Clutter has a way of sneaking into every corner of our homes, whether it’s outdated items, unused gadgets, or things we hold onto “just in case.” Professional organizers have a sharp eye for identifying what no longer serves us. In this guide, we’re diving into 21 common household items that a pro would toss to streamline your space and bring back a sense of order. Get ready to clear the clutter and make your home a more functional and peaceful environment.

1. Old Magazines and Newspapers Piling Up

Old magazines and newspapers take up unnecessary space and can create clutter in your home. Whether they’re from a specific interest or simply accumulated over time, holding on to these items only adds to the chaos. Let go of outdated issues you’ve already read or no longer need, making room for more functional storage. If you feel the urge to keep them, consider scanning articles you want to revisit digitally to preserve memories without the clutter.

2. Outdated Kitchen Appliances and Gadgets

Kitchen gadgets and appliances that are rarely used or outdated are prime candidates for removal. Items like juicers, mixers, or bread machines that gather dust or are broken only occupy precious counter space. If you haven’t used them in months, it’s time to let go. Upgrading to more compact, versatile alternatives or simply eliminating what no longer serves you will help streamline your kitchen, creating a more functional and organized space.

3. Expired Medicines and Supplements

Expired medications and supplements can not only take up space in your medicine cabinet but may also be harmful if consumed after their expiration date. It’s essential to regularly go through your collection and discard anything that has passed its shelf life. Doing so ensures that you’re only keeping what’s safe and effective, while also preventing unnecessary clutter. This small task can improve both the functionality and safety of your home.

4. Clothes You Haven’t Worn in Over a Year

Holding on to clothes that haven’t seen the light of day in a year or more can create unnecessary clutter in your closet. If you’re not wearing it, it’s probably time to donate, sell, or discard those items. Letting go of clothing that no longer fits your style, body, or needs not only frees up closet space but also makes it easier to access the items you truly love and wear regularly.

5. Broken or Unused Electronics

Broken or unused electronics are often kept around with the intention of fixing them or ‘someday’ using them again. However, they often take up valuable storage space and become obsolete. Whether it’s an old TV, phone, or stereo, if it’s broken, outdated, or rarely used, it’s time to part ways. Recycling or donating functional items, and properly disposing of non-working ones, will help declutter your home and keep your electronics in line with modern usage.

6. Mismatched or Excess Dishware

A mismatched collection of plates, cups, and silverware can quickly overwhelm your cabinets and take up valuable space. If you’re holding onto dishware that doesn’t match or you rarely use, it’s time to downsize. Instead of keeping random pieces, focus on quality, coordinated sets that serve your needs. Donate or repurpose the extras and create a more streamlined, functional collection. A cohesive set will not only save space but will also improve the aesthetic of your dining setup.

7. Excessive Paperwork and Documents

Stacks of old paperwork, bills, and documents can accumulate quickly and create clutter in your home office or filing cabinets. If the documents are no longer relevant or required, it’s best to shred or recycle them. Digitize important files and create a digital filing system for easy access. By keeping only what’s necessary and organizing the rest, you’ll free up space and reduce the overwhelming pile of paperwork that often feels impossible to manage.

8. Excess Gift Wrap and Bags

While it’s tempting to hold onto extra gift wrap and bags “just in case,” excessive quantities can quickly create clutter in closets or storage areas. Sort through your collection and dispose of any items that are torn, faded, or no longer useful. If you have an overwhelming amount of unused gift wrap, donate it or recycle what you don’t plan to use in the near future. Keeping a manageable amount will save space and make it easier to stay organized when the holidays roll around.

9. Unused and Duplicate Tools

Having an abundance of tools or duplicates of the same item can take up unnecessary space in your garage or utility closet. If you have tools that you haven’t used in months or multiples of the same type, it’s time to declutter. Donate or sell duplicates and keep only the tools that are most useful for your needs. By minimizing your tool collection to the essentials, you’ll create a more organized and efficient space for any future projects.

10. Old Towels and Linens

Old towels, bed linens, and blankets can accumulate over time, taking up valuable closet space. If towels are frayed or linens are no longer in good condition, it’s time to replace them. Consider donating gently used towels to animal shelters or charities. A streamlined collection of fresh, high-quality linens will not only save you space but also ensure that your towels and bedding are always ready for use, making your home feel organized and refreshed.

11. Outdated or Unused Cookbooks

Cookbooks that haven’t been opened in years just take up space in your kitchen. Whether they’re filled with recipes you’ve never tried or outdated guides that no longer suit your taste, it’s time to part with them. If you’ve switched to online recipes or use apps for meal planning, these cookbooks may no longer serve you. Donate the ones you don’t use, and keep only the ones that truly inspire your cooking. This will free up valuable space on your shelves and in your kitchen drawers.

