Did you know that one in four Americans has a clutter problem? A survey by a Boston marketing firm found that the average American spends at least 55 minutes a day looking for misplaced items due to excessive clutter.
While some items stored at home may seem harmless, many can pose risks, such as health issues, security threats, or simply unnecessary stress. Here are 17 items you should consider removing from your home for a safer, healthier, and more organized living space.
Expired Medications
Expired medications not only lose their effectiveness but can also pose serious health risks. Taking expired drugs may cause adverse reactions or fail to address medical concerns properly. Furthermore, they can be dangerous if accidentally consumed by children or pets. A study by Frontiers found that 62.4% of households stored unused or expired medicines, with a significant portion using improper disposal methods.
Proper disposal programs, often offered at pharmacies or community organizations, can help ensure expired medications are discarded safely. Regularly auditing your medicine cabinet helps eliminate unnecessary risks and frees up space for essential items.
Old Electronics
Outdated gadgets, chargers, and devices tend to accumulate quickly but rarely serve any significant purpose. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, an estimated 62 million tonnes of e-waste were produced globally. Over time, unused electronics can become fire hazards if their batteries degrade or corrode.
Additionally, they often harbor personal data, which could compromise your privacy if improperly discarded. Look for local recycling programs or trade-in initiatives to safely dispose of or repurpose old electronics. Streamlining your inventory of devices creates a more efficient and organized living space.
Irrelevant Paperwork
Stacks of old bills, tax records, or unimportant paperwork can clutter your home and increase your stress levels. Most documents, aside from a few essential ones like birth certificates or property deeds, don’t need to be kept long-term.
Digital storage solutions provide a secure and space-saving alternative to bulky filing systems. Shredding sensitive files before disposal ensures personal information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Decluttering your documents also makes finding important paperwork much easier when you need it.
Broken or Non-Functional Appliances
Keeping broken coffee makers, toasters, or other gadgets might seem harmless, but they often just take up valuable storage space. Despite good intentions to repair them, most of these items tend to sit unused for years. Non-functional appliances can also pose electrical hazards if used in disrepair.
Recycle or donate items that are still usable but no longer needed. A minimalist approach to your kitchen or living area can significantly enhance its appeal and functionality.
Old Makeup and Skincare Products
Mayo Clinic Health System reports that expired beauty products may harbor bacteria and cause skin irritations, infections, or allergic reactions. Makeup and skincare items have specific shelf lives that many people overlook, and using them past their expiration dates is a health concern.
Labeling items with their purchase or opening dates can help track their usability. Disposing of products responsibly, such as recycling containers where possible, reduces waste. Streamlining your beauty collection ensures you’re using only safe and effective products on your skin.
Single-Use Plastic Bags
Stockpiling plastic grocery bags can quickly spiral out of control, leading to unnecessary clutter. Plastic bags are also a significant environmental concern, contributing to plastic pollution. Instead, invest in reusable totes or cloth bags that are more sustainable and durable.
Many retailers even offer discounts for customers who bring their own bags. Reducing your reliance on single-use plastics not only helps organize your home but also supports eco-friendly living.
Old or Worn-Out Shoes
Keeping shoes you no longer wear can quickly overrun your closet space. Old, worn-out shoes may no longer provide adequate support or comfort, making them impractical for daily use. For example, the National Institutes of Health found that worn-out running shoes offer less protection, resulting in higher plantar pressures.
Assess your collection regularly and donate gently used shoes to those in need or responsibly recycle completely unusable pairs. Storing only functional footwear prevents the buildup of unnecessary clutter and ensures your options remain practical and stylish.
Excessive Kitchen Gadgets
Owning too many redundant or unused kitchen tools can create unnecessary chaos in your drawers and countertops. Items like avocado slicers or overly specialized tools often promise convenience but rarely deliver on practicality. Focus on versatile, high-quality utensils that serve multiple purposes.
Donate or sell gadgets you no longer use to free up space while helping others. A streamlined kitchen fosters efficiency and provides more room for essential cooking tasks.
Household Cleaners with Toxic Chemicals
Many common cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can harm your health and the environment. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals may cause respiratory issues or skin irritations.
A study by the Environmental Working Group found that some 53 percent of cleaning products contain ingredients known to harm the lungs. About 22 percent contain chemicals reported to cause asthma to develop in otherwise healthy individuals.
