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13 Household Items I Stopped Hoarding for a More Organized Home

If your home feels cluttered and chaotic, it might be time to reassess what you’re keeping around. Many people don’t realize how certain items can take up valuable space and add to the stress of daily life. Clearing out these household items can lead to a more organized and peaceful living environment.

You’re not alone in this struggle; many find themselves holding onto things they no longer need. By identifying and letting go of specific items, you can create a home that feels fresh and welcoming. Making these small changes can significantly impact your overall sense of organization and enjoyment in your space.

Old magazines

A stack of magazines on a wooden surface, with one magazine partially open, warm lighting, blurred background, cozy and relaxed reading atmosphere
Image Credit: Cozine/ Shutterstock.

Old magazines can really pile up and take up space in your home. You might think they hold valuable information, but most of it is outdated.

Consider scanning or tearing out pages with interesting articles you want to keep. This way, you can declutter while preserving the content you enjoy.

By getting rid of those bulky stacks, you’ll notice a difference in your space. It feels lighter and more organized without all those magazines weighing you down.

Expired Pantry Items

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Clearing out expired pantry items can really lighten up your kitchen. You might be surprised by how many things have outlived their prime.

Take a day to go through your pantry. Check expiration dates and get rid of anything old or unidentifiable.

You’ll not only create space but also avoid the frustration of discovering expired food when you need it. An organized pantry feels more inviting, making meal prep easier and more enjoyable.

Unused clothes

Walk-in closet, neatly arranged clothes, organized wardrobe, hanging jackets and dresses, stylish storage, modern shelving
Image Credit: Aleksey Matrenin/ Shutterstock.

Unused clothes can take up valuable space in your closet. If you haven’t worn something in the past year, it’s probably time to let it go.

Start by going through your wardrobe. Keep what you wear regularly and consider donating or selling items that just hang there.

Try organizing your clothes by season or usage. This makes it easier to see what you have and what you don’t need. Making these changes can really free up space and help keep things tidy.

Broken kitchen gadgets

Assorted colorful kitchen utensils, including knives, peelers, scoops, strainers, and slicers, spread on a countertop, used for food preparation and cooking
Image Credit: Rosamar/ Shutterstock.

You know those kitchen gadgets that are broken but still sit in your drawer? It’s time to let them go. Whether it’s a cracked blender or a toaster that won’t toast, keeping them around only adds clutter.

Think about the space you’ll free up. Letting go of these items can make your kitchen feel more organized. If it can’t perform its task, it shouldn’t take up space in your home.

Consider donating or recycling. Others might find them useful for parts, and you can feel good about clearing out your clutter. Embrace a more functional kitchen by ditching those broken gadgets.

Outdated Electronics

Collection of old mobile phones, including smartphones and feature phones, devices with various designs, some with physical keyboards, others with touchscreens, assortment of outdated technology
Image Credit: junpinzon/ Shutterstock.

Holding onto outdated electronics can clutter your space. You might think you’ll use that old phone charger or broken gadget someday, but they often just take up room.

Consider sorting through your collection and recycling anything that no longer works. Many organizations accept electronics for recycling, reducing waste.

You’ll feel lighter and more organized when you make the decision to let go. Plus, it’s a great way to clear out distractions and focus on what you actually use.

Excessive coffee mugs

Colorful mugs with unique designs, stacked on a white shelf, some featuring house-shaped lids, decorative kitchenware, glassware stored above, cozy and artistic mug collection
Image Credit: M.Pakats/ Shutterstock.

Do you have a cupboard overflowing with coffee mugs? You’re not alone. Many people collect mugs over time, but they often don’t use them all.

Start by assessing each mug. Keep your favorites and consider donating the rest. This simple step can clear up valuable space in your kitchen.

A smaller collection makes it easier to find the mug you want. Plus, doing this can help you enjoy your favorite ones even more. Let those excess mugs go!

Unused Holiday Decorations

Colorful vintage Christmas ornaments arranged in a cardboard box, bright red, pink, green, and gold, hand-painted designs
Image Credit: trekandshoot/ Shutterstock.

It’s easy to collect holiday decorations over the years. You might have a box of items you never use or feel guilty letting go of.

Take a look at your stash. If something hasn’t been used in the last few years, it’s time to reconsider its place in your home.

Consider donating those decorations. Many folks would appreciate them, especially after the holidays. You’ll free up space and make your home feel more organized.

Old towels and linens

Stack of neatly folded floral bedsheets, placed on a bed, bedroom setting with soft lighting, fresh linens prepared for use, cozy and inviting atmosphere
Image Credit: Andriy Blokhin/ Shutterstock.

Old towels and linens often take up valuable space in your home. They can get worn out, faded, or even have stains that make them less useful.

Instead of holding on to those tired items, consider letting them go. They can be replaced with fresh, more functional versions.

You can also repurpose old towels for cleaning tasks or as pet bedding. This way, you still get some use out of them without cluttering your storage spaces.

Duplicate Kitchen Utensils

Image Credit: Vergani Fotografia/ Shutterstock.

You might not realize just how many duplicate kitchen utensils you have lying around. It’s easy to gather multiple spatulas, measuring cups, and whisks over time.

Keeping a few essentials is all you really need. Simplifying your kitchen tools can open up space and make cooking easier.

Consider letting go of those extras. Evaluate what you use most and keep only what works for you.

Empty cardboard boxes

Image Credit: Tatiana Gnuchykh/ Shutterstock.

Those empty cardboard boxes from online orders can pile up quickly. Before you know it, they take over your space.

It’s tempting to keep them, thinking you might need them later. In reality, most just collect dust and attract pests.

Consider recycling or tossing them out. You’ll enjoy the extra space, and your home will feel much more organized.

Outdated paperwork

Stacks of filing binders filled with paper documents, neatly organized, business or office setting, heavy paperwork, multiple binders
Image Credit: Pixabay / Pexels.

Let’s talk about that stack of outdated paperwork. You know, those old bills, receipts, and statements piling up in a corner? Keeping them won’t help anything.

Start by going through what you really need. If it’s older than a year and you haven’t looked at it, toss it out.

You’ll feel lighter, and your space will look cleaner. It’s amazing how letting go of that clutter can make you feel more organized and ready for what’s next.

Excessive reusable bags

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You may have a pile of reusable bags hiding in your closet. It’s easy to collect them over time, especially if you’re trying to be eco-friendly.

Consider sorting through that stash. Keep a few for shopping, but let go of the ones you don’t use.

You can recycle or donate the extras. This simple step can free up space and make your home feel tidier. Plus, it’s a great way to declutter without much effort.

Old Makeup and Toiletries

Old and expired beauty products, broken compact powder, used makeup brushes, worn-out eyeshadow palette, eyelash curler, loose face powder, cluttered wooden surface
Image Credit: Turian/ Shutterstock.

It’s easy to hang on to old makeup and toiletries, but they can clutter your space. Check the expiration dates and toss anything that’s past its prime.

Old, unused products can take up valuable drawer space. If you haven’t used a certain item in months, it’s time to let it go.

Consider donating items that are still good but no longer suit your style. Keeping your makeup drawer organized can save you time during your routine.

*This article was created with the help of AI.

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