Top 20+ Things a Professional Organizer Would Take Out of Your Home

Expired Food and Spices

Expired Food and Spices, Unused Small Appliances, Broken Electronics and Cables, Clothes That Don't Fit or Get Worn, Duplicate Kitchenware, Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused or Expired Beauty Products, Excess Tupperware and Mismatched Lids, Unwanted Gifts and Sentimental Items, Old Paperwork and Junk Mail, Outdated Medications, Excess Towels and Linens, Unused Sporting Equipment, Children’s Outgrown Toys and Clothes, Unused Furniture, Old Greeting Cards and Invitations, Unused Holiday Decorations, Outdated Manuals and Warranties, Unused Luggage and Bags, Pet Supplies No Longer Needed, Books Never to Be Read Again

Most people don’t realize how many expired food items are lurking in their pantries. According to the USDA, more than 90% of Americans have at least one expired item in their kitchen cupboards.

Professional organizers say these not only take up valuable space but also pose health risks. Old spices lose flavor after about two years, making your meals dull.

Canned foods, even if still sealed, can break down over time and become unsafe. Regularly checking dates and tossing out anything past its prime is a game-changer for kitchen efficiency.

Doing this just twice a year can free up several shelves.

Unused Small Appliances

Expired Food and Spices, Unused Small Appliances, Broken Electronics and Cables, Clothes That Don't Fit or Get Worn, Duplicate Kitchenware, Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused or Expired Beauty Products, Excess Tupperware and Mismatched Lids, Unwanted Gifts and Sentimental Items, Old Paperwork and Junk Mail, Outdated Medications, Excess Towels and Linens, Unused Sporting Equipment, Children’s Outgrown Toys and Clothes, Unused Furniture, Old Greeting Cards and Invitations, Unused Holiday Decorations, Outdated Manuals and Warranties, Unused Luggage and Bags, Pet Supplies No Longer Needed, Books Never to Be Read Again

Blenders, bread makers, and old coffee machines often gather dust in cupboards. A 2024 study by the National Association of Professional Organizers found that the average home has at least three unused kitchen gadgets.

These items create clutter and make it harder to find what you actually use. Organizers recommend keeping appliances you use weekly and donating or recycling the rest.

This not only clears space but also makes your kitchen feel lighter. Many donation centers now specifically request gently used kitchen appliances for families in need.

Broken Electronics and Cables

Expired Food and Spices, Unused Small Appliances, Broken Electronics and Cables, Clothes That Don't Fit or Get Worn, Duplicate Kitchenware, Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused or Expired Beauty Products, Excess Tupperware and Mismatched Lids, Unwanted Gifts and Sentimental Items, Old Paperwork and Junk Mail, Outdated Medications, Excess Towels and Linens, Unused Sporting Equipment, Children’s Outgrown Toys and Clothes, Unused Furniture, Old Greeting Cards and Invitations, Unused Holiday Decorations, Outdated Manuals and Warranties, Unused Luggage and Bags, Pet Supplies No Longer Needed, Books Never to Be Read Again

Drawers full of tangled cords, broken headphones, and outdated chargers are a common sight. A 2023 survey by Decluttr revealed that 60% of U.S.

households have a “tech junk drawer.” Most of these items are never fixed or reused, so professionals encourage people to recycle them. Electronics recycling programs have expanded in recent years, making it easier to dispose of these safely.

Removing these items reduces fire hazards and frees up storage. Plus, you might even find that missing charger you actually need.

Clothes That Don't Fit or Get Worn

Expired Food and Spices, Unused Small Appliances, Broken Electronics and Cables, Clothes That Don't Fit or Get Worn, Duplicate Kitchenware, Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused or Expired Beauty Products, Excess Tupperware and Mismatched Lids, Unwanted Gifts and Sentimental Items, Old Paperwork and Junk Mail, Outdated Medications, Excess Towels and Linens, Unused Sporting Equipment, Children’s Outgrown Toys and Clothes, Unused Furniture, Old Greeting Cards and Invitations, Unused Holiday Decorations, Outdated Manuals and Warranties, Unused Luggage and Bags, Pet Supplies No Longer Needed, Books Never to Be Read Again

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American throws away about 81 pounds of clothing every year, yet many keep clothes that are never worn. Professional organizers urge clients to let go of items that don’t fit, are out of style, or haven’t been used in over a year.

Doing so makes it easier to see and access the clothes you do love. Donating gently worn items helps others and reduces landfill waste.

Keeping only what fits and feels good can cut your morning routine in half.

