Clutter can sneak up on us, filling our homes with unnecessary items that take up space and drain our energy. Professional organizers have seen it all, from overflowing junk drawers to garages so packed you can’t park a car. They know exactly what items tend to pile up and cause the most chaos in our living spaces. By getting rid of these common clutter culprits, you can create a more peaceful, organized home. Here’s a list of 18 things professional organizers say you should toss or donate right away. You might be surprised at just how many of these items you’re guilty of holding on to. I know I am!
Expired Medications
Expired medications can be ineffective or even harmful. Go through your medicine cabinet and safely dispose of any outdated prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs. Many pharmacies offer medication take-back programs for proper disposal. Remember to check expiration dates regularly and only keep what you currently need.
Old Magazines and Newspapers
Outdated magazines and newspapers quickly pile up and collect dust. If you haven’t read them within a month, you probably won’t. Recycle these items or donate recent magazines to local libraries or nursing homes. Keep only current issues or special editions you truly value.
Broken Electronics
That drawer full of old phones, chargers, and gadgets you’re keeping “just in case” is wasting valuable space. Recycle or properly dispose of broken electronics. Many electronics stores offer recycling programs for old devices. Only keep items you actually use regularly.
Mismatched Food Containers
Tupperware without lids and lids without containers create unnecessary chaos in your kitchen. Sort through your food storage containers and keep only matching sets in good condition. Recycle or repurpose the rest. This will make storing leftovers much easier and more efficient.
Unused Gifts
We all have gifts we’ve received but never used. It’s okay to let these go. Donate unused gifts to charity or regift them to someone who will appreciate them. Keep only gifts that you truly love or use regularly. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, not the physical item.
Old Cosmetics and Toiletries
Makeup and skincare products don’t last forever. Throw away any expired cosmetics, as they can harbor bacteria. Check your bathroom for half-empty bottles of shampoo or lotion you don’t use. Simplify your routine by keeping only products you use regularly.
Clothes That Don’t Fit
Holding onto clothes that don’t fit, hoping you’ll fit into them someday, just creates clutter and can negatively impact your self-esteem. Donate clothes that no longer fit or that you haven’t worn in a year. Keep only items that make you feel good when you wear them.
Outdated Technology
Old computers, printers, or gaming consoles you no longer use take up valuable space. Recycle these items responsibly or donate working technology to schools or charities. Keep only devices you currently use and enjoy. This will free up space and reduce electronic clutter. I have to say, I hate getting rid of my old tech. I really don’t know why, but I struggle with this.
Duplicate Kitchen Utensils
Multiple can openers, peelers, or spatulas crowd your kitchen drawers. Keep only your favorite or the best quality of each utensil. Donate the extras to a local shelter or charity. This will make cooking more enjoyable and your kitchen more organized.
Old Paperwork
Shred and recycle old bills, statements, and documents you no longer need. Keep important documents in a fire-safe box or digitize them. Set up a simple filing system for current paperwork. This will reduce paper clutter and make finding important documents easier.
Unread Books
Books you’ve been meaning to read for years but haven’t touched are just collecting dust. Donate them to your local library or a used bookstore. Keep only books you love and will read again. This will create space for new books you’re excited about. I don’t think I’ll ever throw out a book, though. I might read it one day!
Old Towels and Linens
Threadbare towels and stained sheets don’t belong in your linen closet. Cut up old towels for cleaning rags and recycle the rest. Donate gently used linens to animal shelters. Keep only linens in good condition that you actually use.
Unused Exercise Equipment
That treadmill doubling as a clothes hanger isn’t doing you any favors. Sell or donate exercise equipment you don’t use. Keep only fitness items that fit your current workout routine. This will free up space and remove the guilt associated with unused equipment. Yep. I eventually got rid of my exercise bike and my punch bag, although I do still have my rebounder and treadmill, as I use these most days.
Expired Pantry Items
Go through your pantry and toss any expired food items. Check spices, which lose potency over time. Donate non-perishable items that are still good but you know you won’t use. Organize remaining items by expiration date to reduce future waste.
Old Children’s Toys
Kids outgrow toys quickly. Donate or sell toys your children no longer play with. Keep only current favorites and rotate toys to maintain interest. This will create more play space and make cleanup easier.
Excess Mugs and Glasses
Most households have far more drinkware than they need. Keep only your favorite mugs and enough glasses for your largest gatherings. Donate the rest to charity. This will free up cabinet space and make your kitchen feel less cluttered.
Old Receipts and Tickets
That drawer full of old receipts, ticket stubs, and business cards is just creating clutter. Keep only receipts for large purchases or items you might return. Scan important documents and shred the rest. This will reduce paper clutter and make important items easier to find.
Unused Craft Supplies
Craft supplies for hobbies you no longer enjoy take up valuable space. Donate unused supplies to schools or community centers. Keep only materials for crafts you currently enjoy. This will create space for new hobbies and make crafting more enjoyable. I know I should get rid of many of my craft supplies, but I’m neurodivergent and have a lot of crafting interests and wax and wane overtime, so I tend to hoard craft supplies knowing that one day, I’ll want to make something with them again.
17 Old Wives’ Tales That Are Actually True
Old wives’ tales have been passed down through generations, often dismissed as mere superstition. However, many of these age-old beliefs are rooted in truth. From health tips to weather predictions, these stories from the past can surprise us with their accuracy. Here are 17 old wives’ tales that are actually true.
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Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
