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One funny thing I’ve observed is that much of the clutter in anyone’s home isn’t stuff they particularly like or use, they just can’t seem to let go of. I’ve seen it in my own house too — random cables stuffed in a drawer “just in case,” old clothes I don’t even like that somehow survived every closet purge, and a pile of birthday cards I felt too guilty to toss. None of these things are adding value to my life, but they stick around because of habit, indecision, or that vague sense that I might need them someday.
The truth is, clutter has less to do with what we want and more to do with what we’re afraid of. We’re afraid to waste something that could be useful, afraid to let go of something tied to a memory, or afraid we’ll make the wrong choice. But once I started getting honest about the fact that some things have simply outlived their usefulness in my life, decluttering got a whole lot easier. Today, I want to share 9 common items I’ve found lurking in most homes — including my own — that you can confidently let go of right now. Trust me, you won’t miss them.
1. Expired medicines and half-used toiletries
Bathroom cabinets and medicine drawers have a sneaky way of turning into little museums of our past illnesses and beauty experiments. Expired allergy pills, half-used bottles of lotion that smell just a little off, that fancy face mask you didn’t love but felt too guilty to toss — it all adds up. The reality is, expired medicines lose their potency, and old cosmetics can become breeding grounds for bacteria. Free up space and simplify your daily routine by only keeping what’s fresh, useful, and something you actually like to use.
2. That drawer full of tangled cords and mystery chargers
We all have one of these — a chaotic jumble of outdated tech accessories and cords for who-knows-what. There’s a good chance you’ve been holding onto the charger for a phone you upgraded three models ago or a cable that used to belong to a forgotten gadget. Take a few minutes to untangle the mess, identify what you actually use (be honest), and let go of the rest. Your future self will thank you the next time you open that drawer and actually find what you need — without the headache.
3. Clothes that “might fit someday”
It’s tempting to hang onto those aspirational jeans, the dress you wore to that wedding years ago, or the jacket that was just a little too snug when you bought it. But keeping clothes that no longer fit (or never really fit right to begin with) can quietly chip away at your self-esteem every time you see them. Your closet should make you feel good about yourself right now, not some hypothetical future version of you. Donate or sell those items and fill your space with clothes that fit and flatter who you are today. This is especially important for kids as they quickly grow out of old clothes– don’t forget to invite them to help you organize their closets.
4. Greeting cards you feel too guilty to throw away
There’s nothing wrong with being sentimental, but let’s be real — holding onto every holiday card, thank-you note, and birthday message can quickly overwhelm your space. The truth is, the love and thought behind the card mattered more than the paper itself. If you can’t bear to part with a particularly special one, take a photo of it or keep just a small, curated collection. The rest can be recycled guilt-free, knowing the memory lives on whether you physically have the card or not.
5. Cookbooks you never use
Cookbooks can be beautiful and nostalgic, but if they’re more decoration than inspiration, they might not deserve that valuable kitchen real estate. If you tend to search for recipes online or stick to your tried-and-true meals, you probably only need a couple trusted cookbooks. Keep your absolute favorites — the ones you actually pull off the shelf — and donate the rest to someone who will put them to use. Bonus: you’ll make more room for actual cooking supplies you use daily.
6. Broken gadgets and appliances you meant to fix
We’ve all held onto that coffee maker with the weird drip or the toaster that only toasts one side — promising ourselves we’ll “get around to fixing it.” But let’s be honest: if months (or even years) have passed, it’s probably not a priority. It’s okay to admit that some items have outlived their usefulness. Letting go of these half-broken things clears physical space and also lifts a subtle mental weight — the guilt of unfinished projects we never really wanted to do in the first place.
7. Old magazines and newspapers
If you’ve got a growing pile of magazines by your couch or a stash of newspapers saved for “that one article you’ll get to,” you’re not alone. But let’s be real — are you actually going to go back and flip through them? Most of that content is easily found online if you ever need it again. A stack of old papers doesn’t just collect dust, it silently clutters up your space and your mind. Let it go and enjoy the visual and mental breathing room.
8. Random freebies and promotional swag
Those free tote bags, pens, water bottles, and branded notepads might have felt useful in the moment, but how many do you actually use? Companies are constantly handing out these “freebies,” and before you know it, your drawers and closets are filled with stuff you never intentionally chose. Decluttering these items is especially freeing because they don’t hold much personal meaning — you never bought them in the first place! Keep the one or two you truly love, and donate or recycle the rest.
9. Old hobby supplies you’ve moved on from
We all go through phases — knitting, painting, yoga, candle-making — and sometimes, those hobbies don’t stick. It’s okay to admit that your interests have evolved. Holding onto supplies from past hobbies doesn’t mean you’ll suddenly become passionate about them again. In fact, they often just serve as reminders of unfinished projects and failed attempts. Let them go to someone who will actually use them, and clear the way for the hobbies and interests that excite you today.
Decluttering doesn’t have to be a giant overhaul. Sometimes, just parting with these everyday space hogs can make a noticeable difference in how your home feels — and how you feel inside it. So, which of these are you ready to say goodbye to today?
