Does your home feel more like a storage unit than a cozy sanctuary? Many of us cling to items that we may someday need, and before we know it, our homes are bursting with clutter.
According to a survey by the National Association of Professional Organizers, 54% of Americans say they struggle with home clutter, and 79% admit they keep things “just in case”. These are things that seem helpful at the moment but are hardly used, taking up valuable space in your living areas.
In fact, nearly half of U.S. households have at least one drawer or closet dedicated to these “just in case” items, according to Real Simple. While holding onto things in hopes they will be helpful one day may appear practical, it often leads to unnecessary stress and wasted space. Let’s discuss some of the most common culprits lurking around homes across the country, and how they could be affecting both our mental and physical health.
Expired beauty products
It’s tempting to hold onto old beauty products, like sunscreen, mascara, or shampoo, in case we need them for some future trip or quick fix. But many of these products have an expiration date, and using them after that can lead to skin irritation or worse. In fact, research from the American Academy of Dermatology suggests expired sunscreen may not provide the protection it is intended for, leaving your skin vulnerable.
Expired cosmetics can also become a breeding ground for bacteria, which can irritate or infect your skin. So those forgotten beauty items cluttering up your bathroom need to go before they cause harm.
Old electronics & cables
How many old phone chargers, random cables, or outdated electronics are crammed in drawers, “just in case” you might need them? Statista states that the average American household has 16 electronic devices that are no longer functioning or are currently in use. These outdated gadgets take up valuable space while gathering dust.
More concerning is that many of them are not just useless but could collect dust, which can affect your home’s air quality. Time to declutter those cords and old devices that are just waiting for a tech comeback that never happens.
Unused kitchen gadgets
Everything from bread makers to juicers takes up valuable space in our kitchens and usually gathers dust. Sure, when you purchased them, they seemed like the perfect addition to your home, but most actually see very little use. In fact, the average U.S. household has at least three unused kitchen gadgets.
Besides taking up space, they tie up valuable counter and cabinet space that could be used more effectively. Before you decide to keep that popcorn machine “just in case,” ask yourself whether you’ll actually use it.
Empty boxes
We all save boxes for returns, potential storage, or the “just in case” scenario where we might need them for something else. However, these cardboard containers quickly build up and are most often left unused. It’s common to have several unused boxes taking up space in your closets and basements.
In theory, boxes are handy, but when not in use, they serve no purpose other than taking up space. It’s time to get rid of the old packaging and reclaim your storage space.
Also on MSN: 15 decluttering rules you need to know before moving
Old magazines & newspapers
At some point or other, many of us have saved magazines and newspapers for that “just in case” moment when we might want to look back at an article or use an image for a craft project. However, most go unread or become outdated. According to a study by The New York Times, 90% of the content we save from the newspaper never gets reread.
These stacks of old issues sit around gathering dust. In fact, holding onto old magazines can actually make your home look cluttered and disorganized. It’s a good idea to recycle them, digitize what’s essential, and let go of the physical copies.
Duplicate tools
How many screwdrivers, tape measures, or hammers do you really need? Many people hold onto duplicates “just in case” one breaks or goes missing. According to a Real Simple study, the average American family has at least five extra tools that are seldom used.
These items take up valuable drawer and shelf space but add nothing in value. If you have more than one of that tool, you should donate or sell the extras to free up some space.
Outgrown clothes
We’ve all held onto clothes in the closet “just in case” we someday lose weight and fit into them. A Guardian study found that 85% of women have clothes in their wardrobes that don’t fit. This takes up a lot of space in cabinets and storage bins.
Instead of holding onto these clothes in hopes of a future body transformation, consider donating them to someone who can use them now.
Unused craft supplies
Crafting supplies are usually bought for that one project that never seems to happen. Be it knitting, scrapbooking, or painting, these supplies tend to gather dust in cabinets or drawers.
According to Home Addict, craft supplies are among the most common things people reserve “just in case,” which often means they have no plan to use them. If you aren’t actively using the materials, consider getting rid of them to free up space.
Old bedding & towels
And of course, there are the extra sets of bedding and towels that sit waiting for guests who may or may not arrive. These bulky items take up valuable storage space, and because they are not used, it is time to get rid of them. Instead, you can donate or repurpose them rather than store them away “just in case.”
Broken items to be repaired
How many lamps, chairs, and other items have you been holding onto, waiting until you’ll get around to fixing them? More than 80% of homeowners have at least one home issue that needs to be addressed, but 60% can’t afford the repair.
These pieces are just taking up space and adding to clutter without serving a purpose. If you haven’t fixed it by now, chances are you won’t, so it’s time to toss or donate these items.
Unused decor
Decorative items, seasonal or trending, tend to be stored “just in case” they will be back in style one day. Actually, most of these decorative items remain stored, never used, and usually forgotten. If you haven’t used them in the last year, then it’s time to donate or sell them.
Old manuals & receipts
How many old manuals, receipts, or warranties do you have cluttering up drawers or filing cabinets? These documents are often kept for reference but, in due course, become irrelevant.
With most manuals available online and digital receipts now the norm, these physical papers can go. It’s a great idea to digitize whatever is essential and get rid of the rest.
Key takeaway
We’ve all been there, holding onto stuff “just in case.” But most of the items end up serving no purpose other than taking up space. Everything from expired beauty products and outdated electronics to unused kitchen gadgets and craft supplies can fall under this category.
Decluttering these “just in case” items will free up room and reduce stress. Be mindful of what you really need and get rid of the rest. Your reward will be a home that is more straightforward, better organized, and more enjoyable.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
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