15 Things Professional Organizers Say You Should Get Rid of Right Now
Is your home feeling cluttered or overwhelming? Professional organizers know that holding on to unnecessary items can make your space feel more chaotic than cozy.
By letting go of the things you no longer need, you can create a more peaceful, functional, and organized environment. Here are 15 things you should get rid of right away, according to the experts, to reclaim space and simplify your life!
Expired Food
Take a look in your pantry and fridge — chances are there are some expired items lurking around. Expired food not only takes up valuable space but can also be unhealthy if accidentally consumed.
Spices, canned goods, and sauces can sneak past their expiration dates without you even noticing. Clear them out to make room for fresh and healthy options. Plus, it’s a good habit to regularly go through your kitchen to ensure everything’s in date.
Old Magazines and Newspapers
Stacks of old magazines and newspapers can pile up quickly and gather dust. While you may think you’ll get around to reading them, most of the time they just take up space. Professional organizers recommend recycling these as soon as they start to accumulate.
If there’s an article you really want to keep, consider scanning it or saving it digitally. This will help you declutter while still holding onto the information you find important.
Clothes You Haven’t Worn in a Year
If you haven’t worn a piece of clothing in over a year, it’s time to let it go. Professional organizers suggest doing a seasonal closet purge to make space for items you actually use.
Keeping clothes you don’t wear only adds to the clutter, making it harder to find what you need. Donate or sell pieces that are still in good condition. This creates space for new items you love and makes your closet more functional.
Broken or Unused Electronics
We all have that drawer or shelf filled with old phones, broken gadgets, or unused electronics. These items take up space and are often forgotten. If it’s broken beyond repair or you haven’t used it in the last six months, it’s time to get rid of it.
Many places will recycle old electronics, which is also great for the environment. Clearing out these tech relics will free up storage and help you stay organized.
Duplicate Kitchen Tools
How many spatulas or can openers do you really need? Professional organizers recommend going through your kitchen drawers and getting rid of duplicates. It’s easy to accumulate multiple tools or gadgets over time, but they just add to the clutter.
Stick to the basics that you use regularly and donate the rest. Simplifying your kitchen tools can make cooking more enjoyable and your space more organized.
Expired Beauty Products
Beauty products have a shelf life, and using expired items can be harmful to your skin. From old lotions to half-used makeup, it’s time to clear out those bathroom drawers. Check the expiration dates and toss anything that’s past its prime.
Not only will this make your bathroom look more organized, but it will also keep your skin safe from potentially harmful products. Plus, it creates space for new and fresh items!
Unworn Shoes
Shoes that are worn out, uncomfortable, or simply unworn for a long time should go. We often hold onto shoes with the hope of wearing them again, but if they’ve been sitting in your closet for ages, it’s time to let them go.
Donate shoes that are still in good condition to someone who might get more use out of them. This will declutter your closet and make it easier to find the shoes you actually wear.
Excess Tupperware
Tupperware can quickly get out of control, especially if you have mismatched lids or stained containers. Professional organizers recommend keeping only the Tupperware you actually use and getting rid of the rest.
Make sure each container has a matching lid and is in good condition. If not, recycle or toss it. This will help keep your kitchen cabinets neat and make meal prep easier.
Old Towels and Linens
We tend to hold onto towels and bed linens for far too long, even when they’re frayed, stained, or faded. Professional organizers suggest keeping only what you need and donating or repurposing the rest.
Old towels can be used for cleaning or donated to animal shelters. Streamlining your linen closet will give you more space and make it easier to find fresh, clean items when needed.
Outdated Paperwork
Stacks of old bills, receipts, and documents can quickly take over your home. Go through your paperwork and get rid of anything that’s outdated or no longer needed. Shred sensitive documents and recycle the rest.
Consider going digital for future records to avoid unnecessary clutter. A clean and organized filing system will make it easier to find important documents when you need them.
Old Hobby Supplies
If you’ve moved on from a hobby or have materials you’ll never use again, it’s time to let them go. Whether it’s old knitting supplies, art materials, or sports equipment, these items can take up valuable space.
Donate or sell what you no longer need, and keep only the things that still bring you joy. Clearing out unused hobby supplies can open up space for new interests or activities.
Stained or Damaged Furniture
If you have old furniture that’s stained, damaged, or no longer fits your style, it’s time to part ways. Professional organizers say that holding onto furniture that doesn’t serve a purpose only adds to the clutter.
Donate, sell, or repurpose items that are still in decent condition. Letting go of these pieces can open up space and create a more cohesive look in your home.
Unused Cookbooks
Cookbooks can be beautiful, but if you’re not using them, they’re just taking up shelf space. If you tend to find your recipes online, it’s time to donate or recycle those dusty cookbooks. Keep only the ones you truly love and use.
This will make your kitchen feel less cluttered and give you room for other things you use more often.
Old Chargers and Cables
We all have a drawer filled with old chargers and cables that we don’t even know what they belong to anymore. Professional organizers recommend going through these and tossing anything that’s no longer useful.
If you’re not sure what a cable goes to, it’s probably time to let it go. Keeping only the essentials will free up drawer space and make it easier to find the cables you actually need.
Unused Gifts
It can be hard to part with gifts, even if you’re not using them. However, holding onto items just because they were a gift adds unnecessary clutter to your home.
Professional organizers suggest donating or re-gifting items that don’t serve a purpose in your life. Let go of the guilt and remember that it’s okay to part with things you don’t need, even if they were a gift.
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