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11 Home Items You Just Need to Throw Away

You probably have things around your home that you hardly use, but they just sit there gathering dust. These items can take up space and add to clutter without really serving a purpose.

Knowing which items are just collecting dust can help you free up space and keep your home tidy. This article will help you spot those things so you can decide what to keep and what to let go.

Stationary under-desk bike

A compact under-desk exercise bike labeled “DeskCycle,” featuring two pedal straps, a resistance knob, and a small digital display attached by wire
Image Credit: Deskcycle -CC BY-SA 4.0/ Wiki Commons.

You might think an under-desk bike will keep you moving while you work. Many people buy one but end up using it less than they planned.

They are usually quiet and easy to set up. But it can be hard to stay consistent with them. If you want to avoid it gathering dust, you’ll need to stay motivated.

Old newspapers stack

Stack of folded newspapers with visible headlines and images, slightly crumpled edges, showing layers of newsprint in varying positions, close-up view
Image Credit: chris276644/ Shutterstock.

You probably have piles of old newspapers gathering dust in your home. They take up space but rarely get used.

Some people keep them thinking they might need them later, but most times they just sit there. Instead of saving, try recycling or using them for crafts. It can clear up room and make your space feel less cluttered.

Drawer full of mystery keys

Detailed view of a pile of metallic keys on a deep red surface, emphasizing security and safety
Image Credit:George Becker/Pexels.

You probably have a drawer with keys you don’t even recognize. They might look important, but chances are they won’t open anything.

Holding on to them “just in case” takes up space and creates clutter. It’s okay to toss the ones you don’t use or can’t identify. Your drawer will feel lighter, and you won’t waste time digging through a bunch of random keys.

Canopy humidifier

Indoor plants in decorative pots on a windowsill, large Monstera plant with green leaves, small potted plant, air purifier beside the plants, sunlight shining through the window
Image Credit: Adobe Stock.

If your Canopy humidifier is sitting unused, dust can easily build up on the grill and fan. You might notice some white dust if your tap water has minerals.

Keep your humidifier on a clean surface to stop dust and pet hair from collecting inside. Use canned air or a soft cloth to clean it regularly.

Pleated window blinds

Walk-in closet with white built-in shelving, clothes hanging on rods, window with blinds, butterfly decoration, and carpeted floor
Image Credit: Get Lost Mike/Pexels.

Pleated window blinds catch dust easily, especially in their folds. You can use a soft brush or a vacuum with a gentle nozzle to clean them without damage. If they get really dirty, hand washing with a mild detergent works well. Just be careful not to soak or wring them. Regular dusting will keep your blinds looking fresh.

Smartphone camera attachments

Wooden phone case with camera lens attachment lying on forest floor among fallen autumn leaves, grass, and dirt
Image Credit:Andrew Neel/Pexels.

You might have bought lenses or cases to improve your phone’s camera. After a while, these attachments often just sit unused on a shelf.

They can collect dust because you forget about them or they don’t fit your usual phone setup. Sometimes, they even make your camera less handy to use, so you skip them more and more.

Wireless phone chargers

A black rectangular wireless phone charger labeled “winners,” placed on a wooden surface with a “slide” arrow pointing left and a Marriott umbrella partially visible at the top
Image Credit: Ominae -CC BY-SA 4.0/ Wiki Commons.

You might have a wireless phone charger sitting around, but it often just collects dust. These chargers work well but can be slower than regular cables.

Sometimes, you forget to place your phone just right for it to charge. Plus, many people still use wired chargers because they charge faster and are more reliable.

Car phone holders

Smartphone secured in a dashboard-mounted phone holder inside a car
Image Credit: ClickerHappy/ Pexels.

You probably bought a car phone holder to keep your device handy while driving. But now, it might just be sitting on your dashboard, unused. Some mounts lose their grip, or you find them annoying to adjust.

If you live in a hot place, adhesive mounts can stop sticking. Others take up space or block your view. So, check if yours is really working for you or just gathering dust.

Teddy bear collections

Cluttered closet, stuffed with clothes, teddy bear sitting among folded clothes, unorganized items, colorful clothes
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

If you have a big teddy bear collection, it might be gathering dust more than you realize. Some of these toys, especially the larger ones, can be hard to store and clean.

You might want to check if your bears still bring you joy or if they are just taking up space. Remember, it’s okay to keep only what really means something to you.

Unused exercise mats

Close-up of tightly rolled black yoga mats placed vertically inside a slatted storage basket, showing the textured surface and spiral shape of each mat
Image Credit: cottonbro studio/ Pexels.

You might have an exercise mat tucked away, barely touched. These mats, often made of foam, are great for workouts but can end up just sitting there.

If you’re done with them, consider using the mats for other things. They can protect floors, reduce noise, or even be cut up for craft projects. Dusting them off now and then keeps them ready if you want to start exercising again.

Giant CD collections

Laptop on a desk, person typing, open CD case with labeled discs, loose CD and pen nearby, software engineering book, dim lighting
Image Credit:cottonbro studio/Pexels.

If you’ve got a giant CD collection, chances are many of those discs just sit there. You might have hundreds or even thousands, like some people who have collected for decades.

While it’s nice to keep music you love, a lot of CDs just end up gathering dust on shelves or in boxes. It can be hard to use them all, especially with streaming now everywhere.

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