12. Shoes You Haven’t Worn in Ages

Shoes that are worn out, don’t fit properly, or haven’t been worn in over a year are likely just taking up space in your closet. Shoes can accumulate quickly, so take time to assess what you actually wear regularly. Donate or sell any pairs that are no longer in style, have visible damage, or simply aren’t comfortable. A streamlined shoe collection will help you create a more organized closet, allowing you to easily find the shoes you actually need and wear.

13. Worn-Out Furniture That Needs Replacing

Tired, sagging couches and creaky chairs may be doing more harm than good in your space. That threadbare armchair you keep meaning to fix? It’s likely just dragging down the whole vibe. Furniture that’s past its prime doesn’t just take up room—it dims the comfort and style of your home. Instead of holding onto what no longer serves you, consider parting ways. Donate what you can, recycle what you can’t, and invest in pieces that bring both function and charm back to your rooms.

14. Overstuffed and Non-Functional Bins

Overstuffed bins often become a catch-all for clutter, but they rarely help with organization. These bins can make it harder to find what you need and leave you constantly digging through them. Instead of holding onto poorly organized storage solutions, take the time to declutter and reassess your system. Invest in more functional, properly sized bins that suit your needs. This will make it easier to access items and keep your home feeling organized and tidy.

15. Freebie Promotional Items You Don’t Need

Over the years, you’ve probably accumulated a variety of freebie promotional items that have little or no use. From branded pens to novelty mugs, these items often take up space and add to the clutter in your home. If something’s been collecting dust for months, it’s likely just taking up valuable space. Let it go and reclaim the room for what truly matters. Donate any useful items and recycle the rest. By clearing out these unnecessary freebies, you’ll create more room for the items you truly value and use on a daily basis.

16. Old, Dull or Unused Kitchen Knives

Knives that are worn out, dull, or not being used should be removed from your kitchen drawers. A dull knife can be dangerous and inefficient, making meal prep harder than it needs to be. If your kitchen knives are chipped, dull, or damaged beyond repair, it’s time to part ways. Ditch the frustration and upgrade safely. Keep only the sharp, functional ones in your kitchen. Investing in a quality set of knives will not only enhance your cooking experience but also save space by removing tools that no longer serve their purpose.

17. Decorative Items with No Purpose

Over time, decorative items that were once cherished can become clutter if they no longer serve any practical or aesthetic purpose. Whether it’s figurines, knick-knacks, or outdated home decor, items without purpose can create a sense of visual overload. Take a critical look at your collection and let go of anything that doesn’t bring value or joy. Focus on keeping decor that enhances the atmosphere of your home, helping create a cleaner, more cohesive space.

18. Excessive Plastic Containers and Lids

Plastic containers and their lids often accumulate, especially in the kitchen, where mismatched sets can make organization difficult. You may often find yourself with a multitude of lids, and no container to go along with them. Start by sorting through your collection and get rid of any pieces that are missing parts or no longer fit your needs. By keeping only the necessary, well-matching containers, you’ll make it easier to find what you need and avoid the clutter of unnecessary plastic.

19. Unworn Jewelry or Accessories

Jewelry and accessories that sit in your drawers, never worn, are simply taking up space. Items that no longer fit your style, are broken, or have been left untouched for years should be donated or sold. Instead of keeping items you never use, curate a collection of pieces that are versatile and meaningful. This will not only free up space but also give you an easier time finding and enjoying the accessories you actually wear.

20. Broken or Unwanted Holiday Decorations

For something that is only used once or twice a year, holiday decoration end up using a lot of valuable storage space. Instead of hanging on to items that are outdated, broken and out of sync with your personal style, it would be a better practice to only keep the items that are in usable condition. Whether it’s a string of lights that no longer works or ornaments that have lost their charm, it’s time to let go of items that no longer bring joy. Sort through your decorations and dispose of anything that’s beyond repair or doesn’t fit your current holiday aesthetic. This will leave you with more room to store what you truly love and use each year.

21. Things You’ve Been ‘Saving for Later’

It’s easy to hold onto items with the intention of using them in the future—clothes that need a small repair, decorative items for a future season, or kitchen tools you plan to use one day. However, if they’ve been sitting untouched for months or years, it’s time to reconsider. These items take up space without serving their purpose. Allow the process of decluttering to make room in your life for the items that are actually useful and meaningful to you. It’s liberating to finally free up that space and only keep what you truly need and love.

This article was created with the assistance of AI but thoroughly edited by a human being.