We all have things in our homes we keep for no good reason. I’m talking about the random cords we can’t identify, empty boxes from things we bought years ago, and broken items we’re convinced we’ll eventually fix.
Somehow, these things manage to stick around for years, taking up space in our drawers, closets, and cabinets. And the longer we keep them, the less likely we are to even notice they’re there.
If you’ve been putting off decluttering because you don’t have the time, here’s a good place to start.
Empty boxes from things you bought years ago
That box your coffee maker came in three years ago probably isn’t serving much of a purpose anymore. Unless you need it for an upcoming return, move, or warranty shipment, don’t let empty packaging take up valuable closet or garage space.
Cords and chargers that belong to absolutely nothing
You know that tangled collection of mystery cords sitting in a drawer somewhere? If you no longer own the devices they belong to and can’t identify a use for them, it’s time to send those outdated chargers and cables to an electronics recycling program.
Clothes you’re keeping just because you paid good money for them
We’ve all bought something expensive that turned out to be uncomfortable, unflattering, or completely wrong for us. Keeping it in your closet won’t bring back the money you spent, but selling or donating it will at least free up some space.
Related: 12 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Bedroom
Expired coupons and old store flyers
That coupon from six months ago won’t suddenly become valid again, no matter how long you keep it. Go through your kitchen drawers, purse, and junk mail pile, and recycle expired offers and outdated ads.
Broken things you’ve been meaning to fix for years
A lamp that stopped working, a clock with missing parts, or a kitchen gadget that’s been broken since last Christmas doesn’t need a permanent spot in your home. If you haven’t tried to repair it and the cost isn’t worth it, it’s probably time to let it go.
Takeout menus from restaurants you never order from
If you haven’t ordered from a restaurant in years, there’s little reason to keep its menu tucked inside your kitchen drawer. Most restaurants have their menus online anyway, so those outdated paper copies are probably just collecting dust.
Plastic containers without matching lids
Food storage containers have a habit of losing their lids without explanation. If you’ve searched the cabinets and still can’t find a match, recycle the orphaned pieces where accepted instead of letting them take over an entire drawer.
Old beauty products you wouldn’t put on your face anymore
Dried-out mascara, separated foundation, and skincare products that have been sitting open for years aren’t worth keeping just because there’s still something left inside. If a product is expired, smells off, or has changed texture, toss it rather than risk your skin.
Free promotional items you never wanted
Between conferences, events, hotels, and giveaways, it’s easy to accumulate branded pens, keychains, tote bags, and other freebies you never actually needed. Just because something was free doesn’t mean you have to give it a permanent home.
Shoes that hurt your feet every time you wear them
If a pair of shoes gives you blisters, pinches your toes, or leaves your feet aching, why are you still keeping them? No matter how cute they are or how much you paid, shoes that consistently hurt your feet are better off being donated if they’re still in good condition.
Old instruction manuals for things you no longer own
There’s no reason to keep the instruction manual for a microwave you replaced five years ago. Go through that stack of paperwork and recycle manuals for appliances, electronics, and furniture that aren’t even in your home anymore.
Mugs and water bottles nobody ever uses
You probably have a few favorite mugs you reach for every morning while the rest sit untouched in the back of the cabinet. The same goes for promotional water bottles, souvenir cups, and those travel mugs with missing lids that somehow never get thrown away.
Expired medications and half-empty bottles
Old prescriptions, expired vitamins, and medications you no longer need shouldn’t be taking up space in your bathroom cabinets. Check expiration dates and use a pharmacy or medication take-back program to dispose of unwanted medicines safely.
Random keys that don’t open anything
Most of us have a handful of mystery keys tucked away in a drawer, and nobody seems to know what they belong to. Check that they don’t open anything you still own, then recycle the unnecessary metal keys through an appropriate local program.
