Time To Let Go: 39 Common Items You Don’t Need Anymore

Imagine walking into your home and feeling a sense of calm and clarity, instead of being overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff surrounding you. Decluttering your living space can have a profound impact on your mental and physical well-being. 

Several studies have shown that too many unnecessary items can increase our stress and anxiety levels, making it harder to focus and enjoy our homes.

In this article, we’ll explore the surprising number of things we tend to accumulate over time and why it’s beneficial to part with them.

For more decluttering tips, check out my article on effective decluttering strategies. I’ve also shared my “One-Year Rule That Could Save You Thousands,” along with a video!

Expired Food Items

Expired foods can quickly accumulate in our pantries and fridges, taking up valuable storage space and potentially posing health risks if accidentally consumed. It’s easy to forget about that jar of sauce pushed to the back of the shelf or the can of beans that’s been sitting there for years. 

Make it a habit to regularly check expiration dates and toss anything that’s no longer fresh. This simple step will free up space and give you peace of mind, knowing your kitchen is stocked with safe, edible items.

Plus, you’ll have a clearer view of what food you actually have available, which can help with meal planning and reduce food waste.

Related: 12 Foods That Spoil Quickly And Tricks To Make Them Last Longer

Old Magazines and Newspapers

It’s easy for stacks of magazines and newspapers to pile up, especially if you have a habit of saving them “just in case.” But unless you refer back to these items frequently, they’re just taking up unnecessary space and collecting dust.

Consider recycling or discarding these clutter-creators, and access digital versions if you ever need to reference something. Your home will feel so much more relaxing without piles of old reading material everywhere.

If there are specific articles you want to keep, consider cutting them out and storing them in a folder, or taking photos of them with your phone for future reference.

Related: 🏡27 Traditions That Americans Are Losing Quickly 👔

Unused Kitchen Gadgets

We’ve all been there, standing in front of the kitchen gadget aisle, convinced we need that egg separator or avocado slicer. But the reality is, if you haven’t touched an item in the past year, it’s likely just occupying valuable cabinet real estate.

Be selective about the appliances and tools you keep, and let go of the ones that don’t serve you on a regular basis. Your kitchen will feel more streamlined and user-friendly.

Consider donating these unused gadgets to a local charity or thrift store where someone else might put them to good use.

Related: Simplify Your Kitchen Tasks: A Guide on How to Use and Clean a Vegetable Chopper

Duplicates of Cooking Utensils

Similar to kitchen gadgets, most people have far more cooking utensils than they actually need. Do you really require a dozen wooden spoons or multiple sets of measuring cups? Pare down your collection to just one or two of each type to streamline your drawers and cabinets. 

You’ll be amazed at how much more organized and accessible your cooking tools will be. This will make cooking more enjoyable as you won’t have to dig through cluttered drawers to find what you need. Keep the best quality items and let go of the rest.

Related: 30 Once Popular Boomer Items That Millennials Won’t Buy Anymore

Mismatched Socks

We’ve all experienced the frustration of a drawer full of lonely socks, with no matching pairs in sight. Rather than holding onto these singletons in the hope that their partners will magically appear, let them go.

Enjoy the organizational bliss of a neat, coordinated sock drawer instead. It may seem like a small change, but it can make a big difference in how tidy and put-together your home feels.

You could repurpose some of these lonely socks as cleaning rags or dust covers for small items in storage.

Related: 15 Behaviors Of Someone Who Grew Up Poor (Like I Did!)

Old Towels and Linens

Over time, towels, sheets, and other household linens can become worn, faded, or stained. While it’s tempting to keep these “just in case,” they often end up taking up valuable storage space.

Go through your linen closet and keep only the items you actively use and enjoy. Donate gently used items to animal shelters or homeless shelters where they can be put to good use. You can also repurpose some old towels as cleaning rags.

This will free up space in your linen closet and ensure you’re only keeping items that are in good condition.

Related:6 Tips for a Successful Garage Sale with info on Garage Sale Prices

Unworn Clothes

We’ve all held onto clothes with the intention of wearing them “someday.” But if an item has been sitting unworn in your closet for over a year, it’s time to let it go. Be honest with yourself about what you actually wear and what fits your current lifestyle. 

