When it comes to decluttering, it’s easy to get attached to things we don’t actually need. Many items linger in our homes simply because they’ve been there for years, even though they no longer serve a purpose. Professional organizers are trained to spot these hidden sources of clutter quickly, and they have no problem recommending you get rid of them immediately.
If you’re wondering what you should finally let go of, here’s a look at 15 items a professional organizer would toss without even blinking.
Expired Pantry Items
It’s amazing how many expired cans, boxes, and jars quietly pile up in the back of the pantry. Organizers don’t hesitate to toss anything past its expiration date. Even if it feels wasteful, expired food isn’t safe or useful, and clearing it out makes room for fresh, usable supplies.
Broken Electronics
That old phone you swore you’d fix someday? The tablet with the cracked screen? Organizers see these as dead weight. Unless you have a concrete plan to repair them immediately, they recommend letting go of broken electronics to free up valuable space.
Single Socks
Everyone has a lonely sock or two that’s been waiting for its partner to reappear. Professional organizers are ruthless about these mismatches. If a sock has been without its mate for months, it’s time to let it go.
Outdated Makeup and Skincare
Beauty products have expiration dates for a reason. Old makeup can harbor bacteria and lose effectiveness over time. Organizers often recommend a quick sweep through your bathroom drawers, tossing anything that’s more than a year or two old.
Free Promotional Items
Tote bags, water bottles, pens, and stress balls from conferences and fairs tend to accumulate fast. Organizers know these freebies often have no sentimental value and minimal practical use. They advise keeping only what you truly use—and ditching the rest.
Chipped or Stained Dishes
That coffee mug with a hairline crack? The plate with the permanent stain? Professional organizers see these as visual clutter and potential hazards. They recommend keeping only dishes you use and love in good condition.
Excess Towels and Linens
Many homes have more towels, sheets, and blankets than they could possibly need. Organizers typically suggest keeping two sets per person or bed and donating or discarding the extras.
Unread Magazines and Newspapers
If you haven’t read those magazines sitting on your coffee table in the past month, chances are you never will. Organizers suggest recycling outdated reading material regularly to keep piles from taking over surfaces.
Worn-Out Shoes
That pair of sneakers you meant to repair but haven’t touched in years? Organizers say it’s time to let them go. Shoes that are broken, uncomfortable, or no longer fit your lifestyle only create unnecessary clutter.
Duplicates in the Kitchen
How many spatulas, can openers, or measuring cups does one household need? Organizers often recommend keeping the best-quality version and donating the duplicates to clear precious kitchen space.
Gift Bags and Wrapping Paper Scraps
Saving gift bags and wrapping paper seems economical, but piles of crumpled, half-used supplies can quickly get out of hand. Organizers suggest keeping a small, organized stash and recycling the rest.
Old Cords and Chargers
A tangled box of unidentified cords isn’t helping anyone. Professional organizers recommend keeping only those cords you actively use and labeling them to prevent future confusion.
Books You’ll Never Read Again
While it’s hard to part with books, organizers are practical about it. If you know you’ll never reread a title or didn’t even finish it the first time, it’s better to donate it and make room for the books you truly love.
Outgrown Kid Items
Whether it’s clothing, toys, or gear, kid stuff tends to linger long after it’s needed. Organizers encourage regularly donating or selling outgrown items to prevent clutter from overtaking your home.
Mystery Items
If you stumble upon an object and can’t remember where it came from, what it does, or why you have it, organizers give you full permission to let it go. Items without a clear purpose often become just one more thing taking up unnecessary space.
Professional organizers aren’t heartless about your belongings. They simply know that clutter can weigh you down mentally and physically. By learning to view these common items with a more critical eye, you can create a home that feels lighter, more functional, and more peaceful. Sometimes, letting go of a little makes room for a lot more joy and clarity.
What’s the hardest item for you to let go of when you’re decluttering?
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