Cluttered spaces lead to equally cluttered minds. Studies show that messy environments often contribute to low-grade stress, cognitive overload, decreased productivity, and other negative effects on well-being. The antidote to this is decluttering, with the goal of creating intentional, not empty, spaces that are easy to navigate. From expired pantry staples to dust-collecting craft supplies,…
1. Expired Beauty Products
Will you ever coat your lashes in that dried-up mascara? Risk a burn with expired sunscreen? Makeup and skin care products have a shelf life, and those past their prime can harbor bacteria. “Toss anything with a funky smell, weird texture, or that’s been sitting unused for over a year,” says Joy Ramos, operations manager of Bear Brothers Cleaning, an Alabama-based cleaning company.
2. Old Electronics and Cables
Everyone is guilty of hanging on to mystery cables, but that tangled web of cords and chargers for devices you no longer own can go — especially if you don’t remember what they belong to. Look for e-waste programs through your local recycling center or community groups.
3. Unused Hobby Supplies
The aspirations were well intentioned. Still, if a pile of yarn has been collecting dust for years and you have yet to learn how to knit, donate the supplies. Not only do they take up space, but never-touched tools can create unnecessary guilt. Keep only what you actively use.
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4. Old Paperwork
“It’s time to face that mountain of unopened mail, old warranties, and instruction manuals for gadgets you don’t even remember owning,” Ramos says. Digitize important documents and toss the rest, shredding anything that contains sensitive information.
5. Gifts You’ve Never Liked — But Kept Out of Guilt
Your aunt Kathy meant well when she gifted you that pair of fuzzy slippers. But that doesn’t mean you need to store them in the back of your closet forever.
6. Clothes That Don’t Fit
“Let’s be real about our wardrobes,” Ramos says. Closet space is extremely valuable, so the “if-I-lose-5-pounds” jeans need to go, and so does the bridesmaid dress from your sister’s wedding a decade ago. “If you haven’t worn something in a year, it’s uncomfortable, or [it] just doesn’t fit your lifestyle anymore, give it a little goodbye and let it go,” Ramos adds.
7. Untouched Winter Gear
When the last bit of snow has melted, take the time to evaluate your winter apparel and equipment. If you didn’t wear a certain scarf or coat this winter, chances are you won’t next year either. Donate it, along with any winter equipment you didn’t use, such as those too-tight ski boots.
8. Books You Won’t Read Again
Be honest with yourself. Will you really reread that book that’s been sitting untouched on your shelf for years? If the answer is no, donate it to a local Little Free Library so someone else can appreciate it.
9. Expired Food and Pantry Goods
Check the expiration dates on your spices, baking ingredients, condiments, and canned foods — you never know what could be lurking in the back of your pantry. “The number of items that have outlived their usefulness without you even realizing it may surprise you,” Ramos says.
10. Digital Clutter
Clutter isn’t just what piles up in a junk drawer. Giving your phone and computer a clean out will equally contribute to mental clarity. Delete old downloads, organize your photo albums, and clear your desktop and inbox.
11. Broken Items You Haven’t Fixed
“We all tend to hold on to things ‘just in case,’ but it’s time to face the truth about what you’re really not going to fix,” Ramos says. Either repair that wobbly chair and torn lampshade immediately, or replace them.
12. Worn-Out Linens and Towels
If you’re questioning whether to toss that ratty towel or holey duvet cover, the answer is yes. The ultimate test is asking yourself if you’d give it to a houseguest to use. No? Then it’s overdue to be recycled or repurposed into cleaning rags.
13. Empty Boxes
It can be tempting to hang on to a stack of boxes on the off-chance you’ll need one to make a return or wrap a gift. But remember: You can always find another box if needed.
14. Duplicate Kitchen Tools
Streamlining your kitchen accessories makes cooking and baking — not to mention cleaning and organizing — so much easier. Donate all of the once-trendy kitchen gadgets you never use, such as a zucchini spiralizer or avocado slicer, as well as anything you own duplicates of.
15. Mismatched Food Containers
Take inventory of your leftover containers, including those you forgot to return to friends after the last potluck and the takeout containers you’ve been holding on to “just in case.” Save only what you actually use and toss anything with missing or mismatched lids.
