Today is the Day to Clear These 14 Things Out of Your Home

Ever looked around your home and wondered how you ended up with so much stuff? If you’re like me, letting go isn’t always easy. We all hold onto things a bit longer than necessary.

But here’s the thing: taking the leap to declutter can be incredibly freeing. Yes, sorting through years of accumulated items can feel a tad overwhelming, but the payoff of extra space and reduced clutter is well worth the effort.

So let’s roll up our sleeves together and make room for a cleaner, more organized living space. Start by throwing away these 15 things:

Clothes from High School

Still have those outfits from high school tucked away in the back of your closet? Chances are, they’re not just out of style—they probably don’t fit the same way anymore, either. It’s time to pull them out and pass them on. You can keep a piece or two for the nostalgia, but let the rest go. Drop them in a donation bag and clear that space. Trust me, you’ll feel lighter and your closet will thank you. Plus, those clothes will get a second life with someone who can really use them.

Toys Your Kids Are Finished With

Ever feel like your home is just a giant obstacle course of toys your kids haven’t touched in ages? It’s time to reclaim your space. Those toys hiding in the bottom of the box are just taking up valuable play area. While it’s tough to let go of items that remind us of our kids’ younger years, if they’re not being played with, they’re better off with someone who will appreciate them. Donate these forgotten treasures to a thrift store or a charity. Not only will you declutter your home, but you’ll also spread some joy to other kids.

CDs and DVDs

Remember when CDs and DVDs were the go-to for music and movies? Times have changed, and if you’ve gone digital like most of us, those old discs are probably just collecting dust. If you don’t even have a player anymore, they’re definitely just taking up space. Why not pass them on to someone who still uses them? Or, if they’re really just sitting there, it might be time to recycle them. With streaming services at your fingertips, you’ll hardly miss them.

Old Stuffed Animals

Hanging on to a mountain of stuffed animals from your childhood? It’s sweet to keep a few favorites, but let’s be real—you probably aren’t attached to all of them. Donating them to a local charity can give them new life and bring smiles to other kids. If you’re feeling generous, why not wash a few and pass them along to friends or colleagues with little ones? Clearing them out not only frees up space but also spreads a bit of joy.

Take-Out Containers

Think about that cupboard or drawer where you stash all those take-out containers. You probably thought they’d come in handy for leftovers or organizing small items, right? But let’s be honest, they mostly just sit there, taking up valuable space and rarely getting used. It’s time to admit that they’re more clutter than useful. Clear them out and reclaim that kitchen space. You’ll appreciate the extra room the next time you’re looking for something actually useful in there.

Old Bathroom Products

Got a graveyard of half-used lotions and face washes under your bathroom sink? If you switched products and didn’t look back, those old bottles are just hogging space. Anything you haven’t touched in over a year—and let’s face it, probably won’t use again—needs to go. Products can expire, losing effectiveness and possibly even causing irritation. Give your bathroom shelves a fresh start by tossing out those old toiletries and making room for the items you actually use.

Broken and Chipped Dishes

Got a cupboard full of chipped mugs and cracked plates? It’s time to let them go. Not only do they clutter your kitchen space, but they also pose a safety risk. Imagine grabbing a chipped mug and ending up with a nasty cut—it’s just not worth it. Clear out those hazards and make room for dishes that are safe to use. You’ll not only free up space but also avoid any potential accidents.

Old Books

Overflowing shelves of books you’ll never read again? Why not pass them on and free up some space?

This one hurts me a bit because I have a bit of an obsession with books. But truly, if you aren’t reading those books, why wouldn’t you allow someone else the privilege of reading them?

Donate your old books to a local library or school. They’ll get a new life, and you’ll reclaim your space. Start with bulky cookbooks you no longer use; they take up more room than you think. Clearing them out can transform and declutter your bookshelf in no time, giving your living space a cleaner, more organized vibe.

Receipts

Got a drawer stuffed with old receipts? Chances are, you don’t need most of them anymore. If the thought of tossing them all makes you nervous, consider setting up a simple, neat filing system for the ones you might need for warranties or taxes. For everything else? Let them go. You’ll be amazed at how much cleaner your space feels without those crumpled bits of paper cluttering up your drawers.

Stained Clothes

Look, those stained shirts and pants aren’t doing you any favors hanging in your closet. They’re just taking up valuable space where new, fresh clothes could go. It’s time to stop hoping those stains will magically disappear and just get rid of the clothes. Donate what can be salvaged for rags and toss the rest. Your wardrobe—and your closet—will thank you for making room for items that make you feel good and look great.

Old Cards

It’s easy to get sentimental about cards from loved ones, but let’s be practical. That pile of birthday, holiday, and event cards? If they’re just sitting in a drawer, they’re clutter, not keepsakes.

If you really don’t want to let go of them, why not put them in a scrapbook or a photo album where you can actually enjoy them? Otherwise, it’s okay to let them go. Your space will feel lighter, and you’ll appreciate the few you choose to keep even more.

Old Electronics

Holding onto that first cell phone or ancient laptop? It might be time to let them go. Chances are, they don’t even power on anymore, and technology has moved on—so should you. Cluttering up your space with outdated gadgets isn’t doing you any favors. If you feel bad about tossing them, look into donating. Many organizations can use the parts, or even refurbish them for educational purposes. Clear out, help out, and upgrade your space all at once.

Expired Medicine

Let’s tackle the medicine cabinet next. Hanging onto expired medicine? That’s a no-go. Many medications lose their effectiveness after a year, and keeping them around is just an accident waiting to happen. Plus, any mystery pills or bottles without labels? They definitely need to go. It’s not worth the risk to hang onto old or unidentifiable meds. Clearing these out will keep your health routine safe and up to date.

Old Magazines

Got a stack of magazines collecting dust? Let’s be honest, once they’ve been read, they’re just taking up space. It’s tempting to keep them around, thinking you might flip through them again, but when was the last time you actually did? Tossing them out is a quick win for decluttering your space. You’ll be surprised at how much cleaner and more organized your place feels without that pile on your coffee table or nightstand.