1. Hotel Toiletries
If you're more of a shower gel person, do you really need to keep that tiny bar of soap from a hotel you visited years ago? The same goes for that travel-size bottle of floral-scented lotion. Hotel freebies often gather dust and rarely get used, taking up precious space—especially if your medicine cabinet is small. Consider moving them to your guest bathroom or simply declutter them.
2. Products You’ve Tried Once or Twice
Sometimes we need to face the facts and admit that the pricey moisturizer didn’t deliver the radiant glow we were hoping for. The same goes for that anti-frizz serum that did absolutely nothing. We all make these mistakes—just toss it and move on.
3. Expired or Spoiled Toiletries
If your lavender body lotion now smells like gasoline or your sunscreen has separated, it’s time to let go. When in doubt, check the expiration date. If there isn’t one, look for a symbol of an open jar with a number on the back, which shows how many months it’s good for after opening. If you can’t recall when you bought it, it's likely time to part ways with it.
4. Regretful Makeup Purchases
At some point, we’ve all thought baby blue eyeshadow was a bold choice. Spoiler: it wasn’t. The same goes for that foundation shade that didn’t match or the palette you had to buy but used only twice. If it doesn't look good now, it won’t in a month either. Just get rid of it (or donate it if it’s still in great shape and unused).
5. Expired Medications and Prescriptions You No Longer Use
Whether it’s a bottle of Pepto, a rash ointment, or eye drops, if a medication has expired, it’s time to dispose of it. If it’s only recently expired, you might be okay to use it in a pinch (like Benadryl for an allergy), but be sure to get a replacement as soon as possible.
Also, clear out any medications you no longer take. Find a local safe disposal site and drop them off.
6. Cotton Balls
Those little cotton balls don’t exactly do a great job of applying toner evenly, so why are they still taking up space? Toss them out and switch to reusable cotton pads. You’ll save money and be more eco-friendly in the long run.
7. Gadgets You Used Once and Forgot About
Whether it's a blue light teeth whitening device, a facial shaver, or a rechargeable rotating facial brush—if it’s not a staple in your skincare routine, chances are you don’t need it. If you still use these gadgets occasionally, tuck them away in a drawer or under your bathroom sink instead.
