Top 8+ Items in Your Home a Pro Organizer Would Get Rid Of
Expired Pantry Goods
Open your pantry and chances are, you’ll find expired cans of soup, stale spices, or half-used condiments hiding in the back. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, American households throw away over 30% of the food they buy, often because it sits forgotten until it’s no longer safe to eat.
Professional organizers recommend a quarterly sweep of pantry shelves, immediately discarding anything past its expiration date or showing signs of spoilage. Not only does this free up valuable space, but it also helps reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Health experts at the CDC highlight that expired food can harbor bacteria and toxins that are hazardous, especially for children and the elderly. Keeping only what’s fresh encourages smarter grocery shopping and prevents clutter from building up.
As you toss those dusty cans, you might be surprised by how much room you reclaim.
Unused Kitchen Gadgets
Most kitchens are graveyards for quirky gadgets bought in a wave of enthusiasm—think avocado slicers, popcorn makers, or novelty waffle irons. A 2024 survey by Home Organization Trends found that the average American household owns 15 kitchen gadgets but regularly uses only five.
Professional organizers urge clients to ask themselves if a gadget has been used in the last six months; if not, it’s a prime candidate for donation or recycling. Cluttered countertops make cooking stressful and cleaning difficult, while streamlined kitchens invite more daily use.
Decluttering also aligns with sustainability goals, as fewer unused gadgets mean less electronic waste in landfills. Experts suggest keeping only the essentials and letting go of anything that doesn’t make meal prep easier or more enjoyable.
Duplicate Items
It’s shockingly common to own multiples of scissors, spatulas, or sets of measuring cups. According to a 2023 report by the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals, duplicates account for nearly 20% of household clutter.
Professional organizers emphasize the value of “one in, one out” rules—if you buy a new hairbrush or set of towels, let the old one go. This approach not only creates more space but also helps families save money by preventing unnecessary purchases.
Duplicates tend to pile up in drawers, closets, and bathroom cabinets, where they’re easy to overlook until you can’t find what you really need. A quick audit of household items can reveal an entire bag’s worth of extras that can be donated or recycled.
Old Magazines and Newspapers
Stacks of magazines and newspapers are a classic source of clutter, often saved with the hope of reading them “someday.” In reality, a 2024 Pew Research Center study found that just 7% of people revisit print publications after the month they arrive. Professional organizers recommend recycling anything older than three months, unless it holds true sentimental value or rare information.
Paper piles not only attract dust and allergens, but also encourage pests like silverfish and cockroaches, according to the American Cleaning Institute. Keeping only current issues makes it easier to stay informed and maintains a tidy, inviting living space.
A slim magazine rack with your favorite reads beats a teetering pile any day.
Worn or Unloved Clothes
The average American discards around 81 pounds of clothing each year, but closets are still bursting at the seams. Recent data from ThredUp’s 2024 Resale Report shows that 40% of clothes in U.S.
closets are never or rarely worn. Professional organizers use the “hanger trick”—if you haven’t worn something in a year, it’s time to let it go.
Outdated, ill-fitting, or damaged clothes take up valuable space and make it harder to find outfits you love. Donating gently used items supports local charities, while recycling textiles cuts down on landfill waste.
Streamlining your wardrobe helps define your style and makes getting dressed each day much less stressful.
Broken or Outdated Electronics
Old phones, tangled cords, and broken chargers often collect in “junk drawers” or boxes in the garage. A 2025 Statista survey revealed that the average household has at least four unused electronic devices gathering dust.
These items not only create clutter but can also pose fire hazards if batteries are damaged or leaking. Professional organizers recommend recycling electronics at certified e-waste centers, many of which offer free drop-offs.
Holding onto outdated tech “just in case” rarely pays off, as rapid advances make most devices obsolete within a few years. Letting go of these items clears space and helps protect the environment by keeping harmful materials out of landfills.
Unused Toiletries and Makeup
Bathroom cabinets are notorious for hiding expired lotions, old sunscreen, and barely-used perfume bottles. According to the FDA, cosmetics and personal care products have a limited shelf life, usually six months to two years, after which they can harbor bacteria or lose effectiveness.
A 2023 survey by the American Academy of Dermatology found that nearly 60% of people keep expired products, unaware of the risks. Professional organizers advise checking dates and tossing anything that looks or smells off.
Keeping only what you use daily makes morning routines faster and safer. Donating unopened, unexpired products to shelters helps others while reducing waste.
Unused or Unloved Gifts
Many people hold onto gifts out of guilt, even if they don’t suit their style or needs. Gift clutter is a real issue—Consumer Reports noted in 2024 that the average American receives four unwanted gifts per year.
Professional organizers stress that an item’s sentimental value shouldn’t outweigh its usefulness; it’s okay to let go of things that don’t bring joy. Regifting, donating, or repurposing items prevents guilt from turning into resentment.
When your home is filled only with things you love and use, it feels more like your own sanctuary. This approach also encourages mindful gift-giving in the future.
Outgrown Kids’ Items
Children quickly outgrow toys, clothes, and books, leaving closets and playrooms overflowing. The U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2024 that families with children under 10 buy new items every three to six months, leading to rapid accumulation. Professional organizers suggest regular purges—every season or after birthdays—to keep clutter in check.
Donating gently used items not only benefits other families but also teaches children the value of sharing. Creating designated spaces for toys and books helps kids learn organization skills from an early age.
A tidy playroom encourages creativity and makes cleanup a breeze.
Unused Furniture
Bulky chairs, old coffee tables, or spare nightstands often linger in corners, taking up precious square footage. A 2025 study by the National Association of Home Builders found that 30% of Americans feel their homes are too crowded, largely due to excess furniture.
Professional organizers recommend a “room flow” assessment—if you’re constantly bumping into something or it serves no purpose, it’s time to let it go. Donating or selling unused furniture can make rooms feel larger and more welcoming.
Streamlined spaces are easier to clean and rearrange, improving both comfort and functionality. Removing just one unnecessary piece can transform an entire room.
Excess Storage Containers
It’s easy to accumulate mismatched food containers, baskets, and bins, especially after a kitchen clean-out. Research from the Container Store in 2023 showed that most households use only 60% of their storage containers regularly.
Professional organizers recommend matching lids and bottoms, then recycling or donating extras. Too many containers encourage hoarding and make it harder to find the size you really need.
Keeping just a set or two of versatile containers saves space and simplifies meal prep. A tidy container drawer is a small but satisfying victory in any organized home.
