes. If you haven’t worn certain pieces in years, consider selling or donating them to make room for new favorites.
25. Expired Medications
Old medications can be ineffective or even dangerous. Check expiration dates regularly and dispose of outdated prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs properly.
26. Old Sunscreen
Expired sunscreen loses its effectiveness, putting your skin at risk. Toss old bottles and stock up on fresh sunscreen for better protection.
27. Ancient Spices
Spices lose their potency over time. If you can’t remember when you bought it, it’s probably time to replace it for better-tasting meals.
28. Worn-Out Hair Tools
Old hairbrushes, combs, and styling tools can damage your hair and harbor bacteria. Treat yourself to new tools for healthier hair care.
29. Broken Electronics
Unless you have immediate plans to repair them, broken electronics are just taking up space. Recycle them responsibly and enjoy a clutter-free tech setup.
30. Landline Phones
If you’ve fully embraced mobile phones, it’s time to say goodbye to that old landline setup. Donate working phones or recycle them properly.
31. Outgrown Children’s Toys
Kids outgrow toys quickly. Regularly sort through playrooms and donate gently used items to make room for new age-appropriate toys and activities.
32. Mismatched Food Containers
We all have that drawer of mismatched food containers. Keep only complete sets and recycle the rest to streamline your kitchen storage.
33. Threadbare Clothes
Worn-out shirts, hoodies, and jackets that have seen better days. Replace them with fresh clothes for a more comfortable and hygienic life.
34. Non-Working Pens
There’s no need to keep pens that don’t work. Test your collection and toss the duds to streamline your office supplies.
35. Unused Personal Care Products
That face wash that didn’t agree with your skin or the shampoo you didn’t love? If you’re not using them, they’re just cluttering your space.
ManMadeDIY Staff
