Decluttering is all about making your living space feel lighter, more organized, and more peaceful. But sometimes, it’s not just about what you should keep, but also about what you should let go of. There are certain items that not only take up space but can also create unnecessary stress or even be hazardous to your well-being.
If you’re looking to create a cleaner, more organized home, here are 10 things you should never keep in your home, and why it’s best to get rid of them.
1. Expired Medications
It might be tempting to hold onto old prescriptions or over-the-counter medications "just in case," but expired medications can lose their effectiveness and may even be harmful. Keeping them around can also create unnecessary clutter in your medicine cabinet.
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Why to Get Rid Of Them: Medications can lose potency over time, and expired drugs may pose health risks. It’s best to dispose of them properly by checking with your local pharmacy or taking them to a drug take-back program.
2. Broken Appliances or Electronics
We all have that one appliance or electronic device that’s been sitting in the corner gathering dust, waiting to be repaired or replaced. If you’re not using it, it's simply taking up valuable space and cluttering your home.
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Why to Get Rid Of Them: Broken items serve no purpose and are just wasting space. If they can’t be fixed or repurposed, it’s better to recycle them responsibly or dispose of them according to your area’s guidelines.
3. Old, Unworn Clothing
Clothing that no longer fits, is out of style, or hasn’t been worn in a year (or more!) is prime clutter material. While it might be tempting to hold onto "what if" outfits or clothing tied to sentimental memories, holding on to too many clothes can make your closet feel cramped and disorganized.
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Why to Get Rid Of It: Unworn clothing not only clutters your wardrobe but also makes it harder to find what you actually wear. Donate or sell clothes in good condition, and toss anything that’s worn out or damaged.
4. Expired Food in Your Pantry or Fridge
Having a fridge or pantry full of expired food is more than just a space issue—it can lead to unpleasant odors and even cause health issues if you accidentally consume something that’s gone bad.
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Why to Get Rid Of It: Expired or old food takes up space, may harbor bacteria, and can make your home smell. Regularly check expiration dates and toss anything that’s past its prime to keep your kitchen clean and safe.
5. Papers You Don't Need
We all accumulate paperwork—bills, receipts, old bank statements, and documents that we think we might need one day. But the reality is, many of these papers are just taking up space and creating clutter.
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Why to Get Rid Of Them: Most papers, like receipts or outdated bills, don’t need to be kept. Organize important documents and shred anything that isn’t necessary, like outdated contracts or junk mail. This will free up space and make it easier to find what you need.
6. Mismatched or Damaged Dishes
Dishes that have chipped, cracked, or have missing pieces aren’t doing you any favors. They can be dangerous to use and can take up space in your cabinets.
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Why to Get Rid Of Them: Mismatched or damaged dishes don’t contribute to your home’s aesthetics, and they can be a safety hazard. Keep only the dishes that are in good condition and complete sets. If you have more than you need, donate or discard extras.
7. Old Magazines and Newspapers
While it’s nice to keep a few magazines for inspiration, holding on to piles of old magazines and newspapers can quickly lead to clutter. If you’re not reading them or using them, they’re just taking up space.
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Why to Get Rid Of Them: Old magazines and newspapers are rarely revisited and take up valuable storage space. Recycle or donate them to free up space and reduce unnecessary clutter. If you really want to keep something, scan it digitally or take photos to save.
8. Old or Broken Furniture
If you’ve got furniture that’s worn out, broken, or no longer suits your space, it might be time to let it go. Keeping old furniture around because of sentimental value or a desire to repair it can contribute to a cluttered and uncomfortable home.
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Why to Get Rid Of It: Broken or outdated furniture can make your space feel cramped or chaotic. If it can’t be repaired or repurposed, consider selling, donating, or recycling it to create a more functional living area.
9. Gifts You Don’t Like or Use
It’s common to hold on to gifts, even if they’re not something you would have chosen for yourself. Whether it's an item you received for your birthday or a holiday present, feeling obligated to keep unwanted gifts can contribute to clutter.
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Why to Get Rid Of Them: Keeping unwanted gifts out of guilt adds to clutter and doesn’t bring you any joy. You don’t have to keep things just because they were gifts—if you’re not using them, donate or pass them along to someone who will appreciate them.
10. Duplicate Items
If you have multiple sets of the same item (think kitchen utensils, towels, or storage containers), it’s time to pare down. While having a backup is fine, holding onto multiples of things you don’t need takes up valuable space.
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Why to Get Rid Of Them: Duplicates create unnecessary clutter and make it harder to find the items you actually use. Assess how many of each item you truly need and donate or toss the extras.
Back to You
Decluttering your home is about creating a space that serves you and your needs—not just holding onto things for the sake of it. By letting go of items that are expired, broken, or no longer useful, you’ll free up valuable space and make your home a more functional, peaceful place. So, take a walk around your home, evaluate these 10 categories, and start clearing out the clutter for good!
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