Things To Throw Away

It’s no secret that our homes often bear the brunt of our busy lives, accumulating unnecessary items and clutter along the way. If you’ve ever seen an episode of hoarders, you know exactly how holding onto items can get out of hand. Get ready to start fresh by reclaiming your space and peace of mind by throwing away these few things.

1. Expired Pantry Items

The pantry is a space in your home that somehow doesn’t get the same cleaning treatment as the rest of your home. To tackle this issue, start by checking expiration dates and inspect items for signs of spoilage. Throw away any items that are past their prime or show signs of deterioration.

As you clear out expired items, you may discover hidden treasures that have been hiding in the depths of your pantry. This newfound space allows for fresher ingredients, and maybe it will inspire your inner top chef to create something new. Then, consider organizing your pantry to prevent future clutter. Use labeled containers or shelf organizers to keep items visible and accessible.

Photo Credit: William Fortunato

2. Old Clothes

It’s time to tackle those towering piles of clothes and let go of what no longer sparks joy, Marie Kondo-style. From jeans that no longer fit to moth-eaten sweaters and the socks that lost their sole mate long ago, freeing up that closet space might signal it’s time for a new wardrobe. If you’ve been meaning to treat yourself, this is the best way to get started.

3. Dated Tech Gadgets

In this digital age, technology evolves faster than you can say “upgrade.” Yet, there’s a strange guilt that exists for throwing out electronics. From dusty floppy disks to tangled cords and obsolete devices, part ways with the relics of technology’s past and embrace the sleek and streamlined future.

4. Sentimental Clutter

Everyone has that drawer filled with trinkets and mementos, each carrying a sentimental story. But amidst the clutter of nostalgia, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Take a moment to sift through your sentimental treasures and ask yourself: are these items really meaningful, or are they just collecting dust?

5. Dusty Cosmetics

That expired makeup, half-empty bottle of lotion, or that lipstick shade you swore you’d wear but never did? It’s doing nothing for you, especially if the ingredients are expired. Make way for fresh skincare and makeup! Your skin deserves it.

Photo credit: Annie Spratt

6. Old Magazines and Newspapers

Those stacks of outdated magazines and newspapers might be turning your living room into a literary labyrinth, and not in a good way. It’s easy for print media to accumulate and overwhelm our homes, especially since it feels a little odd throwing out literature. But instead of tossing them, you can recycle old magazines and newspapers.

7. Duplicate Kitchen Gadgets

Ever found yourself staring at your kitchen drawers, wondering how many garlic presses your household truly needs? Accumulating duplicate kitchen gadgets over time is more common than you think. You might think you’ll use them eventually or perhaps as backups. But in reality, these duplicates only add to clutter and take up precious space in your kitchen drawers. Take inventory to identify the duplicates or items you rarely use. Then, consider donating these extras to those who could benefit from them. Local shelters, community centers, or online donation platforms are excellent places to start.

8. Unused or Broken Exercise Equipment

Have you ever invested in exercise equipment with the best intentions, only to find it gathering dust in the corner of your home gym, or becoming a makeshift clothing rack? To address this clutter, start by evaluating your exercise equipment. Identify items that you haven’t used in months or those that are broken beyond repair. Then, consider your options for disposal. You could try selling gently used equipment online, donating to local fitness programs or charities, or recycling broken items.