Buzz
Clearing out clutter can be incredibly satisfying, though it sometimes comes with a twinge of regret—like when that pleated skirt you donated suddenly becomes trendy again or when you throw away leftovers that were still good. We’ve all been there. Yet, there are plenty of items you can discard without a second thought. From your kitchen to your wardrobe, here are ten things you can eliminate today and never look back.
Inside Studio/Getty ImagesExpired Food
Want to feel awful in no time? Crack open that can of expired tuna fish sitting in your pantry and whip up a quick snack. Beyond posing a serious risk to your stomach, expired food also clutters up your fridge and pantry, making it harder to locate what you actually need. Make it a habit to do a monthly cleanup and discard any food items that are past their prime.
Conduct a thorough search of your kitchen. Inspect every shelf in the fridge, and don’t overlook the door compartments filled with condiments—like that ancient yellow mustard from two summers ago.
Expired Medicine
Few things are more frustrating than waking up with a pounding headache only to find your ibuprofen expired years ago. While expired medications may not always be harmful, they lose their potency over time. Be sure to check all forms of medication, including creams, liquids like cough syrup, and even vitamins and supplements.
Beauty Products You’ll Never Use
As you rummage through your medicine cabinet, take a moment to inspect your beauty products. Spot that neglected jar gathering dust? You once had great expectations for that eye cream, but sometimes things just don’t pan out. Discard anything that failed to meet your standards. If an item is returnable, aim for a refund. This approach ensures you have no reason to feel remorse.
Expired items also belong in this category, as they can lead to skin irritation. If you didn’t bother with that moisturizer when it was new, chances are you won’t touch it now that it’s past its prime. The answer is a resounding “No.”
The same principle applies to those hotel samples. Let’s face it, that miniature soap bar will never see the light of day. Consider donating these items to a shelter or another place where they might be put to better use.
Clothing with Holes and Stains
If you’re too self-conscious to wear it outdoors, why bother wearing it indoors? Any garment with holes or stains should be discarded. If it’s threadbare, heavily pilled, or has a frayed collar—it’s time to part ways. Don’t feel guilty; you’ll be left with a wardrobe filled only with items that make you look your best. Doesn’t that sound appealing?
Sheets and Towels With Holes
Why hold onto those tattered towels from your early post-college days? The same goes for those sheets your puppy tore up. If you feel a pang of discomfort every time you use them, it’s time to let them go. If you’re concerned about regret, remember that old linens can often be donated to animal shelters.
Old DIY Supplies
That navy blue accent wall in your home office still looks stunning after three years, so there’s no need to keep that dried-up paint can sitting in your sweltering garage. The same logic applies to that ancient can of wood stain you used on your dining room chair rail years ago. DIY materials don’t last forever—toss them out.
Broken or Obsolete Gadgets
If your blender only sees the light of day for the occasional smoothie and starts smoking when you add too many frozen strawberries, it’s time to upgrade. Splurge on a new blender and discard the old one—it’s not worth the risk.
Are you clinging to outdated gadgets like your old iPhone 3G, even though you’ll likely never use them again? Do you even remember where the charger is? It’s time to part ways with these relics and the guilt that comes with keeping them.
Clothes You Haven't Worn in Over a Year
If an item hasn’t made it out of your closet in over a year, it’s unlikely it ever will. Consider donating these pieces to organizations like Goodwill or The Salvation Army, where they can find new life with someone who will appreciate them. To track what you actually wear, try flipping the hanger after each use—by year’s end, you’ll have a clear picture of what to keep and what to donate.
While this rule is a helpful guideline, there are exceptions. Special occasion outfits, like wedding guest dresses or suits, aren’t worn frequently, so they don’t count. Similarly, vintage finds or heirloom pieces with sentimental value are worth holding onto—they’re timeless treasures.
Expired Sunscreen
It’s a no-brainer—expired sunscreen should be thrown away immediately. Daily application is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, and an expired product won’t provide the necessary defense, rendering it ineffective.
Books You Don't Have Room For
Do you have books gathering dust that you didn’t enjoy or won’t read again? Don’t let them overcrowd your shelves, especially if space is already tight. Consider donating them to a charity, organizing a book exchange with friends, or passing them on to a local library or organization where they can find a new audience.
