Useless Things Most People Hold Onto for Too Long
With minimalism as one of the most popular decorative trends of the past decade or two, people have been trying to make more conscious decisions about what they buy and keep in their homes.
Of course, we're all a little prone to clutter and keeping things that are probably unnecessary, so here are some common things people hold onto that, realistically, should be taken out of your house. Keep clicking through to help start your decluttering journey.
Broken/Useless Toys
At some point, your kid will just outgrow the toys they once loved. There's no reason for you to hold onto broken toys, and the ones in good shape can be handed down to younger children of family or friends.
Damaged Clothing
You love that one dress shirt, but it has sweat stains under the armpits. That one pair of pants has a huge hole in it. Unless you're actually able to repair it, you should probably give it a toss.
Old Bed Linens And Towels
Bed linens aren't just about improving the look of the room. They can also impact your skin health and sleep. Towels are similar when it comes to your hygiene. You can repurpose both into rags for cleaning or donate them to your local animal shelter.
Books You Will Not Read Again
There are some books that you loved enough to want to read again, but there are others that you know, deep down, you will never actually read again. Lend them to friends, donate them to the library, or find another place where they'll be used.
Hangers From Clothing Stores
You know when you buy something in-store and they give you the low-quality hanger with the clothing item? You might have even collected a bunch of them by this point. However, you definitely should get some higher-quality non-slip ones and give up the store ones.
Souvenirs And Magnets You Don't Like
Is that tacky magnet that you brought back from Cabo in 2004 really worth keeping on your fridge? Is that ornate candleholder that one cousin twice removed bought you while travelling really something you like? If not, get right of it.
Clothes That No Longer Fit Your Lifestyle
Sure, you loved to wear that one shirt or pair of pants to the bars when you were in college, but you can't exactly bust that out for a dinner party (that is, if it even fits anymore). Put it in the donation pile.
Old, Damaged Kitchenware
If your cutting boards look like the victims in a slasher film, baking sheets are caked with filth and rust, or utensils are on the verge of falling apart, you should get rid of them and probably get newer ones.
Excessive Sentimental Items
Life is all about making memories with loved ones and sometimes items help preserve those memories, but it's unhealthy to keep every sentimental item in your home. Decided what items really matter to you and get rid of the others.
Old Undergarments
Beyond the effects undergarments have on your self-esteem, old garments tend to grow less hygienic over time. In addition, bras lose their ability to be supportive after about six months of wear.
Wires/Cases From Old Phones
If you have a plethora of wires, chargers, and old cases for phones or other electronics you have since replaced, consider donating them to a local library or organization that helps provide those items to people who will use them.
Jewelry/Accessories You Never Wear
They might be the nicest earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. in the world, but if they don't go with the clothes you wear or you just don't tend to wear them much in the first place, you should probably get rid of them rather than keeping them around for nothing.
Obsolete Items
These are the items that really just do not serve a purpose to you anymore. You don't have a lawn, so why do you keep a lawnmower? You no longer own a VCR, so you shouldn't keep VHS tapes.
Empty Boxes
If you're anything like me, you keep the box every time you get a new product just in case you encounter a problem with it and have to make a return. However, if you have a ton of boxes lying around, maybe it's time to let them go.
Things That Are Empty/Almost There
You might have that one tube of sunscreen that has enough product left in it to maybe cover one arm, so you never take it to the beach because it can't cover your whole body, so it remains unused. Just throw it out at this point.
Paper Trash
This can be anything from old bank statements, old mail notices, or years' worth of greeting cards that don't have anything more special to them than the sender's signature. You have nothing really to gain from keeping all of that.
Everything That's Expired
This goes beyond food. Of course, toss out the can of stew that expired in 2013, but other products like shampoo, body wash, and sunscreen also have expiry dates after which they become less effective.
Broken And Unused Items
If something has been broken for a while and you have made no effort to fix it, just give up and toss it out. Additionally, if you've owned something for years and never used it, perhaps it's time to regift or donate it.
This Is A PSA To Replace Your Loofah
A plastic loofah should only be used for two months before being discarded—it collects so many dead skin cells when you shower that it becomes too unhygienic when you use it longer.
Don't Forget Your Digital Spaces
It's not enough just to clean your physical spaces; you should also clean out your emails and social media accounts. Delete followers you don't want seeing your personal life, unsubscribe from email chains, and unfollow accounts that make you less happy when you see them.