Duplicate Kitchenware

Expired Food and Spices, Unused Small Appliances, Broken Electronics and Cables, Clothes That Don't Fit or Get Worn, Duplicate Kitchenware, Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused or Expired Beauty Products, Excess Tupperware and Mismatched Lids, Unwanted Gifts and Sentimental Items, Old Paperwork and Junk Mail, Outdated Medications, Excess Towels and Linens, Unused Sporting Equipment, Children’s Outgrown Toys and Clothes, Unused Furniture, Old Greeting Cards and Invitations, Unused Holiday Decorations, Outdated Manuals and Warranties, Unused Luggage and Bags, Pet Supplies No Longer Needed, Books Never to Be Read Again

How many spatulas or measuring cups do you really need? The answer, according to organizing experts, is usually less than half of what most kitchens contain.

Studies in 2024 found that kitchens are often filled with duplicates, especially after big shopping sprees or weddings. These extras take up space and make it harder to find essentials.

Streamlining your utensils and cookware to just what you need makes meal prep smoother. Many community centers gladly accept donations of extra kitchen items.

Old Magazines and Newspapers

Expired Food and Spices, Unused Small Appliances, Broken Electronics and Cables, Clothes That Don't Fit or Get Worn, Duplicate Kitchenware, Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused or Expired Beauty Products, Excess Tupperware and Mismatched Lids, Unwanted Gifts and Sentimental Items, Old Paperwork and Junk Mail, Outdated Medications, Excess Towels and Linens, Unused Sporting Equipment, Children’s Outgrown Toys and Clothes, Unused Furniture, Old Greeting Cards and Invitations, Unused Holiday Decorations, Outdated Manuals and Warranties, Unused Luggage and Bags, Pet Supplies No Longer Needed, Books Never to Be Read Again

Stacks of old reading material can quickly take over your living room or office. A 2023 report from the American Psychological Association found that paper clutter is linked to higher stress levels at home.

Most magazines and newspapers are never reread, so professionals advise recycling them regularly. Keeping just the most meaningful or useful editions in a small basket makes your space neater.

Digitizing articles you want to keep is a practical alternative. Fewer piles mean less dust and a calmer space.

Unused or Expired Beauty Products

Expired Food and Spices, Unused Small Appliances, Broken Electronics and Cables, Clothes That Don't Fit or Get Worn, Duplicate Kitchenware, Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused or Expired Beauty Products, Excess Tupperware and Mismatched Lids, Unwanted Gifts and Sentimental Items, Old Paperwork and Junk Mail, Outdated Medications, Excess Towels and Linens, Unused Sporting Equipment, Children’s Outgrown Toys and Clothes, Unused Furniture, Old Greeting Cards and Invitations, Unused Holiday Decorations, Outdated Manuals and Warranties, Unused Luggage and Bags, Pet Supplies No Longer Needed, Books Never to Be Read Again

Bathroom cabinets are often stuffed with old lotions, expired makeup, and half-used bottles. The FDA warns that expired cosmetics can cause skin irritation or infections.

Professional organizers recommend checking expiration dates every few months and discarding anything that’s out of date or goes unused. This makes it easier to find what you actually use each day.

Keeping only your favorites streamlines your morning and bedtime routines. Plus, a tidy bathroom just feels better.

Excess Tupperware and Mismatched Lids

Expired Food and Spices, Unused Small Appliances, Broken Electronics and Cables, Clothes That Don't Fit or Get Worn, Duplicate Kitchenware, Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused or Expired Beauty Products, Excess Tupperware and Mismatched Lids, Unwanted Gifts and Sentimental Items, Old Paperwork and Junk Mail, Outdated Medications, Excess Towels and Linens, Unused Sporting Equipment, Children’s Outgrown Toys and Clothes, Unused Furniture, Old Greeting Cards and Invitations, Unused Holiday Decorations, Outdated Manuals and Warranties, Unused Luggage and Bags, Pet Supplies No Longer Needed, Books Never to Be Read Again

Most households have a drawer or cabinet overflowing with plastic containers and lids that don’t match. A 2024 consumer survey found that 85% of people regularly have trouble finding the right lid.

Organizers suggest keeping only complete sets and recycling or donating the rest. This simple step can halve the space these items take up.

Matching containers make food storage and cleanup faster and less frustrating. Companies like TerraCycle now offer recycling solutions for plastic kitchenware.

