Having a cluttered home can add to your stress levels. It makes your home feel less calm and pleasant, and it gives you more work to try to keep things tidy. I’m not a minimalist by a long shot, but I try to evaluate what I own every now and again. I always find that somehow, I end up holding onto items too long and it’s really refreshing to get rid of stuff, while decluttering my home. It sort of feels like a fresh start! When items are not broken or otherwise ruined or damaged, I try to donate items so they can be used by those who may need or find good use for them. Just because something is clutter to me, doesn’t mean it might not be a valued, well-used item for someone else! Anyway, here is my list of 50 things to get rid of.
- Clothing that is more than 1 size off from what you currently own…unless you’re already in the midst of a serious lifestyle change, are pregnant or postpartum, etc.
- Old prescription glasses except for 1 pair. Have one packup in case your current pair breaks if you are like me and would struggle to get around without a wearable pair, but don’t hold onto 5 old pairs!
- All electronic cords that you are not sure what they belong to.
- Spatulas and wooden spoons that you find oddly shaped or otherwise find less desireable to use, can’t use with your current pans, have damage, etc.
- That spoon someone used in the ice cream when it was too frozen, so it’s bent and nobody wants to use it.
- VHS tapes or DVD’s if you now use a streaming service.
- Any spices and seasonings that have expired.
- Anything in your pantry that has expired.
- Anything in your fridge that hs expired (fridge-door items like condiments are the most likely culprit)
- Lotions or skincare products that did not work well on your skin.
- Cosmetics that you skip over because they aren’t your color.
- All expired makeup (yes, makeup expires! Be careful with eye makeup in particular).
- Books you are unlikely to read, or re-read.
- Expired medications.
- Old magazines or newspapers. These are just packrat items! Nobody regularly reads through old ‘zines.
- Soap and lotion from hotels. You took it home, but haven’t used it in a year? You never will.
- Any sample-sized items that you’ve had for more than a few months but have not tried out.
- All but one set of measuring cups
- All but one set of measuring spoons
- Any pots or pans that you don’t use due to sticking, warping, and so on.
- Those single-use small kitchen appliances (corn dog maker, anyone?) that you haven’t used in the past year.
- Any clothing that is permanently stained or has holes.
- Holiday decor that you did not put out last season.
- Handbags you haven’t used in the past year.
- All old cell phones, except one. If your current one breaks, make sure you have a backup. Just one, though!
- Extra phone cases.
- Phone cords or other electronics that have stripped cords.
- Old Tupperware or food storage containers that you do not have lids for.
- Any lids you do not have pots/bowls/containers for.
- CD’s if you’ve moved to streaming or mp3’s.
- Towels that have holes or are stringy.
- Old computer screens or keyboards.
- That old boxy TV.
- Any broken appliances.
- Gift bags (unless you are very good about remembering to reuse them!)
- That gift you got but don’t like or use. I know you feel bad, but it’s okay to toss it out.
- Bent sunglasses.
- Cleaning products you haven’t used in the past 6 months.
- Craft supplies for crafts that you do not regularly create. If you sew once a year, you don’t need a closet full of fabric!
- Keys for old vehicles, apartments, etc.
- Socks or shoes that don’t have a mate.
- The fitness equipment you bought years ago but have never consistently used.
- Anything that has been sitting around broken for more than a month.
- Anything that you do not have a clear purpose for or plan for.
- Anything you have duplicates of, that you do not use two or more of at once.
- Anything that you aren’t confident you will use again.
- Anything you want to get rid of, but feel bad for not wanting to keep.
- Anything you feel is too old or outdated to use.
- Anything large that you are keeping for memory’s sake only. Take good photos to save digitally instead!
- Anything that you aren’t certain what it is!
Hi there! I am Emily Evert, the owner of Emily Reviews. I am 28 and live in a small town in Michigan with my boyfriend Ryan and our two pugs. I have a large family and I adore my nieces and nephews. I love reading memoirs, and learning about child development and psychology. I love watching The Game of Thrones, Teen Mom, Sister Wives and Veep. I like listening to Jason Isbell, John Prine, and other alt-country or Americana music. I created Emily Reviews as a creative outlet to share my life and the products that I love with others.
This post currently has 11 responses.
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Danielle S
Good list! I did go through the kitchen drawer and got rid of a bunch of old wooden spatulas a few months ago. I got in trouble. Some of those my husband still used. Oops.
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Lauryn R
This is such a great list of things that you should get rid of when decluttering your home! I honestly cannot relax when there is clutter around me, so this is something I try to do often. I actually just got rid of ALL of the baby stuff/clothes that has been collecting over the last 9 years from all three of my kids. It feels great! 🙂 Thanks for sharing this!
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Barrie
We have too much stuff in our house and much needs to go to Salvation Army but it’s such a chore! LOL. We make it a goal to work on one area each month. Slowly but surely.
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gloria patterson
NICE LIST! When I moved from my home to a senior apartment I got rid of so much stuff. I took so much to goodwill the guy unloaded was calling me by name. In all the stuff I got rid of I have replaced 2 items and I think it cost me a total of $10.
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Sarah L
Photos are a good way to remember keepsakes that you don’t need to keep.
I need to go through my spices…. -
Cheryl
I need to go through this list and get rid of a whole lot of items.
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ellen beck
I tend to keep things. I admit it. I do donate quite a bit though. I need to do more. There are about 25 things on this list I could get rid of. Hubby and I are of an age we keep things to repair other things and I have a tough time and the junk drawer is organized but huge.
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Debbie Welchert
Wow what a great list. I couldn’t believe how many things I have on the list that I have been thinking about throwing out and haven’t. I am ready to declutter my house. Thanks for the great tips….
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I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I have so many things on this list!! I really need to declutter. Thanks for the inspiration and the suggestions. 🙂
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Wow that is a great list. I would suggest trying to sell some of the items you have suggested on online auctions sites rather than just throwing them away.
Those are good suggestions. I keep way too much, especially in my craft room. I need to make something with it.