Switching to eco-friendly or DIY cleaning solutions, such as vinegar and baking soda, is a safer alternative. Properly dispose of toxic cleaners in accordance with local hazardous waste guidelines. A non-toxic approach benefits your family’s health and reduces your household’s environmental impact.
Old Furniture You Don’t Use
Large furniture pieces, such as sofas or tables, can take up unnecessary space if they’re not actively used. Clinging to these items often stems from emotional attachment or the idea that they may be useful someday.
First, evaluate whether the piece adds value to your home or matches your current needs. Donate or sell furniture in good condition to avoid waste and reclaim valuable square footage. A well-curated space feels more open and inviting.
Expired Food Items in Your Pantry
Many people hold onto expired canned goods, spices, and snacks, often forgetting to check their pantries regularly. Consuming expired food can pose significant health risks and lead to unpleasant experiences. Reviewing your pantry every few months allows you to discard expired items and organize the remaining items.
Consider implementing a first-in-first-out system to prevent waste. In fact, the United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates that in 2019, approximately 96 percent of the food wasted by households ended up in landfills, combustion facilities, or was discharged down the drain into the sewer system.
A tidy pantry ensures you’re making the most of your kitchen and eating safe, fresh meals.
Unread or Outdated Books
Books can quickly overwhelm shelves, especially if they’re outdated or never read. Holding onto books you don’t find useful or enjoyable only adds to visual clutter. Donate these items to libraries, schools, or charities to give them a second life.
Curate your collection by keeping books you genuinely value or frequently reference. A minimal bookshelf declutters your space and also brings focus to the titles that truly matter to you.
Duplicate Tools or Equipment
It’s common to accumulate duplicates of items like hammers, screwdrivers, and other tools. Often, these extra pieces are bought impulsively or as part of kits, only to sit unused.
Limit your collection to one good-quality item per need and donate or sell the rest. A streamlined toolbox ensures you always know what you have on hand. This approach maximizes efficiency and minimizes the unnecessary use of storage space.
Mismatched or Excessive Dishes
Over time, mismatched sets of plates, bowls, and cups can result in overflowing kitchen cabinets. Large quantities of dishes are rarely necessary, especially if you have a small household or entertain infrequently.
Opt for versatile, matching sets and keep extras for special occasions only. Donate surplus dishware to thrift stores or charitable organizations. A minimal dish collection keeps your kitchen visually appealing and easier to maintain.
Outdated or Unused Decorations
Seasonal decorations or outdated home decor can often fill up closets or basements unnecessarily. Items that no longer suit your style or have worn out their welcome should be reevaluated.
Consider donating, gifting, or responsibly discarding decorations that serve no purpose. Focus on keeping timeless pieces that align with your aesthetic. Keeping decor curated and current enhances your living environment and removes unnecessary clutter.
Expired Batteries
Holding onto expired or partially used batteries often leads to confusion and unnecessary waste. Batteries that are no longer functional can leak harmful chemicals, damaging other items or surfaces.
Properly store active batteries and recycle expired ones at designated drop-off points. Investing in rechargeable batteries is a sustainable alternative that reduces waste. Maintaining a safe and organized battery storage routine prevents potential issues.
Clothing You Haven’t Worn in Years
Closets are often filled with clothes that no longer fit, are out of style, or simply don’t get worn. These items occupy space that could be better utilized for clothing that complements your current wardrobe. According to UNEP, the average garment is worn only 7 to 10 times before accumulating in a closet.
Conduct seasonal audits to identify items worth keeping, donating, or discarding. Follow a “one in, one out” rule to maintain balance when adding new pieces. A well-organized closet makes dressing simpler and more enjoyable.
Key Takeaways
Decluttering your home can enhance safety, improve efficiency, and promote mental peace. Regularly reviewing your belongings and discarding items that are expired, unsafe, or unused is key to maintaining a tidy and harmonious space. Donating or recycling wherever possible helps minimize waste and supports those in need.
Creating a cleaner, safer home requires making informed decisions about what to keep and what to discard. You can transform your living environment and enjoy the benefits of a more organized space by removing these 17 items from your home. Make it a habit to evaluate your household regularly, and you’ll be amazed at how much better it feels.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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