Unwanted Gifts and Sentimental Items

Expired Food and Spices, Unused Small Appliances, Broken Electronics and Cables, Clothes That Don't Fit or Get Worn, Duplicate Kitchenware, Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused or Expired Beauty Products, Excess Tupperware and Mismatched Lids, Unwanted Gifts and Sentimental Items, Old Paperwork and Junk Mail, Outdated Medications, Excess Towels and Linens, Unused Sporting Equipment, Children’s Outgrown Toys and Clothes, Unused Furniture, Old Greeting Cards and Invitations, Unused Holiday Decorations, Outdated Manuals and Warranties, Unused Luggage and Bags, Pet Supplies No Longer Needed, Books Never to Be Read Again

Guilt often keeps us holding onto gifts we don’t like or need. Professional organizers say these items add to mental clutter and take up valuable space.

Research published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology in 2023 shows that letting go of unwanted possessions leads to greater happiness and less stress. Instead of hiding them away, consider donating or re-gifting.

Keeping only items that truly bring you joy creates a home that reflects your style. Sentimental items can be photographed for memories before letting go.

Old Paperwork and Junk Mail

Expired Food and Spices, Unused Small Appliances, Broken Electronics and Cables, Clothes That Don't Fit or Get Worn, Duplicate Kitchenware, Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused or Expired Beauty Products, Excess Tupperware and Mismatched Lids, Unwanted Gifts and Sentimental Items, Old Paperwork and Junk Mail, Outdated Medications, Excess Towels and Linens, Unused Sporting Equipment, Children’s Outgrown Toys and Clothes, Unused Furniture, Old Greeting Cards and Invitations, Unused Holiday Decorations, Outdated Manuals and Warranties, Unused Luggage and Bags, Pet Supplies No Longer Needed, Books Never to Be Read Again

Paper clutter can spiral out of control fast. According to the Paperless Project, the average household receives over 800 pieces of junk mail each year.

Professional organizers advise shredding or recycling old bills, statements, and advertisements regularly. Keeping only necessary documents—like tax records and warranties—in a labeled file system reduces the mess.

Switching to digital statements can further cut down on paper. A clear desk or counter helps you focus and reduces stress.

Outdated Medications

Expired Food and Spices, Unused Small Appliances, Broken Electronics and Cables, Clothes That Don't Fit or Get Worn, Duplicate Kitchenware, Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused or Expired Beauty Products, Excess Tupperware and Mismatched Lids, Unwanted Gifts and Sentimental Items, Old Paperwork and Junk Mail, Outdated Medications, Excess Towels and Linens, Unused Sporting Equipment, Children’s Outgrown Toys and Clothes, Unused Furniture, Old Greeting Cards and Invitations, Unused Holiday Decorations, Outdated Manuals and Warranties, Unused Luggage and Bags, Pet Supplies No Longer Needed, Books Never to Be Read Again

Medicine cabinets are often filled with expired or unused prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs. The FDA has repeatedly warned that old medications can be dangerous and less effective.

Organizers recommend checking your supplies every six months and using pharmacy take-back programs for safe disposal. Removing these items helps prevent accidental poisoning, especially in homes with children or pets.

A streamlined medicine cabinet makes it easier to find what you need in an emergency. Many pharmacies now offer free disposal services nationwide.

Excess Towels and Linens

Expired Food and Spices, Unused Small Appliances, Broken Electronics and Cables, Clothes That Don't Fit or Get Worn, Duplicate Kitchenware, Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused or Expired Beauty Products, Excess Tupperware and Mismatched Lids, Unwanted Gifts and Sentimental Items, Old Paperwork and Junk Mail, Outdated Medications, Excess Towels and Linens, Unused Sporting Equipment, Children’s Outgrown Toys and Clothes, Unused Furniture, Old Greeting Cards and Invitations, Unused Holiday Decorations, Outdated Manuals and Warranties, Unused Luggage and Bags, Pet Supplies No Longer Needed, Books Never to Be Read Again

Many homes have more towels and sheets than they could ever use. The American Cleaning Institute recommends only two sets of towels and bedding per person.

Extra linens crowd closets and often go untouched for years. Professional organizers suggest donating extras to local shelters, where they are always in high demand.

Keeping only the best and most loved sets makes laundry easier. A smaller, organized linen closet feels surprisingly luxurious.

Unused Sporting Equipment

Expired Food and Spices, Unused Small Appliances, Broken Electronics and Cables, Clothes That Don't Fit or Get Worn, Duplicate Kitchenware, Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused or Expired Beauty Products, Excess Tupperware and Mismatched Lids, Unwanted Gifts and Sentimental Items, Old Paperwork and Junk Mail, Outdated Medications, Excess Towels and Linens, Unused Sporting Equipment, Children’s Outgrown Toys and Clothes, Unused Furniture, Old Greeting Cards and Invitations, Unused Holiday Decorations, Outdated Manuals and Warranties, Unused Luggage and Bags, Pet Supplies No Longer Needed, Books Never to Be Read Again

Basements and garages are notorious for housing abandoned bikes, tennis rackets, and gym equipment. A 2024 survey by OfferUp found that more than 60% of households have sports gear they no longer use.

