Top 12+ Items in Your Home a Professional Organizer Would Remove

Expired Pantry Foods

Most households are sitting on a surprising stash of expired pantry foods. A 2024 survey by the American Cleaning Institute found that over 60% of people keep canned goods and dry foods well past their expiration dates.

Professional organizers insist these foods not only take up valuable space, but can also pose health risks if consumed. Removing expired food frees up room for groceries you’ll actually use and reduces the chances of accidental food poisoning.

Many experts recommend checking expiration dates every three months to keep your pantry in check. If you find yourself with lots of unused or duplicate items, it’s time to donate what’s still good and toss the rest.

Keeping a leaner pantry makes meal planning simpler and less stressful.

Plastic Bags and Takeout Containers

It’s easy to let plastic bags and takeout containers pile up in kitchen drawers and cabinets. According to a 2023 Waste Management report, the average American household collects more than 200 plastic bags and dozens of takeout containers each year.

Professional organizers see these as top clutter culprits. Not only do they make it hard to find what you need, but they’re also rarely reused effectively.

Many cities now offer plastic bag recycling drop-offs, making it easier to let go. Keeping just a few containers for leftovers and recycling the rest can quickly clear out valuable storage space.

Less plastic means a tidier kitchen and a smaller environmental footprint.

Unmatched Socks

Everyone has a drawer or basket filled with lonely, unmatched socks. A 2024 YouGov poll revealed that nearly 70% of people admit to owning at least ten single socks with no mate.

Organizers know these take up space and cause frustration every laundry day. Instead of hoping for a match that never comes, the best solution is to accept the loss and move on.

By removing unmatched socks, you’ll make your morning routine just a bit smoother. If the socks are still in good condition, consider donating them to programs that accept singles for crafts or cleaning.

Less clutter in your sock drawer means more time for the things that matter.

Old Magazines and Newspapers

Stacks of old magazines and newspapers seem to multiply overnight. According to Statista, print magazine circulation has dropped by 40% since 2020, yet many households still hold onto issues for years.

Professional organizers recommend recycling anything more than three months old unless it’s truly sentimental or contains essential information. Keeping only current issues—or better yet, switching to digital subscriptions—can help keep surfaces clear.

Every magazine or newspaper you let go is one less dust collector in your home. Making this change also means you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed by visual clutter.

Unused Kitchen Gadgets

Kitchen drawers are often filled with gadgets bought on a whim or received as gifts. A Consumer Reports study from 2023 found that 48% of Americans own at least five kitchen appliances or tools they haven’t used in the past year.

Organizers recommend keeping only the tools you use regularly and donating or selling the rest. This not only frees up space but makes it easier to find what you actually need.

If you haven’t used it in the last twelve months, it’s probably safe to let it go. Fewer gadgets mean less time spent digging and more enjoyable cooking.

Broken Electronics and Cords

Old phones, chargers, and random cords often end up in “junk drawers” or boxes in the closet. According to the EPA, Americans generate more than 6.9 million tons of e-waste annually, much of it from unused or outdated electronics.

Professional organizers say these items rarely serve a future purpose and recommend taking them to an e-waste recycling center. Untangling and sorting through cords wastes time and space.

Keeping only what you use, and labeling cords, can simplify your tech life. Getting rid of broken gadgets also prevents the risk of fire hazards from faulty batteries.

Duplicate Cleaning Supplies

It’s common to find multiple bottles of the same cleaner or extra sponges hidden under the sink. A 2023 National Soap and Detergent Association survey reported that almost 55% of households have duplicate cleaning products.

Organizers know these take up precious storage space and often expire before they’re used. By consolidating products and using up what you have before buying more, you can avoid waste and clutter.

Regularly checking your cleaning supplies helps you save money and prevents accidental chemical mix-ups. A well-organized cleaning cabinet makes chores feel less overwhelming.

Unused or Broken Furniture

Many homes have a chair with a wobbly leg or a table that’s become more of a dumping ground than a useful surface. The 2024 National Association of Home Builders survey found that 27% of homeowners keep at least one piece of unusable furniture for more than a year, hoping to fix or repurpose it.

Professional organizers say that unless you have immediate plans to fix it, it’s better to let it go. Broken or unused furniture takes up space and can make rooms feel cramped and uncomfortable.

Donating or responsibly disposing of these items opens up your home for better use. A clear space feels lighter and more welcoming.

Outdated Beauty and Personal Care Products

Bathroom cabinets are notorious for hiding half-used lotions, expired makeup, and old razors. According to a 2024 Statista survey, the average American household has at least six expired personal care products.

Professional organizers recommend checking expiration dates regularly and tossing anything past its prime due to potential bacteria growth and skin irritation. Using up or donating unopened items can prevent waste.

Streamlined shelves make getting ready in the morning quicker and safer. Less clutter also means you’re less likely to buy duplicates by mistake.

Unused Books

Bookshelves can quickly overflow with novels, textbooks, or manuals that no one in the household plans to read again. The Pew Research Center reported in 2023 that 42% of adults keep books they haven’t touched in over five years.

Professional organizers encourage clients to donate or sell books they no longer want, freeing up shelf space for new favorites. Keeping only the books that truly matter or bring joy can make your home feel more personal and less crowded.

Libraries and local shelters often welcome book donations. Less clutter on the shelves means more room for meaningful memories.

Old Linens and Towels

Linen closets tend to collect worn-out sheets, towels with holes, and mismatched pillowcases. A 2024 Good Housekeeping report states the average American home has at least four sets of towels they never use.

Professional organizers suggest keeping only the best sets and donating the rest to animal shelters, which often need old linens. This frees up space and makes it easier to find the linens you love.

Fewer, better-quality linens lead to a more organized and luxurious-feeling closet. Clearer shelves also make laundry day less of a chore.

Unused Toys and Games

Children’s rooms and play areas can become overwhelmed with toys and games that are no longer played with. According to a 2023 survey by the Toy Association, 64% of parents admit their children own more toys than they actually use.

Professional organizers recommend sorting through toys with your child and donating those that are no longer loved. Regular toy purges help keep playrooms tidy and make it easier for kids to find and enjoy their favorite items.

Donating gently used toys benefits other families and reduces waste. A less cluttered play space encourages creativity and calm.