Clutter can sneak up on our homes and leave us overwhelmed and stressed.
Decluttering doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes it just starts by getting rid of things you no longer need.
Whether you’re preparing to move, dealing with a cluttered room, or just want to simplify your life, these 20 items are perfect candidates for tossing.
Clear your space, lighten your load, and enjoy a more organized home.
1. You have expired food in your pantry
We’ve all been there – holding onto pasta sauce or spices that expired years ago. Cleaning out your pantry and refrigerator isn’t just about staying organized; This is to create peace of mind.
Knowing what’s fresh and available can make life simpler and prevent surprises when cooking.
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2. Unused or damaged electronic products
That drawer full of old cell phones, tangled chargers and broken earbuds? It’s time to let go. Recycle what can be recycled and throw away the rest.
3. Old magazines and newspapers
Stacks of old magazines or newspapers take up valuable space. If you no longer refer to them, it’s time to say goodbye.
Before throwing them away, go through and save the most important ones. If you want to keep a recipe, article, or inspirational tip, snap a quick photo with your phone or scan it using a free app like Google Drive or Evernote. You’ll have easy digital access without piling up paper.
For a more organized approach, create a dedicated folder on your phone or computer to store these items for future reference.
4. Socks are stretched or mismatched
We all have a sock cemetery. Collect and discard those socks that don’t match or stretch to free up drawer space.
5. Expired cosmetics and skin care products
Using expired beauty products is unnecessary and even harmful. Check labels and dispose of expired items safely.
6. Unused kitchen utensils
Do you really need an avocado slicer or an old coffee grinder? If you haven’t used a gadget in over a year, it’s time to ditch it. Free up space by sorting through unused tools and equipment—and you might even make some money in the process.
Consider selling items in good condition on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Even gadgets can earn you extra cash.
Pro tip: Tap into your emergency savings as much as possible. Click here View a list of the top savings accounts in the United States.
7. Outdated tech gadgets
From floppy disks to outdated HDMI cables, get rid of outdated technology accessories that clutter your space.
8. Duplicate tools or utensils
Two can openers? Three vegetable peelers? Keep the best ones and donate or throw away duplicates.
9. Books you’ll never read again
While books can become treasured possessions, not all books need to be kept forever. Free up your bookshelf by donating or selling books you won’t return to again.
10. Unused cleaning products
Cleaning products that don’t work for you or are nearly empty will only take up space. Dispose of them responsibly and stick with your regular items.
11. Broken or unused furniture
If it’s damaged beyond repair or doesn’t fit the style of your home, ditch it. Freeing up space can make room for your favorite furniture.
12. Toys that children no longer play with
Children soon outgrow toys. Donate used toys and throw away anything that is broken or unsafe.
13. Old towels and sheets
Towels with holes or sheets you no longer use don’t have to go straight into the trash. Repurpose them as house cleaning rags, or better yet, donate them to pet shelters that are always in need of soft bedding and towels to care for their animals.
Supporting a shelter is a great way to give back to the community, but don’t forget about your own furry friends. Your pet needs care and protection; unexpected veterinary bills can add up quickly.
Pro tip: Vet bills can drain your savings. Protect yourself and your furry friends pet insurance.
14. Takeaway menus and spam
Everything is available online, so there’s no need to keep an outdated takeout menu or piles of spam. Recycle and shred responsibly.
15. Expired medicines
Keeping old prescriptions or expired over-the-counter medications can be dangerous. Dispose of these items safely at the pharmacy or designated disposal location.
16. Unfinished Craft Projects
If you haven’t touched upon a knitting project or scrapbooking project in years, it’s time to give it up. To recycle your space, donate unused materials to a school, community center or craft club, or simply throw them away.
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17. Holiday decorations you don’t use
If you haven’t had these lights or decorations in years, it’s time to donate or discard them to make room for new favorites.
18. Broken shoes
Shoes that no longer fit or are falling apart don’t need to take up space in your closet. Donate your used shoes and throw away the rest.
19. Old receipts and paperwork
Save only necessary financial or legal documents and shred the rest. Digitization also helps reduce paper clutter in the future.
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20. Forgotten Hobby Devices
Treadmill that doubles as a clothes rack or unused exercise gear sitting around in the garage? If it’s not part of your daily life, consider selling or donating it.
Organize and reclaim your space
Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small and tackle one category or space at a time, and you’ll quickly find a lighter, more organized home.
Letting go of these 20 items can make a big difference—not only for your physical space, but also for your mental clarity.
Embrace the process and enjoy the transformation!
