It’s surprisingly easy for things to accumulate inside our homes simply because we don’t know where else to put them. Closets, basements, attics, garages, and spare rooms slowly become holding areas for everything from old electronics and cardboard boxes to leftover paint and food we forgot we bought.
But some things aren’t worth the space they take up, while others can attract pests, develop mold, deteriorate, or create potential safety problems when stored incorrectly. The next time you’re decluttering, these are 8 things you may want to remove, relocate, or store much more carefully.
Hazardous or Flammable Products
Gasoline, propane cylinders, paint thinner, pesticides, solvents, and other hazardous products shouldn’t be tucked into random closets, basements, or living spaces simply because there’s room. Some can leak, release fumes, or become dangerous around heat and flames, so always follow the manufacturer’s storage directions or properly dispose of products you no longer need.
Things You’re Only Keeping Because You Don’t Know How to Dispose of Them
Old paint, batteries, broken appliances, electronics, chemicals, and other awkward-to-dispose-of items can sit around for years simply because they can’t go into the regular trash. Instead of creating a permanent “I’ll deal with it later” pile, find your local recycling, hazardous-waste, donation, or special-disposal option and finally get them out of the house.
Expired and Forgotten Food
That forgotten bag of flour or open box of cereal in the back of the pantry isn’t worth keeping indefinitely, especially when food residue can attract ants, pantry moths, cockroaches, and rodents. Regularly rotate pantry staples, discard food that’s no longer safe, and donate unopened products you won’t use while they’re still suitable for someone else.
Related: 8 Foods Food Banks Usually Can’t Accept
Important Documents in Basements or Attics
Don’t leave birth certificates, passports, family photographs, legal paperwork, and other irreplaceable documents in cardboard boxes in areas exposed to moisture or extreme temperature changes. Keep important papers somewhere dry and secure, and consider making digital copies of anything that would be difficult to replace.
Related: 15 Important Documents You Should Never Throw away
Wet or Damp Clothing and Linens
Never shove damp towels, blankets, jackets, rugs, or other fabrics into a closet or storage container with plans to deal with them later. Trapped moisture can lead to mildew, odors, and damage to surrounding belongings, so make sure everything is completely dry before putting it away.
Mountains of Plastic Grocery Bags
Keeping a handful of grocery bags for trash cans or cleanup is useful, but you probably don’t need an entire cabinet overflowing with them. Designate one container for bags and recycle the excess, rather than letting the collection spread into multiple drawers and closets.
Broken Electronics
Old phones, laptops, chargers, headphones, and small appliances often get stored because we convince ourselves we’ll repair or use them eventually. If something has been broken for years, remove your personal information when applicable and use an appropriate electronics recycling program instead of giving it valuable storage space.
Piles of Cardboard Boxes, Newspapers and Magazines
Stacks of cardboard and paper aren’t just clutter; they can absorb moisture, collect dust, and provide hiding or nesting areas for pests. Recycle what you don’t need and use more durable storage containers for belongings that actually require long-term protection.
