Are you constantly stressed or too distracted to do chores in your home? The bother may be a result of clutter in your home. Studies show that people tend to identify with their possessions in the home. It is probably the reason why we hold on to items, even those with no value in our lives.
Not only does unnecessary junk clutter the shelves, but also our lives. By getting rid of such items, you regain control of your home and get the much needed calm and relief. Ready to organize your home? Here are seven top household items worth eliminating.
1. Clothing and Bedding
Although clothing may seem hard to declutter, it is relatively easy to put your mind to it. Research shows that we only wear about 20% of our clothes and keep the rest for “just in case.” By getting rid of the extras, you will be able to see everything in your closet. Here is some clothing to remove from the closet:
•Mismatched socks
•Clothing that doesn’t fit
•Worn out shoes
•Old towels
Get rid of your worn out beddings and ask yourself if you need a new mattress. Invest in a high-quality brand. Find out more at Black Friday Mattress Deals for all your bedding needs.
2. Paper Trash
Usually, people are too lazy to organize their papers or even determine if they are useful or not. It is easier to dump the clutter on shelves or drawers. It is crucial to sort out the papers to avoid them pilling out of control. Keep in mind that you can store certificates and manuals in a digital format. Some of the paper trash include:
•Old receipts and bills
•Irrelevant certificates and documents
•Old calendars and gift wraps
•Advertisement flyers and booklets
•Old magazines and postcards
3. Expired Products
Often, we end up with expired items on our shelves without knowing. It is challenging to remember the expiration dates of all products. However, regular checking can save you from poisoning. Many items overstay their welcome due to forgetfulness. The popular culprits include:
•Spices
•Beauty products
•Medicines
•Grains and cereals
4. Broken or Damaged Items
Failure to repair broken items in time is another significant cause of clutter. You may end up buying new replacements while still holding on to the damaged ones. Set a reasonable deadline to fix any malfunctioning item. Examples of such things include:
•Faulty appliances
•Damaged shoes and clothes
•Broken jewelry
•Bikes and toys beyond repair
5. Books
Hanging onto old books can quickly clutter a space even with a dedicated bookshelf. Sort through your book collection and put aside the ones you plan to reread. Donate or resell the remaining ones to save space in your office or living room.
Feeling guilty about letting go of your recipes and cookbooks? Don’t worry about it. You can easily find endless recipes on the internet. Besides, digitizing your collection is also an excellent option.
6. Extra Kitchen Utensils
Unnecessary utensils can clutter your organized kitchen. Like any other room, kitchens get messy from specialty gadgets, extra mugs, and expired foods. Having a home for every item is the key to having a clutter-free environment. It guarantees that products stay in place.
Take everything out of cabinets and begin sorting by category. Get rid of duplicate appliances, chipped, or cracked pieces. Some of these everyday items are:
•Water bottles
•Fast food extras like plastic folks, condiment packets, straws, sauce packets, etc
•Food storage containers
•Kitchen tools
•Multiple mugs and plates
7. Just in Case Items
People tend to buy products for later use even if it does not make sense. Sure, it is good to plan for the future. But such an approach in purchasing items may lead to serious problems like hoarding. Remember that you can always find the same products in stores. Furthermore, technology is ever-changing, and new exciting products are ever released into the market. Do not keep impractical things based on the idea of a possibility. We are talking about items like:
•Spare buttons and storage containers
•Spare parts
•Out of season shoes and clothes
•Outfits intended for future occasions
•Accessories for hobbies you may like
Sometimes less is more. Check out this minimalistic apartment for ideas on how to keep your space fun with fewer items.
Although decluttering may be challenging, it helps to start small. Making a practical plan and sticking by it helps in breaking bad habits. You can check out Marie Kondo’s organization method based on keeping things that spark joy in you. Focus on experiences and not items linked to them.