Decluttering: 10 Things to Get Rid of Now
There are plenty of items in our homes that are just taking up space. I’ll hazard a guess that there are at least 10 things you can get rid of right now, while decluttering, to free up some of your space.
It’s time to let them go.
I know it can be difficult to part with some stuff. Certain things bring back fond memories.
More often than not, what creates clutter are the things you don’t think about. That is until you open a drawer and there they are – still.
So, let’s look at how to increase your space by getting rid of some items. Here are 10 things to declutter immediately.
1. Expired Spices
We tend to think that spices don’t go bad and that is true, but in a way, they expire. By this, I mean that within 3 to 10 months, they tend to lose their flavor. This is especially true if they’re not stored properly.
How do you check to see if your herbs and spices are still good? It is very simple. Pour some into your hand and grind them up. If they don’t smell very strong it is time to replace them.
When you go to check if what you have is still good, take the opportunity to throw out the spices you never actually use.
And check to see if you have duplicates, this happens a lot.
Once you get rid of the old and useless ones, organize your spice cupboard so you will always know what you have.
Labeling helps.
2. Condiment Packets
Ok, I know we are all guilty of this one. Keeping those little packets from your “to go” or delivery order (especially soy sauce). You think you might use them at some point and it is a shame to waste them.
But really, what do you end up doing with them?
Let me guess. You put them in a drawer or the fridge, thinking you would use them one day, and that one day never comes.
Whatever condiments your family likes, you probably have a container of in your fridge or cupboard. You don’t need to keep a hundred packets that just take up space on the off chance you “run out.”
3. Last Year’s Wall Calendar
Some folks hold onto last year’s wall calendar to record birthdays on the current year’s calendar. Or, because they like some of the pictures on the calendars. The problem is, we tend to forget about this and as a result, calendars from last year, and even the year before, might still be in our homes.
If you like the pictures, you can download them and make them into screen savers. If you don’t know how to do that, just ask anyone under the age of 20. I am sure they will get it done in less than 5 minutes.
If you want to keep track of birthdays, or, other meaningful occasions, either digitize that information or, keep track of the dates in a journal – or both. Time to get rid of last year’s wall calendar!
4. Pens That Don’t Work
Somewhere in your home, you’ve got a stack of pens. And, while only some of them work, for some reason, you’ve kept all of them.
Well, it is time to sit down with a pad of paper and go through them. It won’t take you that much time, just a simple scribble, if it doesn’t work throw it away.
5. Broken Sunglasses
Most of us don’t keep sunglasses after they have been broken, but if you are someone who does, you might want to ask yourself, why?
Are you thinking you will perhaps repair them yourself?
If so, you are quite likely overestimating your eyeglass repair skills.
Time to get rid of them!
6. Accessories You Don’t Wear
This could be items like costume jewelry, belts, scarves, purses and ties.
I know there are other accessories but these are the big ones.
While these might be the hard to part with, you can do it. Go through your closet, jewelry box, and drawers. Look at what you have not worn for a year or more.
You don’t have to throw them away. If they are in good shape and are still wearable donate them to a charity or put them on consignment. Someone will enjoy them as much as you did.
7. Old Makeup
Are you guilty of keeping old makeup around hoping to use it when the right time comes? If your makeup has been sitting around for a year, or I hope not longer than that, it’s time to part ways.
Your skin deserves better treatment.
You can develop an eye infection, such as pink eye, from expired mascara, as the older the product, the more likely it contains bacteria. Mascara’s usually good for 3 months after opening, so keeping it longer than that is not a good idea.
Do yourself a favor and get rid of your old makeup.
The Healthy outlines some health risks associated with old makeup.
8. Old Towels & Bed Linen
Time to break the habit of keeping old towels and bed linen.
Take out your towels and linen and inspect them.
If they have rips, holes or, stains, then it’s time to replace them.
Getting rid of the old stuff and re-organizing, will show you how much space you have for new towel and linen sets.
9. Expired Coupons
If you’re dedicated to couponing, remember their expiry dates. Having old coupons in your drawer is pointless.
So, take the time to go through them, I would say at least once a month. It will only take you a few minutes. You can do it while on a phone call or watching TV. Otherwise, you’ll be going through a stack of them, which will take longer to sort out.
10. Old Eyeglasses
Do your eyes a favor and replace your old eyeglasses. You can donate them to various places, such as Wal-Mart, or, even your optometrist’s office. I know that my optometrist ships old glasses to countries in need.
Time To Recap
There you have it, 10 things you can get rid of right now, while decluttering and get started on your journey to reduce the clutter in your home.
Just to recap, the 10 things you can declutter immediately are listed below:
- Expired spices
- Condiment Packets
- Last Year’s Wall Calendar
- Pens That Don’t Work
- Broken Sunglasses
- Accessories You Don’t Wear
- Old Makeup
- Old Towels & Bed Linen
- Expired Coupons
- Old Eyeglasses