Donate or sell pieces you no longer need or love. This will make getting dressed easier and more enjoyable, as you’ll only be choosing from clothes you actually like and wear. Plus, your closet will feel more spacious and organized.

Related: How to Declutter a Coat Closet: A Parent’s Guide (With Video)

Broken Electronics

It’s tempting to keep broken electronics with the hope of fixing them later. But the reality is, most of these items will never be repaired and just end up collecting dust. Take an honest look at your pile of broken gadgets. If you haven’t fixed them by now, you probably never will. 

Recycle or properly dispose of anything that’s no longer functioning. Many electronics stores and local waste management facilities offer electronics recycling programs. This will free up storage space and reduce the mental clutter of unfinished projects.

Related: 22 Ways Technology Has Made Americans Lives Worse

Old Cords and Chargers

As technology evolves, the cords and chargers we accumulate quickly become obsolete. That drawer full of tangled cords probably contains many items you no longer even own the devices for.

Sort through your collection and keep only the ones you actively use for your current devices. Properly recycle the rest. If you’re unsure about a cord, take a photo of it and ask family members if they need it before discarding.

Organizing your remaining cords with labels or cord organizers can help prevent future clutter.

Related: Save Hundreds a Year by Unplugging These 15 Household Devices 

Unread Books

An overflowing bookshelf can feel overwhelming, both visually and mentally. If you have books that have been sitting unread for years, consider passing them on to someone who will appreciate them.

Be realistic about what you’ll actually read in the future. You can always check out books from the library or purchase e-book versions if you decide you want to read them later. 

Letting go of the unread books you’re unlikely to pick up again can create a refreshing sense of order. Keep only the books that truly bring you joy or serve a purpose in your current life.

Related: How to Get Free Books, Ebooks, Audiobooks, and Podcasts

Excess Tupperware

Mismatched lids and containers can quickly turn your kitchen cabinets into a cluttered mess. Take some time to sort through your collection of food storage containers.

Match lids to containers and get rid of any that are stained, warped, or missing parts. Keep only the sizes and shapes you use regularly. 

Consider investing in a set of stackable containers with uniform lids to maximize space and minimize frustration. With a streamlined collection, you’ll spend less time searching for the right container and more time enjoying your leftovers.

Related: People Keep Buying These 25 Useless Products

Outdated Medication

Expired medications can be ineffective at best and dangerous at worst. Go through your medicine cabinet and check expiration dates on all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

Dispose of expired meds properly, many pharmacies offer safe disposal programs. Don’t forget to check first aid kits and any medications stored in other parts of your home. 

Replace essential medications that have expired, and make a note to check dates regularly in the future. A clean, up-to-date medicine cabinet can give you peace of mind and potentially save your life in an emergency.

Related: 30 Ways to Save on Prescription Medications

Unused Toys

Children’s interests change rapidly, and toys can quickly accumulate. Work with your kids to sort through their toys, keeping only those they actively play with and enjoy.

Donate gently used toys to local charities or children’s hospitals. For toys with sentimental value, consider keeping just one or two as keepsakes rather than the entire collection. 

Rotating toys can also help reduce clutter while keeping playtime fresh and exciting. Remember, fewer toys often lead to more creative play and easier cleanup.

🙋‍♀️If you like what you are reading, then click like and subscribe to my newsletter. We share tips to waste less time and money.

Old Makeup

Makeup has a shelf life, and using expired products can lead to skin irritation or infections. Sort through your makeup collection, checking expiration dates and tossing anything that’s past its prime.

Pay special attention to eye products, which tend to expire faster. Clean your makeup brushes and get rid of any that are worn out or shedding. 

Try to buy only what you’ll use regularly to avoid future buildup. An organized makeup collection can simplify your beauty routine and ensure you’re using safe, effective products.

Related: The Best 4th Of July Makeup Ideas! (2024)

Jewelry You Never Wear

Outdated or unworn jewelry can clutter your jewelry box and make it harder to find the pieces you love. Sort through your collection, setting aside anything you haven’t worn in the past year.