Letting go of these items frees up valuable space and can inspire a more active lifestyle with the gear you actually enjoy. Many charities accept gently used equipment for youth programs.

Selling or donating unused sports gear is a win-win for your home and the community. It also helps prevent injuries caused by tripping over clutter.

Children’s Outgrown Toys and Clothes

Expired Food and Spices, Unused Small Appliances, Broken Electronics and Cables, Clothes That Don't Fit or Get Worn, Duplicate Kitchenware, Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused or Expired Beauty Products, Excess Tupperware and Mismatched Lids, Unwanted Gifts and Sentimental Items, Old Paperwork and Junk Mail, Outdated Medications, Excess Towels and Linens, Unused Sporting Equipment, Children’s Outgrown Toys and Clothes, Unused Furniture, Old Greeting Cards and Invitations, Unused Holiday Decorations, Outdated Manuals and Warranties, Unused Luggage and Bags, Pet Supplies No Longer Needed, Books Never to Be Read Again

Kids grow fast, and so does the mountain of things they outgrow. According to a 2023 Goodwill report, children’s clothing and toys are some of the most donated items each year.

Professional organizers recommend regular purges to keep closets and playrooms manageable. Donating or selling outgrown items makes room for new interests and helps other families.

Teaching kids to let go of what they no longer need builds lifelong organizing skills. Less clutter means more space to play.

Unused Furniture

Expired Food and Spices, Unused Small Appliances, Broken Electronics and Cables, Clothes That Don't Fit or Get Worn, Duplicate Kitchenware, Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused or Expired Beauty Products, Excess Tupperware and Mismatched Lids, Unwanted Gifts and Sentimental Items, Old Paperwork and Junk Mail, Outdated Medications, Excess Towels and Linens, Unused Sporting Equipment, Children’s Outgrown Toys and Clothes, Unused Furniture, Old Greeting Cards and Invitations, Unused Holiday Decorations, Outdated Manuals and Warranties, Unused Luggage and Bags, Pet Supplies No Longer Needed, Books Never to Be Read Again

That extra chair or table in the corner might seem harmless, but too much furniture makes rooms feel cramped. A 2024 study by the Furniture Industry Research Association found that 1 in 5 households have at least one unused furniture piece.

Professional organizers suggest keeping only what is functional and fits the space. Selling or donating extras can transform a crowded room into a comfortable oasis.

Open spaces are proven to reduce anxiety and boost well-being. Moving out unneeded furniture is one of the fastest ways to refresh your home.

Old Greeting Cards and Invitations

Expired Food and Spices, Unused Small Appliances, Broken Electronics and Cables, Clothes That Don't Fit or Get Worn, Duplicate Kitchenware, Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused or Expired Beauty Products, Excess Tupperware and Mismatched Lids, Unwanted Gifts and Sentimental Items, Old Paperwork and Junk Mail, Outdated Medications, Excess Towels and Linens, Unused Sporting Equipment, Children’s Outgrown Toys and Clothes, Unused Furniture, Old Greeting Cards and Invitations, Unused Holiday Decorations, Outdated Manuals and Warranties, Unused Luggage and Bags, Pet Supplies No Longer Needed, Books Never to Be Read Again

It’s easy to let birthday cards and wedding invites pile up out of nostalgia. Yet, a 2023 behavioral study from the University of Michigan showed that most people never revisit old cards once they’re tucked away.

Organizers suggest keeping only the most meaningful ones and recycling the rest. Digitizing special notes by scanning or photographing them is a space-saving solution.

This way, you keep the memory without the mess. A single box for keepsakes is plenty for most families.

Unused Holiday Decorations

Expired Food and Spices, Unused Small Appliances, Broken Electronics and Cables, Clothes That Don't Fit or Get Worn, Duplicate Kitchenware, Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused or Expired Beauty Products, Excess Tupperware and Mismatched Lids, Unwanted Gifts and Sentimental Items, Old Paperwork and Junk Mail, Outdated Medications, Excess Towels and Linens, Unused Sporting Equipment, Children’s Outgrown Toys and Clothes, Unused Furniture, Old Greeting Cards and Invitations, Unused Holiday Decorations, Outdated Manuals and Warranties, Unused Luggage and Bags, Pet Supplies No Longer Needed, Books Never to Be Read Again

Every year, more holiday decor seems to sneak into our homes. The National Retail Federation reported in 2023 that Americans spent over $8 billion on holiday decorations.

