Do you ever look around your home and wonder how you accumulated so much stuff? It’s easy to hold onto items for sentimental reasons, or because we think we might use them “someday.”
But, holding onto clutter can actually cause stress and make it harder to find the things you really need. In this post, we’ll explore 10 common household items that have probably outlived their usefulness and are ready to be tossed or recycled.
1. Old Magazines and Newspapers
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You may have a stack of old magazines or newspapers lying around, thinking you’ll get back to them someday. But, let’s be honest, in today’s digital age, all the information you need is at your fingertips. Piles of paper not only take up valuable space but can also be a fire hazard.
Consider recycling old publications and transitioning to digital subscriptions. This not only helps in de-cluttering your home but is also an environmentally friendly choice. Plus, it’s much easier to search for specific articles online than it is to flip through pages of paper.
2. Unused Kitchen Gadgets
Do you have a popcorn maker gathering dust in the back of a cupboard, or a fondue set you’ve never used? We often buy kitchen gadgets with high hopes but end up using them once or twice, if at all.
Evaluate your kitchen appliances and gadgets. If you haven’t used something in the past year, it’s probably time to let it go. Donate it or sell it to someone who will actually use it. Simplifying your kitchen will make it easier to find and use the tools you really need.
3. Outdated Electronics
Many of us have a drawer full of old cell phones, outdated laptops, or ancient video game consoles. While it’s understandable to hold onto these items for nostalgia’s sake, they’re likely doing nothing more than taking up space.
Recycling e-waste is a responsible way to declutter. Many retailers offer trade-in programs for old electronics, and there are plenty of e-waste recycling centers that can safely dispose of your old gadgets.
4. Old Paint Cans
Perhaps you have a few cans of paint lying around from a renovation project years ago. While it’s practical to keep a small amount for touch-ups, most paint only has a shelf life of two to five years.
Once paint has separated or developed a foul odor, it’s no longer good to use. Many cities offer hazardous waste programs where you can safely dispose of old paint.
5. Unused Vases
Flower vases can accumulate quickly, especially if you often receive bouquets. While they can be pretty, they also take up a lot of storage space.
Consider donating excess vases to a local florist or repurposing them as storage containers or candle holders. You might also use them for craft projects or gift them with flowers to friends and family.
6. Old Clothes
Closets can become cluttered with clothes that are no longer in style or no longer fit. It’s easy to hold onto these items, thinking you might wear them again someday.
But, if you haven’t worn something in the past year, it’s time to let it go. Donate gently used items to a local charity or consider selling them online. You’ll free up closet space and someone else will get use out of your old clothes.
7. Expired Medications
Most of us have a medicine cabinet filled with expired medications and old prescriptions. These not only take up space but can also be dangerous if taken accidentally.
Always check the expiration dates on your medications. Many pharmacies offer a medicine take-back program where you can safely dispose of unwanted medications.
8. Worn Out Linens
Old, worn-out linens can pile up in your linen closet, taking up valuable space. These include everything from threadbare towels to sheets with holes in them.
Donate these items to animal shelters, which often need towels and blankets. If they’re too worn, consider cutting them up for rags or composting them.
9. Old Makeup and Beauty Products
Makeup and beauty products don’t last forever. In fact, using expired products can lead to skin irritations or infections.
Check the expiration dates and get rid of anything that’s past its prime. This will free up space in your makeup drawer and ensure that you’re only using fresh, safe products.
10. Broken Items
Finally, we all have a few items lying around that we plan to fix “someday.” Whether it’s a broken chair, a lamp that doesn’t work, or a cracked mirror, these items do nothing but clutter up your space.
If you haven’t fixed it in six months, it’s probably time to toss it. You’ll free up space and get rid of that nagging feeling that you have something to fix.