Consider selling valuable pieces you no longer want or donating costume jewelry to local charities. Keep only the items that fit your current style and that you genuinely enjoy wearing.

Organizing your remaining jewelry can make getting dressed more enjoyable and ensure your favorite pieces don’t get lost in the clutter.

Related: Are You Upper Class? 24 Signs Someone Is In The Upper Class 

Old Greeting Cards

While greeting cards can hold sentimental value, they can also accumulate quickly and take up unnecessary space. Choose a few special cards to keep as mementos and recycle the rest.

For cards with particularly meaningful messages, consider taking photos of the inside before recycling. You could also cut out favorite images or messages to create a scrapbook or collage.

Remember, the sentiment behind the card is more important than the physical object itself.

Related: Remember When? 22 Ways Kids Had More Freedom in the 1960s

Unused Furniture

Large pieces of furniture that go unused can make a home feel cluttered and smaller than it is. Take an honest look at each piece of furniture in your home. Is it functional? Does it fit your current lifestyle? If not, consider selling or donating these items. 

Removing unnecessary furniture can open up your space, making rooms feel larger and more inviting. It can also make cleaning easier and create opportunities for better traffic flow in your home.

Related: How to Remove Stickers from Wood Furniture: From A Mom (With Video)

Unnecessary Kitchen Dishes

Many of us have more dishes than we actually need or use. Take stock of your kitchen cabinets and keep only what you use regularly. If you host large gatherings infrequently, consider borrowing or renting extra dishes for those occasions rather than storing them year-round. 

Donate excess dishes to local charities or thrift stores. With an organized collection, you’ll spend less time washing and putting away dishes, and your cabinets will feel more organized.

Related: Retirement Savings: 25 Expenses Frugal Seniors Avoid

Extra Blankets and Pillows

While it’s nice to have extra bedding for guests, too many blankets and pillows can overwhelm your storage spaces. Keep a reasonable number for guests and your own use, and donate the rest.

Consider the climate you live in and how many guests you typically host when deciding what to keep. Store the blankets and pillows you do keep in vacuum-sealed bags to save space.

This will free up valuable closet real estate and make it easier to find what you need when you need it.

Related: Stop Stressing! Complete Guide For Quick and Easy Spring Cleaning

Craft Supplies You Don’t Use

Craft supplies can accumulate quickly, especially if you tend to start projects but not finish them. Be honest about which crafts you actually enjoy and have time for.

Donate unused supplies to schools, community centers, or fellow crafters who will put them to good use. 

For supplies you do keep, invest in proper storage solutions to keep them organized and accessible. This will make it easier to start new projects and may even inspire you to finish old ones.

Related: Craft Ideas You Can Use For Gifts: Make Your Gifts

Magazines You’ve Already Read

Old magazines can pile up quickly, taking up valuable space and collecting dust. Once you’ve finished reading a magazine, ask yourself if you’ll truly refer to it again.

If not, recycle it or pass it along to a friend who might enjoy it. For articles you want to keep, consider tearing them out and storing them in a folder, or taking photos with your phone. 

This approach allows you to keep the information without the bulk. Local schools, nursing homes, or doctor’s offices might also appreciate magazine donations for their waiting areas.

Related: Remembering When: 12 Things (Younger People Don’t Realize) A Smartphone Has Replaced

Instruction Manuals

In our digital age, most product manuals are available online. Gather all your paper manuals and check if digital versions exist. If so, recycle the paper copies and bookmark the online versions for easy access.

For products you no longer own, toss those manuals right away. Keep only the manuals for items that don’t have online versions available.

This will free up drawer or shelf space and make it easier to find the information you need when you need it.

Related: The Other Side of Saving: 12 Situations Where Frugality Falls Short

Old Calendars and Planners

Once a year has passed, old calendars and planners often become clutter. While it’s tempting to keep them for sentimental reasons, they rarely serve a practical purpose. Before recycling, transfer any important dates or information to your current system. 

If you love the artwork on old calendars, consider framing your favorite pages as wall art. For planners, reflect on what worked well and what didn’t to inform your choices for the upcoming year.

