You probably have stuff around your home that you don’t really use anymore, but you keep holding on to it. It’s easy to hang on to things because they remind you of something, or maybe you think you might need them someday. But most of the time, those items just take up space and add to the clutter.
Knowing what things you’re hoarding that you’ll never use again can help you clear up your space and your mind. Letting go of unnecessary stuff can make your home feel more organized and less stressful. You don’t have to get rid of everything, just the things that don’t really serve you anymore.
Old prom corsages
You might have some old prom corsages lying around. They usually take up space but don’t really hold much value after the event.
If you’re keeping them for memories, consider taking a photo instead. That way, you save space without losing the memory. Most people don’t reuse these flowers, so chances are you won’t need them again. Letting them go can clear up some clutter.
That pair of jeans you swore you’d fit into
You probably keep that pair of jeans hoping to wear them again someday. Maybe you hold onto the idea that you’ll lose weight or your style will change.
But if they haven’t fit in months or even years, it’s time to let them go. Keeping them only takes up space and reminds you of something that’s unlikely to happen.
Expired nail polish
You might have old nail polish that’s dried out or thick. It’s usually not good to use once it changes texture or separates.
If it still looks okay, it’s safe, but it might not apply well. Instead of keeping it, try using old polish for crafts like marking things around the house.
Holding on to bottles you never use just takes up space. Let them go!
Lipsticks past their prime
You probably have lipsticks hiding that you haven’t touched in ages. Old lipsticks can change color, smell funny, or feel dry.
If a lipstick looks different or smells off, it’s time to toss it. Using fresh ones will feel better and keep your lips safe.
Stop buying new lipsticks until you finish what you already have. This helps you use what you love and avoid waste.
Takeout menus from years ago
You probably have old takeout menus tucked away somewhere. They remind you of places you loved, but chances are, you won’t order from those spots again.
Menus change fast, and sometimes the food stops being made. Holding on to them just takes up space and won’t help you decide what to eat today.
Empty travel mugs and tumblers
You probably have a few travel mugs or tumblers sitting around, unused. They seemed like a good idea once but now just take up space.
If they’re empty and gathering dust, it’s okay to let them go. Keeping too many leads to clutter and you likely won’t miss them. Just keep one or two that you actually use.
Unused hair ties and bobby pins
You probably have a bunch of hair ties and bobby pins scattered around. Most of them are old, stretched out, or broken.
If you’re not using them, there’s no need to keep every single one. Keep a few that work well and toss the rest. It’ll free up space and make it easier to find what you need.
Instruction manuals for gadgets you don’t own
You might have a bunch of instruction manuals lying around for gadgets you don’t even have anymore. These papers just take up space and aren’t helpful if the device is gone.
If you want to keep manuals, try saving only the ones for stuff you actually use. Otherwise, you can recycle or delete digital copies to clear clutter.
Old phone chargers that don’t fit any device
You probably have old phone chargers lying around that don’t work with anything you own. Holding onto these takes up space but doesn’t really help.
If the charger doesn’t fit your current phone or gadget, it’s fine to recycle it. Keeping only the chargers you use saves you from clutter and confusion.
Boxes packed in the 80s gathering dust
You probably have boxes in your storage from way back in the 80s. They might hold old papers, clothes, or random stuff you thought you’d need someday.
Most of the time, that “someday” never comes. Those boxes just take up space and collect dust. It’s okay to let go of them and free up your space.
Pickup batteries from dead devices
You might have old gadgets lying around with dead batteries inside. Instead of tossing the whole thing, grab those batteries.
Keep in mind, dead batteries can leak and damage metal if left too long. So, take them out carefully and decide if you really need to keep them. Often, those batteries won’t work again and just take up space.
Outdated condiments in the fridge
You probably have condiments in your fridge that are way past their prime. Things like mayo and creamy dressings go bad fast and can make you sick if you eat them after the expiration date.
Sauces like ketchup and mustard last longer, but once they’re old, they taste flat and lose their flavor. It’s a good idea to toss anything that looks or smells off to keep your fridge fresh.
Makeup gifts never touched
You probably have makeup gifts sitting in your drawer that you never used. Maybe you didn’t like the colors or the style wasn’t your thing.
Holding onto them just takes up space. It’s okay to let these go. You can always buy what you really want when you need it. Freeing yourself from unused makeup feels good.
Broken or unusable tech gadgets
You probably have old phones, chargers, or headphones that don’t work anymore. Holding on to them just takes up space.
Sometimes, these gadgets seem fixable but never get repaired. It’s okay to let them go.
If they don’t turn on or can’t connect, you won’t use them again. Tossing broken tech clears clutter fast.
Random freebies picked up off the street
You might have a habit of grabbing random things left on the street. It feels like a good find, but many of these items just sit unused.
Most of the time, you won’t actually need or use them. Letting go of these freebies clears space and stops clutter from building up in your home.