Many homes have numerous items that serve little to no purpose, yet they occupy spaces in drawers, wardrobes, storage bins, etc. If you don’t remove these items timely, they will contribute to clutter, creating chaotic spaces that feel overwhelming. Here’s a list of 12 items that you’re probably hoarding but don’t need.
Old Electronics
Whenever people buy new electronics, such as blenders, mobile phones, gaming consoles, etc., they store the old items in the house instead of instant disposal. While it may sound uncommon, nearly 68% of Americans have reported having ‘compulsive gadget hoarding’ habits. Accumulating old electronics looks harmless but is notably bad for the environment. It also takes up unnecessary space in your house, making it reasonable to remove them for instant decluttering.
Expired Makeup
Most women are guilty of hoarding expired makeup because they’re too attached to it or feel it’s still usable. When an influencer asked its followers whether they keep expired products in their purses, nearly 100% of the respondents confessed to storing and using expired products regularly. While the cost of living may make people want to hoard expired makeup items, dermatologists caution against its consequences. Expired products can cause skin irritation, pore blockage, bacterial contamination, etc., so remove them for safety. It will also free up the space for newer items.
Old Magazines
While print magazines still hold value to readers in today’s digital age, hoarding old magazines that you will never read isn’t practical. It’s taking up space in your home that could have been utilized differently. You can keep magazines you find interesting while removing the ones with outdated information.
Single Socks
A Samsung study reported that a person loses an average of 15 socks every year. It may happen that one sock fell under furniture or elsewhere without people’s notice, creating a pile of single socks that are practically useless. If your wardrobe is full of single socks, consider getting rid of them through textile recycling, garbage disposal, or any other available means.
Takeout Menus
If you frequently ordered takeouts in the past, you’ll most likely have a pile of physical takeout menus lying somewhere in your house. While they once served a purpose, they’re no longer needed. Reports indicate that nearly 40% of diners now prefer ordering food through a restaurant’s website and app, rendering the takeout menu prints useless.
DVDs and CDs
Every entertainment buff has some great DVDs and CDs in their collection. If you’re one of them, it’s time to examine your wardrobe shelves, drawers, etc., and remove every DVD and CD you ever owned. The easy availability of streaming services and other digital entertainment mediums has contributed to the declining relevance of these once-valuable items.
Greeting Cards
Sending beautiful greeting cards on festivals and other special occasions was once considered a norm. However, this tradition is dying out. Today, some people view it as a novelty, while others think it’s wasteful and bad for the environment. People now prefer texting or directly calling their loved ones instead of sending greeting cards. This trend indicates that cards no longer hold the same value and will likely not return to popularity. Unless you attach high sentimental value to some of these cards, it’s better to get rid of the remaining pile.
Clothes You Won’t Wear Again
If your closet is full of clothes you rarely wear, it’s time to declutter your collection. Many people store clothes with hopes of the same fashion trend returning after a few years. While it may have been a possibility in the past, today’s social media and influencer culture has put an end to this expectation. A trend’s lifecycle has diminished from 20 years to a few months, making it logical to dispose of all clothes you do not intend to wear.
Childhood Toys
Parting ways with childhood toys and other memorabilia can be challenging because they hold high sentimental value to many people. Whether it’s your first toy car or doll, puzzle set or a plushie, every item carries memories of your childhood, which is why they’ve been stored in your house for so long. However, as you enter adulthood, you must gracefully let go of these toys to make space for something new. You can honor your emotions by keeping a few items, but remember to keep as little as possible.
Old Receipts
People who file income tax returns often store physical receipts to claim particular expenses as eligible deductions. The standard rule is to store the receipts for relevant expenses for at least three years from the date of filing your tax return, but some choose to store them for a much extended period. Fortunately, you can now remove all these receipts because the IRS has started accepting eReceipts as valid documentation for taxation and auditing purposes. If you have a large stash of old receipts that are no longer beneficial, remove them to free up some space.
Duplicate Kitchen Gadgets
Many kitchens have multiple measuring cups, spatulas, and specialized items like egg separators and avocado slicers. While the individual items are useful in daily kitchen life, people don’t really need six spatulas or whisks for seamless meal prep and cooking. Donating duplicate or extra kitchen gadgets that rarely make it to the cooking processes should be disposed of or given as charity to reduce clutter. It will help you optimize your kitchen space and enhance its aesthetics.
Outdated Décor Items
People decorate their homes with items that were trending during a particular time. However, trends change fast for home décor. If you want your space to look aesthetic and aligned with the present trends, removing all outdated décor items can be beneficial. Removing such items can help you declutter your space, while giving it a fresh look.