Many of these items never make it out of the box. Professional organizers suggest keeping only what you display each year and donating the rest.

This makes decorating faster and more enjoyable. With less to store, your attic or basement suddenly feels much bigger.

Outdated Manuals and Warranties

Expired Food and Spices, Unused Small Appliances, Broken Electronics and Cables, Clothes That Don't Fit or Get Worn, Duplicate Kitchenware, Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused or Expired Beauty Products, Excess Tupperware and Mismatched Lids, Unwanted Gifts and Sentimental Items, Old Paperwork and Junk Mail, Outdated Medications, Excess Towels and Linens, Unused Sporting Equipment, Children’s Outgrown Toys and Clothes, Unused Furniture, Old Greeting Cards and Invitations, Unused Holiday Decorations, Outdated Manuals and Warranties, Unused Luggage and Bags, Pet Supplies No Longer Needed, Books Never to Be Read Again

You probably don’t need that manual for a blender you tossed five years ago. Most manuals and warranty information are now available online.

Professional organizers recommend scanning important documents and recycling the paper versions. Keeping only current warranties in a clearly labeled folder makes things easier when something breaks.

This reduces paper clutter and saves time searching. Digital storage is more secure and accessible.

Unused Luggage and Bags

Expired Food and Spices, Unused Small Appliances, Broken Electronics and Cables, Clothes That Don't Fit or Get Worn, Duplicate Kitchenware, Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused or Expired Beauty Products, Excess Tupperware and Mismatched Lids, Unwanted Gifts and Sentimental Items, Old Paperwork and Junk Mail, Outdated Medications, Excess Towels and Linens, Unused Sporting Equipment, Children’s Outgrown Toys and Clothes, Unused Furniture, Old Greeting Cards and Invitations, Unused Holiday Decorations, Outdated Manuals and Warranties, Unused Luggage and Bags, Pet Supplies No Longer Needed, Books Never to Be Read Again

Suitcases and tote bags have a way of multiplying. According to a 2024 consumer report, the average U.S.

household owns five bags for every member. Professional organizers suggest keeping only the most versatile and frequently used pieces.

Donating or selling extras frees up valuable closet space. Storing bags inside each other (nesting) is another great way to save room.

Having fewer, higher-quality bags makes travel simpler and more enjoyable.

Pet Supplies No Longer Needed

Expired Food and Spices, Unused Small Appliances, Broken Electronics and Cables, Clothes That Don't Fit or Get Worn, Duplicate Kitchenware, Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused or Expired Beauty Products, Excess Tupperware and Mismatched Lids, Unwanted Gifts and Sentimental Items, Old Paperwork and Junk Mail, Outdated Medications, Excess Towels and Linens, Unused Sporting Equipment, Children’s Outgrown Toys and Clothes, Unused Furniture, Old Greeting Cards and Invitations, Unused Holiday Decorations, Outdated Manuals and Warranties, Unused Luggage and Bags, Pet Supplies No Longer Needed, Books Never to Be Read Again

Pet owners often hold on to old collars, leashes, and unused toys long after they’re needed. A recent survey by the American Pet Products Association found that 70% of pet owners had unused pet supplies at home.

Organizers recommend donating gently used items to local shelters. This not only helps animals in need but also clears out your space.

Keeping only what your pet currently uses makes daily care easier. Regularly refreshing pet supplies keeps your home tidy and your pet happy.

Books Never to Be Read Again

Expired Food and Spices, Unused Small Appliances, Broken Electronics and Cables, Clothes That Don't Fit or Get Worn, Duplicate Kitchenware, Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused or Expired Beauty Products, Excess Tupperware and Mismatched Lids, Unwanted Gifts and Sentimental Items, Old Paperwork and Junk Mail, Outdated Medications, Excess Towels and Linens, Unused Sporting Equipment, Children’s Outgrown Toys and Clothes, Unused Furniture, Old Greeting Cards and Invitations, Unused Holiday Decorations, Outdated Manuals and Warranties, Unused Luggage and Bags, Pet Supplies No Longer Needed, Books Never to Be Read Again

Bookshelves can easily become a home’s most cluttered spot. Pew Research Center found in 2024 that the average American home contains over 100 books, but most people reread only a handful.

Professional organizers encourage donating or selling books you don’t plan to read again. Local libraries, schools, and shelters often welcome donations.

Keeping a curated collection makes your bookshelves a joy to look at. Less dusting and more reading—what’s not to love?

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