Here we go again with the whole, “New year, new me” attitude only to really not do anything after a month. It is so easy to declare big plans for the upcoming year that we overlook the smaller details that should actually be our priorities.
Rather than trying declutter whole areas of the house, look for specific items to declutter. Having someone around to point them out may help too.
Packages of takeout utensils, takeout condiments, and takeout menus.
Those need to go. Everyone is guilty of keeping plastic utensils, condiments, and menus but really, all they do is sit around the house adding to the existing mess you already have.
Honestly, just get rid of them. And don’t be tempted to take home new ones either.
Old toothbrushes and sponges you were saving for cleaning
Sure, they might come in handy some day, but likely they’ve been sitting in your cabinet for over a year. It’s time to clear the space!
Twisty ties, bread clips, and extra plastic bags.
Now these, when you’re not careful, can really make a mess whether kept in a drawer or stuffed in a cabinet. If you think you can get artsy with these, think again. They serve no benefits for the new year.
Plastic cups from fast food restaurants, promotional magnets, and promotional cups
There was a time when collecting these were all the rage but that quickly died out perhaps for the same fact that they soon become clutter. Besides, it’s much better to buy a decent set of cups and glasses.
A new set will look better for the entire year.
Expired beauty supplies, and beauty supplies that have been open too long.
They’re so nice to look at and purchase when new but leave them out sitting for so long and they just look messy. It’s an eye sore a lot of men don’t enjoy seeing either. So do yourself a favor and get rid of old and expired supplies.
Cleaning products you never use, and cleaning products you hate the smell of.
Why do people buy so much of these only to end up keeping them stocked behind a counter or a small room? They end up unused either through neglect or because they smell bad. Might as well do some cleaning before throwing them away.
Excess vases, and extra serving platters
What you are doing is making your place look like grandmas. Nothing wrong with that, except you’re not 80 yet. Get rid of them and just keep the nice ones. Or buy a new, modern set if you don’t have extra.
Chipped dishes. and chipped mugs
Why people keep these around is anyone’s guess, because you can’t even use them. Plus they’re such a huge risk to have around especially with kids in the house. The trash bin is waiting with arms wide open.
Scraps of wrapping paper and ribbon you don’t like
There are those who like to keep and recycle used wrapping paper and ribbons, but honestly, you only need them for special occasions and Christmas. And it’s not like they’re expensive.
Gloves and socks with no match
Another weird quirk that just makes no sense. It’s not like you’d go out in the snow with one glove and one sock anyway. Plus buying new pairs isn’t exactly hard to do nowadays.
Scribbled-in coloring books your kids won’t ever use, toys with missing pieces, and broken toys
These old toys, whether unused or broken, won’t get your child’s attention anymore so either throw them out or donate them to a family or organization that could use them. You get to declutter and help others in the process.
Permanently stained clothing and slippers you never reach for
Others may use old stained clothes as rags for cleaning but you’re still better off just throwing them away. While you’re at it, grab those slippers and toss them out. You’ll be surprised at how much brighter your room will look.
Seasonal decor you never put out
Now that Christmas is over with, we only have around 355 days to go til the next one. So might as well leave the decorations up. Wrong.
You had the time and energy to put them up. Find that same energy to put them away and to get rid of the really old ones.
Art you’ve taken off your wall that’s hanging out in the garage and paint samples
Now unless you’re really a collector and you’ve got a dedicated spot to hang those paintings, then you’re better off getting rid of old art. You could donate them to a museum or whoever wants them too.
Baby gear in the attic and hand-me-downs that went unworn
The attic has so much potential but it usually ends up as a storage space for old and forgotten items. Time to sort through all that junk and get rid of old baby gear and clothes. Imagine what you can now do with all that room.
Excess blank notebooks or journals and supplies from hobbies you haven’t done in years
A lot of us are guilty of keeping notebooks and journals only to fill them up halfway, or not even. They’ll be left lying around somewhere gathering dust alongside those forgotten hobbies. You know the drill.
