Ever stood there, eyeing that “good box” in your closet, wondering if today might finally be the day it proves its worth? I mean, who hasn’t held onto something in the hope that it “might come in handy” one day? Spoiler alert: that day rarely arrives, and before you know it, you’ve got a miniature petri dish breeding who-knows-what in the back of your pantry! It’s a common adulting dilemma. From ancient remote controls with buttons that have been silent since the Apollo missions to various knick-knacks that seem to reproduce when you’re not looking, our belongings can feel more like anchors than treasures. But trust me, it’s time to break free! There’s a certain kind of relief in tossing out what just isn’t serving you anymore—so, let’s explore this decluttering adventure together. Here’s a handy guide on what you can confidently let go without shedding a tear—and hey, you might even find some hidden treasures along the way! LEARN MORE.
One of my biggest adulting struggles is staring at a “good box” and not wanting to throw it away because “it’ll come in handy” someday. Except that day rarely comes, and it ends up harboring some questionable life forms. Many of us have trouble letting go of things, like that ancient remote control with buttons that haven’t worked since man first went to the moon.
The belongings we accumulate can often feel like they have a gravitational pull, anchoring us to clutter rather than liberating us. Yet, many items have outlived their usefulness, and discarding them won’t leave you missing them in the slightest.
Here’s a helpful guide to the things you can confidently toss out without a second thought.
You will not miss the expired cans, jars of questionable sauces, and that bag of flour that has been in your pantry since the last century. It can be tempting to think, “I might need this someday,” but the reality is that expired food is just taking up space and could be a health risk.
Tossing out those ancient edibles can be liberating. You clear out space for new usable items and also avoid a potential science experiment every time you open that cabinet. Your taste buds (and stomach) will be better for it.
Holding onto that stack of magazines from three years ago? While they might seem like a source of nostalgia or inspiration, they often end up as clutter instead. With digital media at our fingertips, it’s easy to find the latest trends or tips online—no need to keep those dusty pages around.
Recycle those old magazines, donate them to the local dentist’s office, or toss them out altogether if they’re tattered. You will free up not only physical space but also mental space.
It’s tough to part with items linked to meaningful moments, even when those memories aren’t always pleasant. Holding onto objects that carry painful memories can weigh heavily on your mental and emotional well-being.
Perhaps it’s an old love letter, a souvenir from a difficult time, or a gift from someone who is no longer in your life. While it might seem easier to keep them tucked away, these items can often act as anchors, tethering you to past wounds. Toss them.
How many spatulas or water bottles do you really need? Sometimes, we collect duplicates of things without even realizing it. Whether it’s kitchen gadgets, tools, or that one specific book, duplicates can clutter your space and create chaos.
Clearing out the extras declutters your space and allows you to appreciate the items you truly love. Choose your favorites and let go of the rest.
There’s always that one item we keep “just in case” we find a way to fix it. But if you’ve been staring at that broken chair or cracked vase for months (or years), it might be time to say goodbye. Holding onto broken items often means holding onto lingering frustration.
You’ll no longer have to navigate around that wobbly chair when trying to sit down. A clear space equals a clear mind.
Bookworms know how we buy books because we will read them later in life. We want to keep them close, but sometimes they just gather dust on the shelf. If you have a stack of unread books that you’ve been meaning to dive into but haven’t for ages, it might be time to reconsider their place in your life.
Clearing out unread books lightens your physical load and frees you from the guilt of not reading them. Donate or sell those books to someone who will enjoy them and make room for new stories that truly resonate with you.
Shoes are meant to be walked in, and they eventually wear out. Holding onto worn-out shoes just takes up valuable space in your closet or entryway. Plus, they may no longer provide proper support for your feet.
Toss them in the trash (or donate them if they’re still usable) and give yourself permission to upgrade to a new, more comfortable pair.
We all have that one knick-knack we picked up on a trip and promised ourselves we would display proudly. But if it’s still sitting in the back of your closet, it’s probably time to let go. Souvenirs can be sentimental reminders of our travels, but they also take up space and collect dust.
Take pictures instead of collecting physical souvenirs to keep the memories without cluttering your space.
Technology moves at a rapid pace, and what was once the latest and greatest quickly becomes outdated. Holding onto old electronics can be hazardous to the environment if disposed of improperly.
If you no longer use a device (and it’s not easily repairable), recycle or donate it. Keep your space clutter-free and feel good about reducing electronic waste.
Old takeout boxes or jars that once held something delicious can quickly accumulate and become an eyesore. Letting go of these empty containers will make your kitchen feel more organized.
When you need a container, you’ll know you can rely on a few clean, functional ones rather than a hodgepodge of mismatched items.
Makeup products come with expiration dates for a reason. Old makeup can harbor bacteria and cause skin issues, so it’s essential to clean out that makeup bag regularly.
If you find items that are several years old or have changed in texture or smell, toss them without hesitation. A refreshed makeup collection promotes healthy skin and makes getting ready feel more enjoyable.
How many rolls of gift wrap or bags do you have? Those leftover supplies from last year’s birthday parties are now ready for the trash can. It’s great to be prepared, but holding onto a mountain of half-used wrapping paper and wrinkled gift bags is not a good look.
Keeping a few nice options is fine, but the rest can go, making way for more meaningful gifts.
It’s like a never-ending game of “what does this cord belong to?” Old chargers and cables seem to multiply overnight, each carrying the ghost of a long-forgotten device. You might have the original charger for a flip phone that hasn’t seen the light of day since 2010.
These cables do little more than tangle in a drawer, adding frustration to your life. Take a moment to sort through these electrical relics. If you can’t recall what they belong to, it’s time to bid them farewell. Don’t throw them in the bin, though. Find a local recycler and dispose of them.
We all have those pieces in our wardrobe that seemed like a good idea at the time but have since become the enemy of our closet space. That pair of jeans that no longer fit or the top that never quite looked right can now safely go to the donation box.
Take a moment to assess your wardrobe. If an item makes you feel anything less than fabulous, it’s time to let it go.
Remember that board game you love but can never quite play because the pieces have mysteriously vanished over time? Holding onto games with missing parts may only lead to frustration during game night.
Instead of letting incomplete games gather dust, consider creatively reusing their parts for art projects or donating them to organizations that might have the missing pieces.
Are you one of those people who have difficulty throwing things out? Let’s face it: we all save things thinking we might need them someday. But often, that day never comes, and the clutter keeps adding up.
22 Junky Things You’re Saving That You Should Throw Out Now
Are you running late for work and can’t find your favorite top? Most of us can relate to this frustrating situation. When closets get cluttered with junk we never wear or use anyway; it can start to feel overwhelming. Thus, you might reach for the same couple of outfits each week to avoid digging through the sea of stuff.
20 Things to Get Out of Your Closet That Are a Waste of Space
I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.