Cleaning out clutter can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. When you focus on getting rid of specific, often overlooked items, your space can quickly feel more organized and manageable.
Knowing what to toss can save you time and effort, making your decluttering more effective. This guide will help you identify 13 things that are worth clearing out this weekend, so you can create a fresher, simpler living space without stress.
Expired sunscreen
You should check the expiration date on your sunscreen. The FDA recommends tossing it three years after purchase. Using expired sunscreen may not protect your skin effectively.
If your sunscreen looks or smells different, it’s safer to replace it. Proper storage can extend its life, but old sunscreen is best thrown away.
Old magazines and newspapers
You probably have stacks of old magazines and newspapers taking up space. If you haven’t looked at them in months, it’s time to let them go.
Cancel subscriptions to avoid building up more clutter. Recycling these papers frees your space and helps the environment. Keep only a few favorites or special issues if you must.
Socks without mates
If you have socks missing their pairs, it’s time to let them go. Single socks take up space and rarely get used again.
You can repurpose them as dusting cloths or fill them with dried herbs for a simple sachet.
If you prefer, offer mismatched socks online for crafts or giveaways. Keeping only pairs makes your sock drawer easier to manage.
Broken Tupperware
If your Tupperware is cracked, warped, or missing lids, it’s time to let it go. Damaged containers can leak or harbor bacteria, making them unsafe for food storage.
Consider replacing broken pieces with new ones to keep your kitchen organized and your food fresh. Toss only the unusable items, not the whole set if parts are still good.
Unused kitchen appliances
If you have appliances sitting unused, it’s a good opportunity to clear some space. Keeping items you rarely use can clutter your kitchen and make it harder to find what you need.
Consider donating or selling appliances that still work but don’t fit your routine. This way, you free up space and give someone else a useful tool.
Expired medicines and vitamins
You should check your medicine cabinet for expired medicines and vitamins this weekend. Using them past their expiration date can reduce their effectiveness.
Dispose of these items safely by using a drug take-back program or designated drop boxes at pharmacies. Avoid throwing them in the trash to keep children and pets safe from accidental exposure.
Junk mail and coupons
You can clear out your space by tossing junk mail you don’t need. Things like expired coupons, neighborhood flyers, and unsolicited credit card offers often just pile up.
If you want less mail like this, try unsubscribing from mailing lists. It helps reduce waste and keeps your mailbox more manageable.
Worn-out cutting boards
If your cutting board has deep grooves or cracks, it’s time to toss it. Food particles can get stuck in these cuts, making it hard to clean properly.
Using a worn-out board increases the risk of bacteria buildup. Replacing it helps keep your kitchen safe and your food fresh.
Empty boxes over three months old
If you have empty boxes from phones or other items lying around for over three months, it’s time to let them go.
These boxes usually just take up space and rarely get reused. Keeping them can clutter your area and make organizing harder.
Tossing them clears room and gives you a cleaner, simpler living space without much effort.
Scratched plastic containers
If your plastic containers have scratches or cracks, it’s time to toss them. These damages can harbor bacteria and weaken the container’s structure.
Using scratched containers may affect your food’s safety. Replacing them helps keep your kitchen healthier and more organized.
Old sponges
You should toss old sponges because they hold bacteria and lose their cleaning power over time. Using fresh sponges helps keep your kitchen and bathroom more hygienic.
However, if a sponge is too worn for dishes, you can still use it for tough, dirty jobs like cleaning trash cans or grills. Just don’t use it where food is involved.
Mismatched or holey socks
You don’t need to hold on to socks that no longer fit or have holes. Toss out any mismatched pairs that you never reach for.
If you want, keep one old sock to use as a cleaning rag or a drawer freshener by filling it with baking soda or potpourri. Otherwise, let them go to make room for socks you actually wear.
Condiment packets from takeout
You probably have a drawer full of ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce packets. They seem handy, but most have a long shelf life and can take up unnecessary space.
If packets are damaged or puffy, it’s best to toss them for safety. Otherwise, consider discarding the extras you won’t use soon to keep your kitchen clutter-free.