Old sports equipment
Whichever sport you’re in to, the shoes and equipment you used will get worn and old. There’s no sense in keeping them around when you can buy new ones that work better. Work up a sweat and carry them outside for the garbage collector.
Excess pencils and pens, broken crayons, dry markers, and colored pencil nubs that your kids never use.
Parents will find these in every nook and cranny of the house. Grab a trash bag and start gathering old pencils, crayons, markers, and the like. You may have to do some scrubbing and mopping after.
Excess towels and sheets
Another one of those items that you could so easily purchase anytime. And besides, why keep old ones when you can have fresh, new ones? Might as well wipe off a few counters and tables with the old ones before throwing them out.
Candles you don’t use (new or partially used)
Unless your house is some kind of makeshift church, stop gathering old candles. Keep a few good ones if the area is prone to power outages but really, get rid of all the rest.
Boots you haven’t worn all season and that scratchy wool scarf
Sure they feel super comfy but they’ve become rather unsightly so really it is better to toss them out and just buy new ones. Besides, it’s always fun to shop for new boots and scarves.
Excess reusable grocery bags or broken luggage
It’s not like you’ll actually travel with old luggage or go shopping with reusable bags that could split open at any time. There are many other options, and having new bags is much safer anyway.
Shoes you haven’t worn in a year, coats you haven’t worn all season, and formal wear you longer fit in
Again with old pieces of clothing you won’t really wear or use anymore. If they’re in decent condition, donate them to a shelter. If not, throw them away.
Now you have an excuse to go shopping!
Items you meant to return that are past their return date like overdue library books
In the first place, you should have returned them. But since they’re old and probably worn, then do toss them in the bin. Except for those books. Don’t throw away books.
Hair care tools, old nail polish, and hair accessories you never use
These age pretty quickly, and more often than not, rise and fall with fashion trends so you have a good excuse to get rid of them. Buy new ones. They’ll look better, plus people won’t question your taste.
Jewelry or sentimental items or gifts you feel guilty getting rid of
They may be heirlooms or remembrance gifts but if they’re just gathering dust then maybe throw them away, or dedicate a box for storage. Take pictures though, in case you do decide to throw these away.
Pajamas you aren’t comfortable in, excess workout clothes, and clothes hangers
They aren’t comfortable, they’re worn and faded, so why keep them around?
Even those excess clothes hangers do nothing but take up a lot of space. Do yourself a favor and throw them all away. It’s time to buy new ones anyway.
Handbags, purses, totes, backpacks, wallets, sunglasses cases, etc. you aren’t using
There’s a certain charm to used and worn bags and accessories, but if you aren’t using any of these then you may as well just throw them out. You’ll end up with a lot of free space too.
Office supplies you never use and that broken printer you already have a replacement for
Do you really want your home to look like work? It’s not difficult to throw away old office supplies and that broken printer. An organized workspace means an organized mind. And that means better productivity.
Cookware and knives you never use
The kitchen is an area prone to clutter and a lot of mess. But a clean one is so nice to work in. So go ahead and see which items can be thrown out. Did you know shopping for kitchenware is fun too?
Condiments you never touched or are saving because there’s a little left in the bottle
It’s a habit of many to keep those bottles of condiments since there’s still some left in them. They’re probably stuck in the bottle though, plus they can expire. Declutter and get rid of these as soon as you can.
Expired coupons and gift cards
They’re expired so why keep them? There’s no logic behind this so gather them all up and bury them deep down the trash bin. Such a shame you never got to use them though.
Dog toys beyond repair and excess dog leashes and collars
Your furry best friend deserves a fresh start too so get rid of old toys and collars. Go out and buy him new ones since he’s been a very good boy this year. He’ll still be a good boy for 2023 anyway.
Expired medication and medication information brochures
What exactly were you planning to do with these anyway? The dangers of expired medicines are all too real and you don’t want to be seeing a doctor for that reason. Wrap them up well and throw them out.
Half-finished craft projects and puzzles with missing pieces
They’ve been half finished for the rest of the year, and that puzzle’s been missing a few pieces for the longest time, so chances are you won’t be finishing any of them anymore. Let go, declutter, and move on.
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