Step into any cluttered home, and one thing becomes clear: unused items are taking up valuable space. According to a study by Pixie Technology, Americans spend an average of 2.5 days each year searching for misplaced belongings. This wasted time, combined with unnecessary replacement purchases, costs households a staggering $2.7 billion annually.
That’s not just annoying; it’s a silent money drain. Professional organizers report that clutter causes anxiety, hinders productivity, and harms your mental well-being. Decluttering isn’t about throwing away sentimental things or being a minimalist monk. Decluttering is about clearing your space of things that no longer fit with your lifestyle today.
Marie Kondo’s famous question, “Does it spark joy?” serves as a simple yet powerful guide. If the answer is no, it might be time to let it go. Here are 17 items experts recommend discarding immediately; it may be the perfect moment for you to follow suit.
Old Spices and Condiments
That cumin you bought in 2012 isn’t enhancing flavor anymore; it’s taking up room and accumulating dust. Spices have a shelf life of 6 to 12 months, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Condiments, too, can be bacterial breeding grounds long before you notice observable spoilage. Old dressings and sauces also typically contain unhealthy preservatives that can spoil over time.
Beautifully Organized author and professional organizer Nikki Boyd recommends checking your fridge and spice jar every quarter. Purging expired items improves food safety, streamlines your cooking routine, and makes your kitchen smell fresher.
Plastic Containers Without Lids
Each of us has that lone rogue drawer with irregular Tupperware that somehow never quite gets paired up. If you can’t find the top, it’s worthless; it’s clutter. Over half of Americans admit to feeling irritated by cluttered kitchen utensils, according to a YouGov poll.
These random containers occupy precious drawer space, making it increasingly difficult to fit in the items you use. Organizer Julie Morgenstern suggests keeping only stackable sets with interchangeable lids to maximize space.
Keeping only one or two brands minimizes mismatches as well.
Wire Hangers
Wire hangers wrinkle your clothes and also contribute to visual clutter in your closet. Organizer Sarah Giller Nelson of Clearing Spaces suggests a closet makeover begins by eliminating these weak offenders.
Most dry cleaners would happily accept wire hangers for recycling. An upgrade in hangers provides an immediate visual and practical boost to your wardrobe space.
Outdated Cords and Chargers
If you have a container full of knotted cords for devices you haven’t used in ten years, it’s time to release them. Most people don’t even have a clue what half of their cords plug into, but they are prone to hanging onto them out of fear.
Organizers suggest culling cords by current device and labeling them with tags or washi tape. Reducing cord clutter simplifies your drawers and makes it easier to find the ones you need.
Unused Mugs
That special mug collection might be more of a hassle than a delight. The average American has 13 coffee mugs but uses only three regularly, according to a YouGov survey. Professional organizers say these additional mugs occupy precious cabinet space and add to the dish load.
Getting rid of duplicates can free up shelves for more vital supplies. Real Simple magazine advises capping mugs at two per household member. Give the rest away to shelters or secondhand stores where they’ll find use by another person.
An organized cabinet means faster mornings and fewer mug slips.
Expired Beauty Products
That 2020 mascara may appear okay, but it’s a breeding ground for bacteria. The FDA says expired makeup and skincare items can lead to rashes, eye infections, and pimples.
Safer products and less clutter? Total win.
Instruction Manuals
The era of the internet has pushed paper instruction manuals to nearly outdated status. Many companies now provide user guides and manuals online in downloadable PDF form.
But most still hoard folders of manuals “just in case.” Organizing experts suggest scanning important pages with apps like CamScanner or Google Drive. Then, eliminate the paper versions to free up filing space.
This also accelerates and simplifies future searches.
Frayed Towels and Bed Sheets
Worn-out towels and flat pillows may look harmless, but they harbor bacteria and allergens. Dermatologists recommend replacing towels every 2 years and pillows every 1 to 2 years for optimal hygiene.
Bleached sheets and coarse materials also impact your quality of sleep. Organizers recommend having two sets per bed and giving the extras to animal shelters. Many shelters accept old linens for use as pet bedding and cleanup.
Improving your linen closet is not an indulgence—it’s an investment in your comfort and health.
Stacks of Old Magazines and Unopened Mail
Unopened bills and outdated magazines do not contribute to your value; they contribute to stress. University of California research indicates that disorganized paper can lead to elevated cortisol levels, particularly in women.
Coupons that have expired, catalogs from years ago, and junk mail all have a way of piling up unnoticed, creating visual clutter. Professional organizers recommend a mail-sorting station near the entrance to prevent it from piling up.
