Top 10+ Home Items a Professional Organizer Would Recommend You Toss
Expired Pantry Goods
Professional organizers often begin with the kitchen, and it’s shocking how many expired items hide in our pantries. According to a 2024 report by the Food Marketing Institute, the average American pantry contains up to 15% expired goods at any given time.
Old spices, canned goods past their best-by dates, and stale snacks can take up precious shelf space and even pose food safety risks. Organizers recommend a full sweep at least twice a year—check those “use by” and “best before” dates, and don’t let nostalgia for that fancy pasta hold you back.
Food waste is a real issue, with the USDA estimating that 30-40% of our food supply goes uneaten, and expired foods are a big culprit. Clearing expired goods not only creates room but also makes meal planning easier, as you can actually see what you have.
This simple step is the fastest way to reclaim your shelves and cut down on unnecessary spending at the grocery store.
Single-Use Kitchen Gadgets
Kitchen drawers overflow with gadgets promising to make life easier, but many end up collecting dust. A 2023 survey by the National Association of Professional Organizers found that 68% of people never use more than half the kitchen tools they own.
Think avocado slicers, popcorn machines, or banana cutters—anything that’s only good for one job. Professional organizers recommend keeping only multi-functional tools and donating the rest.
Not only do these gadgets crowd your space, but they also slow you down when searching for what you really need. By letting go of these rarely-used items, you’ll make your kitchen more functional and easier to clean.
This approach also encourages mindful consumption and helps avoid the clutter that can make even the biggest kitchen feel cramped.
Old Magazines and Newspapers
Stacks of magazines and newspapers can pile up quickly, making living spaces feel cluttered. Research from the American Cleaning Institute in 2024 revealed that cluttered paper is one of the top sources of household stress.
Most of us keep these publications with the intention to read them “one day,” but that day rarely comes. Outdated news, finished puzzles, and old recipes aren’t doing you any favors.
Professional organizers suggest recycling anything older than three months unless it holds genuine sentimental or collector’s value. Digital subscriptions and online archives make it easier than ever to access back issues, so there’s rarely a reason to keep physical copies.
Letting go of these paper stacks frees up tables, counters, and your mind.
Worn-Out Towels and Linens
Linen closets are notorious for swallowing up old, mismatched towels and sheets. According to a 2023 study by the International Association of Professional Organizers, Americans on average keep linens for seven years—long past their prime.
Frayed edges, faded colors, and thinning fabric are clear signs it’s time to let go. Organizers recommend keeping two sets of linens per bed and two towels per person; the rest can be donated to animal shelters or textile recycling programs.
This simple edit instantly makes your closet more organized and functional. Plus, it feels good to open the door and see only fresh, fluffy linens waiting for you.
Unworn Clothes
Most closets are bursting with clothes we haven’t worn in years. A 2024 report from ClosetMaid found that the average person wears only 20% of their wardrobe regularly.
Clothes that no longer fit, are out of style, or were purchased on impulse tend to linger, taking up valuable space. Professional organizers suggest the “one-year rule”: if you haven’t worn it in the past year, it’s time to donate or sell.
This makes it easier to find what you actually enjoy wearing, and you’ll spend less time getting dressed in the morning. Donating gently worn items not only helps others but also gives you a psychological boost, as studies show decluttering can reduce anxiety.
Your closet should be a place of inspiration, not stress.
Broken or Outdated Electronics
Drawers and closets often turn into graveyards for old phones, tangled chargers, and obsolete gadgets. According to a 2025 EPA report, U.S.
households generate over 2.7 million tons of electronic waste each year, with much of it coming from homes. These items are unlikely to be used again, and keeping them increases the risk of fire hazards and toxic materials leaching into the environment.
Professional organizers recommend recycling electronics at certified e-waste centers, which are increasingly available at major retailers and community events. Clearing out these items not only protects your home but also the environment.
As technology evolves, holding onto old devices only slows you down and adds chaos to your space.
Unused Beauty Products and Toiletries
Bathroom drawers are magnets for half-used lotions, expired makeup, and travel-sized toiletries from hotels. The FDA advises against using expired beauty products, as they can harbor bacteria and cause skin irritation.
A 2023 survey by the Personal Care Products Council found that over 60% of people keep expired or unused toiletries. Organizers recommend tossing anything past its shelf life or that you haven’t used in six months.
This makes it easier to find your daily essentials and prevents clutter from spreading onto counters and shelves. Your skin—and your sanity—will thank you for a streamlined routine.
Duplicate Cords and Accessories
Everyone has a drawer—usually called the “junk drawer”—overflowing with spare cords, headphones, and chargers. According to a 2024 Consumer Technology Association poll, the average household has at least five unused or duplicate cords lying around.
Most of these accessories belong to devices you no longer own or need. Organizers suggest keeping only one backup for each essential device and recycling the rest.
This not only frees up space but also saves time when you actually need to find the right cord. Taming this hidden chaos makes your home feel noticeably calmer and more efficient.
Unused Kitchen Containers
Plastic containers and mismatched lids can quickly overwhelm kitchen cabinets. The American Cleaning Institute reported in 2024 that 58% of Americans struggle to find matching sets when packing leftovers.
Professional organizers recommend keeping only containers with matching lids and in good condition. Anything warped, stained, or missing a partner should be recycled or discarded, as they can harbor bacteria and add to daily frustration.
Streamlining your collection makes meal prep faster and keeps your cabinets tidy. A clutter-free kitchen is easier to maintain, reducing the temptation to give up and let chaos reign.
Outdated Manuals and Warranties
Instruction manuals and warranties can seem important, but most end up forgotten in drawers or file folders. A 2025 survey by the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals found that 72% of people never reference paper manuals again after setting up a device.
Nearly all manuals are available online now, making physical copies largely redundant. Organizers suggest scanning only the most important documents and recycling the rest.
This digital approach not only saves space but also makes it easier to find what you need in the future. Less paper means less mess and a faster response when something actually needs fixing.
