From fitness gear to holiday décor, people often shop with good intentions and “just in case” scenarios in mind. But more often than not, those items end up untouched, tucked away in drawers or closets. Here’s a look at 14 impulse buys that rarely deliver on their promise.
Specialized Cleaning Gadgets
From grout steamers to motorized scrub brushes, niche cleaning tools often promise transformative results for ultra-specific chores. But for many, these gadgets become “just in case” buys—used once, then shelved indefinitely.
While they may shine in demos or online ads, the reality is that multi-use gadgets tend to be more practical in everyday use. Before investing in a carpet shampooer or a tile-cleaning wand, consider borrowing or renting one first to see if it’s a good fit for your needs.
Vitamins And Supplements
Vitamins and supplements fill our cabinets after a burst of new-year motivation, only to go untouched as routines shift and intentions fade. These well-meaning purchases can linger well past their expiration dates, so it’s worth sorting through your stash and disposing of anything outdated in a responsible manner.
If you plan to restart your supplement routine, try habit stacking by linking the taking of your supplements to something you already do daily, such as brushing your teeth. And always research interactions before adding anything new. A little intention goes a long way, but consistency makes it count.
Sewing Kits
We often buy sewing kits with the best intentions—to rescue a fallen hem or rogue button. Yet in an age of fast fashion and convenient tailoring services, those neatly packed needles and threads rarely see the light of day.
Instead, they settle quietly into the back of drawers, more symbolic of self-sufficiency than sources of actual repair.
Specialty Foods And Cookbooks
Diet trends come and go, and so do our kitchen experiments. From matcha powder to almond flour, those niche ingredients and glossy cookbooks often reflect fleeting food goals.
If the keto, vegan, or Whole30 kick didn’t stick, it’s okay to part ways with the supplies. Share them with someone who’s on that journey or stick to online recipes until your next food adventure proves it has staying power.
Planners And Journals
Planners and journals often become symbols of fresh starts, bought with the hope that new habits will follow. Yet for many, these items remain unused beyond the first few weeks of a new year, tucked away with good intentions but little follow-through.
If traditional formats don’t suit your routine, digital calendars like Google Calendar may offer more flexibility. Similarly, before investing in another aesthetically pleasing journal, try writing in a notebook you already own to see if journaling truly resonates with you.
Backup Phone Chargers
A backup phone charger seems like a clever, practical purchase—perfect for emergencies or long days away from home. Yet in reality, it’s more likely to be tucked away in a drawer or glove compartment, out of sight and out of mind.
By the time your phone hits 3%, you’re either nowhere near it or it’s outdated and tangled. Most people stick to familiar charging spots at home or work, leaving the backup charger unused and quietly collecting dust. It’s a classic example of good intentions meeting everyday habits.
Exercise Equipment
Treadmills, ellipticals, and squat racks often become part of households during a surge in fitness motivation. But for many, they soon become glorified clothes hangers, taking up space rather than sparking consistent workouts.
Between hectic schedules and shifting priorities, high-end gear often gets overlooked. If exercise equipment isn’t serving you, it’s okay to let it go and opt for something that better suits your lifestyle, such as a daily walk or weekend hike.
Car First Aid Kits
First aid kits for the car are purchased for use in unexpected roadside emergencies. But more often than not, they end up buried under shopping bags, sports gear, and forgotten snacks, untouched for years.
Many drivers don’t even remember they have one until they clean out their trunks. While it’s smart to have one, it’s even smarter to check it occasionally, update its contents, and keep it accessible—just in case the “just in case” moment arrives.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers represent one of the most practical safety purchases. Yet despite their importance, they’re easily forgotten, buried behind household clutter and rarely checked. Over time, many expire without anyone noticing, defeating their very purpose.
A quick inspection every few months, along with a visible placement, can ensure this essential tool is ready when it matters most. Responsible ownership means staying aware, not just owning one.
Home Spa Gear
Foot baths, massage pillows, and facial steamers promise a blissful escape in the comfort of your own home, but they often end up tucked away, collecting dust.
Bought during moments of self-care inspiration, these gadgets rarely become part of a lasting routine. Life gets busy, and the effort to pull them out, use them, and clean them afterward feels less relaxing than it should.
Pet Accessories
From tiny tuxedos to squeaky toys shaped like sushi, pet accessories are irresistible when we imagine the joy they’ll bring. But in reality, many pets couldn’t care less.
Costumes get rejected with a tail flick, grooming kits are ignored, and novelty toys lose their charm after a single sniff. While the impulse to pamper is natural, pets often prefer a simple cardboard box or a familiar sock over flashy gear.
Hobby Gear
Camping kits, tennis racquets, mountain bikes, golf clubs, we buy them with visions of sunsets, fresh air, or perfect swings. But sometimes, the thrill fades before the habit forms. These items often end up stashed in corners and forgotten.
Instead of letting them take up valuable space, why not give them a second life with someone genuinely excited to use them? Let go of the “maybe someday” and make room for what lights you up today.
Self-Help Books
We tend to buy self-help books in moments of ambition—those bursts of drive to be more productive, purposeful, or grounded. Yet despite their promise, many end up forgotten, overshadowed by the pull of daily life.
These books often become quiet reminders of the change we meant to make. True transformation doesn’t come from merely stacking inspiration; it comes from opening up to it, living it, and turning thought into action.
Holiday Decorations
Seasonal decor brings joy and sparkle, but only if it sees the light of day. Oversized Halloween inflatables, elaborate Christmas light displays, and themed throw pillows often end up tucked in storage, waiting for a moment that rarely comes.
While the holiday spirit is worth celebrating, it doesn’t require overflowing bins. A few timeless, versatile pieces can capture the magic without crowding your closets. Celebrate simply, and reclaim your space.