Related: 20 Traditions That Americans Are Losing To “Progress”

Unused Exercise Equipment

That treadmill doubling as a clothes rack? It’s time to be honest about your exercise habits and preferences. If you haven’t used a piece of equipment in the past year, it’s unlikely you’ll start now.

Sell or donate unused exercise gear to someone who will put it to good use. For equipment you do use, make sure it’s easily accessible to encourage regular workouts.

Remember, the most effective exercise is the one you’ll actually do, so keep only what aligns with your current fitness routine.

Related: 8 Ways to Build More Exercise into Your Workday

Empty Gift Boxes and Bags

While it’s eco-friendly to reuse gift packaging, too many boxes and bags can overwhelm your storage spaces. Keep a small selection of versatile gift bags and boxes, and recycle the rest.

For gift boxes from high-end items, consider selling them online as some collectors value these. When you do keep gift packaging, store it flat or nested to save space.

This approach ensures you have wrapping options on hand without cluttering your home.

Related: What To Do With Unwanted Gifts

Outdated Home Décor

Home decor trends change, and items that once felt stylish can make your space feel dated. Walk through your home with fresh eyes, identifying decor pieces that no longer fit your style or bring you joy.

Donate or sell items in good condition. For sentimental pieces, consider ways to update them with paint or new hardware before deciding to let them go.

Removing outdated decor can instantly refresh your space and make room for items that better reflect your current tastes.

🙋‍♀️If you like what you are reading, then click like and subscribe to my newsletter. We share tips to waste less time and money.

Unnecessary Paperwork

Paper clutter can quickly overwhelm a home. Sort through your papers, shredding or recycling anything you don’t need. For important documents, consider scanning and storing them digitally for easy access and space-saving. 

Set up a simple filing system for papers you need to keep physically, and commit to dealing with new papers promptly to prevent future buildup. Remember, most banks and utilities offer paperless billing options, which can significantly reduce incoming paper clutter.

Related: 22 Dead-End Careers Expected To Be Gone in the Next Decade

Old Cell Phones

Many of us have a drawer filled with outdated cell phones and their chargers. Instead of letting them gather dust, look into recycling or donation options.

Many electronics stores offer recycling programs, and some charities accept old phones to refurbish and give to those in need. Before disposing of any phone, make sure to remove all personal data.

If you’re keeping an old phone as a backup, limit it to just one and get rid of the rest.

Related: Don’t Be “That Person” Put Down Your Phone in These 24 Places

Single-Purpose Kitchen Appliances

Appliances that only do one task can quickly clutter your kitchen. Think bread makers, ice cream machines, or specialized slicers. If you haven’t used an appliance in the past year, it’s probably time to let it go.

Opt for versatile tools that can perform multiple functions instead. This approach frees up valuable counter and cabinet space, making your kitchen more functional.

Remember, you can always borrow items from your local library or rent specialty appliances for occasional use.

Related: How Often Should You Clean Your Kitchen Appliances? – Experts Weigh In

Freebie Promotional Items

T-shirts, water bottles, tote bags, promotional items have a way of accumulating without us noticing. While it’s nice to get things for free, these items often end up as clutter. Be selective about what you bring home in the first place. 

For items you already have, keep only what you genuinely use and enjoy. Donate the rest to charities that can put them to good use. This will free up space in your drawers and closets for items you truly value.

Related: Are You In The Middle Class? 23 Clues Someone Is Likely Middle Class

DVDs and CDs

With the rise of streaming services, physical media often goes unused. Go through your collection and be honest about what you’ll actually watch or listen to again.

Keep only your absolute favorites or those not available on streaming apps. Consider digitizing the content you want to keep before donating or selling the physical copies.

This will free up significant shelf space and make your entertainment options more streamlined. Local libraries or senior centers might appreciate donations of movies and music.

Related: Smells Like 90s Spirit: Popular Things From The 1990s That Faded Away

Excessive Decorative Items

While decorative items add personality to a home, too many can create visual clutter. Look at your shelves, mantels, and tabletops with a critical eye.

Group similar items together and remove pieces that don’t fit your current style or bring you joy. Try rotating decorative items seasonally to keep your space feeling fresh without accumulating more stuff.

