In the midst of our busy lives, it’s common for our homes to accumulate items we no longer need or use. While holding onto these things may seem harmless, they can clutter our spaces and make it challenging to find what we truly need. Unsure of what to keep or let go of? Here are some household items that experts recommend decluttering or donating.
Expert Advice:
Tamar Prager, founder of tamarprager.com and host of The Paper Weight podcast
Melissa Maker, founder of Clean My Space
Clearing Out Old Documents:
Although it may be hard to part with important documents like tax records or medical information, it’s essential to declutter and make space in your home. In today’s digital age, most information is easily accessible online, so there’s no need to keep physical copies year after year. Discard expired documents and items that can be found online, such as old warranties, outdated tax papers, and financial statements. Shred any papers containing personal information. Miscellaneous items like old menus, junk mail, schoolwork, flyers, and coupons can also be tossed. Consider scanning important items and storing them digitally.
Getting Rid of Damaged or Duplicate Kitchenware:
To free up space in your kitchen, be selective about the items you keep. Only hold onto items that are used frequently or hold sentimental value. Donate or discard duplicate or unused kitchenware, including utensils, knives, and servingware. Broken or damaged items should be tossed. Make room by letting go of items that no longer serve a purpose or are missing essential parts.
Clearing Out Expired Food and Pantry Items:
Check your pantry and cabinets for expired or stale food products. Inspect your refrigerator for moldy produce, expired condiments, and anything past its prime.
Tossing Expired Beauty and Bathroom Products:
Go through your bathroom and discard expired, half-used, or rarely used products. Look for signs of spoilage, like changes in color or separation. Refer to the product’s symbol indicating its shelf life after opening. Keep only products you love and use regularly.
By decluttering these common household items, you can create a more organized and efficient living space.
Revamping your wardrobe can present a formidable task, yet it stands as a crucial measure in creating more space within your closet. The initial step involves conducting a thorough inventory of your clothing and accessories. It is advisable to consider parting ways with any worn-out pieces exhibiting holes or stains, and to donate clothes that no longer see the light of day or no longer fit properly.
Delving deeper into decluttering, attention must also be given to your linen closet. Worn-out blankets and towels can find new purpose by being donated to animal shelters instead of being relegated to the trash bin. While sorting through your bedding, it is prudent to identify items that are damaged or missing components, such as a stray pillowcase or a fitted sheet.
In the quest for organization, the infamous “junk drawer” is a commonplace in many households. This drawer often serves as the final destination for various odds and ends, from antiquated cell phones to rogue pens and pencils. Professional organizers suggest rebranding this space as a haven for useful items, steering clear of the notion that any random clutter is welcome. By imbuing this area with purpose and aesthetics, maintaining its organization becomes a more appealing prospect. Dispose of items such as inkless pens, defunct batteries, empty tape dispensers, malfunctioning phone chargers, and other non-functional objects. Furthermore, consider reducing duplicates of certain items, like paper clips and rubber bands, to optimize space and efficiency.
Moreover, when confronted with a surplus of toys in your child’s play area, it is advisable to conduct a thorough evaluation. Identify any toys that are damaged or have been outgrown, and consider donating or passing them on to others. For toys and stuffed animals that have endured the test of time and love, but are now worse for wear, it might be time to bid them farewell. However, do reserve space for the most cherished items, as they hold sentimental value. Moreover, consider breathing new life into these mementos by having them refurbished or repurposed into tokens of nostalgia.
In conclusion, the process of decluttering and purging unnecessary items from your living spaces serves as a rejuvenating exercise in creating order and space. By adopting a systematic approach to organizing your belongings, you not only streamline your environment but also contribute to a more efficient and aesthetically pleasing home. Embrace the opportunity to cleanse your living spaces of unnecessary clutter and make way for a more organized and harmonious living environment.
