You’ve cleaned out your closet, cleared the kitchen counters, and finally tackled that junk drawer. But a few other places around your home probably haven’t been touched in years. If you’re ready to make a little more room at home, here are nine things worth going through.
Old phones, chargers, and electronics
That drawer of outdated phones, tangled charging cables, and mystery adapters can grow surprisingly large when you keep everything just in case. Match chargers to devices you still own, then erase personal data from unwanted electronics and take them to an appropriate electronics recycling or trade-in program.
Travel-sized toiletries and beauty samples
Hotel shampoos, miniature lotions, and free cosmetic samples tend to pile up because each one seems too small to count as clutter. Check their condition and expiration dates, keep only what you’ll realistically use, and ask local donation organizations whether they accept unopened products.
Reusable shopping bags and tote bags
Reusable bags are handy until you’ve collected so many that they fill a closet, the trunk of your car, and a drawer by the front door. Keep a practical number in places where you’ll remember to use them, then pass along clean extras that are still in good condition.
Old CDs, DVDs, and other media
If you no longer own a CD player, DVD player, or VCR, those boxes of old movies and music likely haven’t been touched in years. Keep the recordings you genuinely value, then consider selling or donating playable copies that are simply taking up storage space.
Books you’re never going to read again
Books have a way of filling every available shelf, especially when you keep buying new ones without letting go of the old. Go through your collection and set aside outdated reference books, duplicate copies, and titles you know you’ll never read again so someone else can enjoy them.
Half-used candles
That cabinet full of candles might include scents you no longer like, gifts you never opened, and jars with barely enough wax left for another burn. Keep the ones you actually use and clear out the rest, checking whether any empty containers can be cleaned, reused, or recycled.
Forgotten bottles in the liquor cabinet
It’s easy to forget about the bottles tucked behind everything else, especially if you only reach into the liquor cabinet when guests come over. Check opened mixers and cream-based liqueurs for storage guidance and expiration dates, then reassess bottles you’ve kept for years but don’t plan to use.
Jewelry you haven’t worn in years
Your jewelry box may be holding broken necklaces, single earrings, tarnished costume jewelry, and pieces that no longer suit your style. Set aside sentimental and valuable items you want to keep, then consider repairing, selling, or donating the pieces you’re ready to let go of.
Old instruction manuals and product paperwork
You might have a drawer full of manuals, warranty booklets, and receipts for appliances or electronics you no longer own. Recycle paperwork you no longer need, but keep documents related to products you still use, active warranties, or purchases that require proof of ownership.
Start with one overlooked spot
You don’t need to pull everything out of every cabinet to make progress. Choose one of these forgotten collections, keep what’s useful or meaningful, and find a new home for the rest before moving on to the next spot.