Stretched-out bras and Underwear
Your undergarments influence your posture, comfort, and confidence. Ill-fitting or stretched-out underwear can chafe and lead to back pain.
Organizers claim the lingerie drawer is one of the most neglected clutter areas. Sort through and discard anything that’s sagging, torn, or no longer supportive. Consider replacing them by season and investing in quality, not quantity.
A streamlined undergarment wardrobe simplifies laundry and maximizes daily comfort.
Gifts You Never Liked
Keeping unwanted gifts can clutter your space and weigh on your emotions. Clutching onto things because of guilt creates what organizers call “obligation clutter.”
Regifting, giving away, or selling the item lets you honor the giver without needing to keep the item. It also leaves space for things that align more closely with your current style and requirements.
Unused Kitchen Gadgets
The average U.S. home, says the American Cleaning Institute, contains over 30 kitchen gadgets but employs fewer than 10. These gadgets typically take up valuable cabinet space and counter real estate.
Removing unused appliances makes everyday cooking less complicated and easier to store. Donate working gadgets to local shelters or community centers that can utilize them more effectively.
Organization Specialist Peter Walsh suggests saying to yourself: “Would I replace this if it broke tomorrow?” If not, then it’s probably unnecessary.
Promotional Swag
Free tote bags, pens, water bottles, and other swag items find their way into your home and multiply in no time. These freebies often end up unused in drawers, closets, and garages, creating what organizers refer to as “marketing clutter.”
According to the EPA, over 20 million pounds of promotional products are discarded in the U.S. every year. If you’re not using it regularly, it’s time to either toss or donate it.
Books You’ll Never Read Again
Your bookshelf shouldn’t be a source of guilt. Most people own more books than they read or plan to reread. Organizers suggest that you donate novels you did not enjoy or will not read again to libraries, schools, or prison literacy programs.
Broken Toys or Games with Missing Pieces
Broken toys or games with missing pieces are infuriating and not fun. According to Good Housekeeping, broken or incomplete toys account for approximately 15% of the average family’s storage clutter.
They often linger due to sentimentality or hopeful intentions to repair them. Organizers suggest involving kids in decluttering to teach decision-making and reduce attachment.
If a toy hasn’t been touched in months, it may be time to part ways. Recycle plastic pieces where possible and donate still usable items to charities. A tidy toy area encourages more creative play and easier clean-up.
Too Many Reusable Bags
Green Living has turned the average American into a bag hoarder. A 2024 NPR poll found that the average family owns 32 reusable bags, many more than they ever use. These bags are likely to get stuffed in closets or car trunks, generating more mess than convenience.
Keeping a streamlined collection of bags keeps travel cost-effective and your home clutter-free.
Duplicates of Everything
Having six can openers or three staplers might seem inconsequential, but it indicates greater chaos. Duplicates fill up drawers, closets, and cabinets, making it more difficult to find the essentials.
Professional organizers indicate the secret is to recognize the best version of each item and discard the rest.
Key Takeaways
Decluttering is not deprivation; it’s freedom. By removing items no longer needed, you create space for clarity, calm, and intentional living. As organizing guru Peter Walsh says, “Your home should be the antidote to stress, not the cause of it.”
Eliminating these 17 items can transform your home into a haven, not a storage unit. Start with one drawer or one shelf. Each small decision to let go is moving forward to a place of greater peace and significance.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Don’t Swipe Until You Read This: The 7 Best Credit Cards for 2025 Ranked by Rewards
The 7 Best Credit Cards for 2025 Ranked by Rewards
There’s this moment that sticks with me—standing at a checkout line, swiping my old card like I always did, and thinking, “Wait… why am I not getting anything back for this?” I wasn’t traveling on points. I wasn’t getting cash back. I was just spending. Sound familiar?
Look, the truth is, credit cards can work for you—if you choose the right one. And in 2025, you’ve got some seriously rewarding options that can actually boost your bank account. From travel lovers to grocery haulers, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s break down the best credit cards out there this year—the ones that actually give back.
5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
We all click on them with the hope that just THIS time the secret to changing a bad habit or adopting a healthy one will be revealed and we’ll finally be able to stick to that diet, stop that one or ten things that might in the moment make us feel temporarily good but really just make us fat, unhealthy, sad, mad or just frustrated with ourselves.
Well… this isn’t one of those articles. I don’t have 5 easy steps to help you change your habits….