Remember, sometimes less is more when it comes to decor, a few carefully chosen pieces can have more impact than a cluttered display.

🙋‍♀️If you like what you are reading, then click like and subscribe to my newsletter. We share tips to waste less time and money.

Unused Sporting Goods

Sports equipment for activities you no longer participate in takes up valuable storage space. If you haven’t used something in over a year, it’s time to consider letting it go.

Sell or donate equipment in good condition, someone else might be looking for an affordable way to try a new sport. For seasonal gear you do use, invest in proper storage solutions to keep it organized and in good condition.

This approach ensures you have what you need for your active lifestyle without unnecessary clutter.

Related: Homemade Sports Drinks – DIY Gatorade Alternative

Old Cameras

In the age of smartphones, many old cameras sit unused in drawers or on shelves. If you’re not using your old cameras, consider selling them, some vintage models are quite valuable to collectors.

If they’re not worth selling, look into recycling options for electronics. Keep only the cameras you actively use or those with strong sentimental value.

For old photos, consider digitizing them to save space and preserve memories without the physical clutter.

Related: 30 Life Skills Younger Generations Are Losing

Board Games with Missing Pieces

Incomplete board games are frustrating and take up unnecessary space. Go through your game collection and check for missing pieces.

For games that are still complete and enjoyed, consider better storage solutions to keep all pieces together. Games that are incomplete or no longer played should be recycled or donated if in good condition.

Some games have replacement pieces available for purchase if it’s a family favorite. A streamlined game collection means more fun and less frustration on game nights.

Related: 34 Things That Became Obsolete (Even Though They Were Way Better Than What We Use Now)

Unused Cleaning Supplies

Over time, we often accumulate a variety of cleaning products, some of which go unused. Check expiration dates and get rid of any products that are old or that you simply don’t use.

Consider streamlining to a few multi-purpose cleaners rather than having a specific product for every task. Properly dispose of any hazardous materials, many communities have special collection days for these items.

A simplified cleaning supply collection makes it easier to keep your home clean and reduces under-sink clutter.

Related: 🛑10 (Toxic) Common Cleaners You Should Throw Away, Try Their Safer Alternatives Instead!💪

Extra Seasonal Decorations

Holiday decorations can accumulate year after year, leading to overstuffed storage spaces. Sort through your seasonal decor and keep only what you truly love and use each year.

Consider donating excess decorations to schools or community centers that might put them to good use. For the items you keep, invest in proper storage solutions to protect them and make decorating easier next season.

Remember, a few well-chosen decorations can be just as festive as an abundance of items.

🙋‍♀️If you like what you are reading, then click like and subscribe to my newsletter. We share tips to waste less time and money.

Old Batteries

Loose batteries rolling around in drawers can be both annoying and potentially dangerous. Gather all your old batteries and check which ones still have life in them.

Properly recycle any that are dead, many electronics stores and some supermarkets offer battery recycling programs. For batteries you keep, store them in a dedicated battery organizer.

This makes it easy to find what you need and prevents potential safety hazards from loose batteries.

Related: 30 Things Likely To Vanish With Baby Boomers: A Farewell to What Was Normal

Excess Gardening Supplies

Gardening supplies can quickly take over a garage or shed. Sort through your collection and discard any broken tools or expired products.

Donate excess supplies to community gardens or schools with gardening programs. Keep only what you need for your current gardening activities. 

Properly clean and store tools to extend their life. A well-organized garden supply area makes it more enjoyable to care for your outdoor spaces and ensures you can find what you need when you need it.

Related: Need a Greener Garden? Here’s How to Start Sustainable Gardening Today!

Your Path to a Clutter-Free Home

Decluttering your home doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Start small, tackling one area at a time. As you work through these 39 items, you’ll likely find the process becomes easier and more rewarding.

A clutter-free environment can lead to reduced stress, improved focus, and a greater sense of calm. You might even find yourself with more time and energy to pursue the activities you truly enjoy.

Choose one item from this list and spend 15 minutes decluttering. You’ll be amazed at how quickly small efforts can add up to significant changes.

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.