Expired Food in the Pantry

One of the easiest ways to reclaim space in your kitchen is to clear out expired food. According to a 2024 report by the FDA, most households have at least five expired products lurking in their pantries at any time.

These items not only take up valuable shelf space but can also become breeding grounds for pests. Professional organizers consistently note that tossing expired products is the first step to a cleaner, safer kitchen.

Even unopened cans or boxes with passed dates should go, as their quality and safety are no longer guaranteed. It's shocking how quickly canned goods, spices, and baking ingredients pile up unnoticed.

A simple sweep through your pantry can make meal prep easier and reduce food waste.

Unused Kitchen Gadgets

Kitchen drawers and cabinets often become graveyards for unused gadgets. A 2023 survey by The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) found that the average American kitchen holds at least 10 gadgets that haven't been used in a year.

Bread makers, spiralizers, and novelty slicers frequently collect dust, crowding out the essentials. Organizers recommend keeping only tools you use weekly and donating or recycling the rest.

This approach frees up counter space and makes finding what you need much faster. Letting go of single-use gadgets can also help streamline your cooking routine.

Keeping only what you love and use is key to a functional kitchen.

Old Magazines and Newspapers

Stacks of old magazines and newspapers are a common culprit for clutter. A 2024 study by the American Cleaning Institute revealed that over 35% of homes keep periodicals for more than six months past their issue date.

Not only do they collect dust, but they also make cleaning surfaces harder. Professional organizers suggest recycling anything older than a month unless it's a special keepsake.

Digital subscriptions can also help reduce paper clutter. Holding onto articles "to read someday" often ends up being a never-ending pile.

Streamlining reading materials to only current issues can instantly refresh a room.

Broken Electronics and Cables

Most homes have a box or drawer full of outdated or broken electronics and tangled cables. The Consumer Technology Association reported in 2023 that American households average 7 unused cords and 3 obsolete devices each.

These items often linger because people aren’t sure how to dispose of them responsibly. Professional organizers recommend sorting through these items and taking them to certified e-waste recycling centers.

Keeping only what you need, like one spare charging cable per device, can drastically reduce clutter. Technology changes quickly, so holding onto old gadgets rarely pays off.

Letting go of defunct electronics can open up valuable storage space.

Duplicate Items in the Closet

Closets are notorious for hiding duplicate clothing. A 2024 closet audit by ClosetMaid found that 45% of people own at least three nearly identical shirts or pairs of pants.

Organizers emphasize that duplicates often go unnoticed, leading to overstuffed drawers and hangers. Removing extras not only creates space but also makes outfit choices easier each day.

Donating gently used duplicates can also benefit others in need. It's surprising how many white tees or black leggings can accumulate over time.

A streamlined wardrobe means less laundry and less decision fatigue.

Unused or Expired Beauty Products

Bathrooms quickly become cluttered with half-used or expired beauty products. The Environmental Working Group reported in 2023 that the average household has over 20 personal care items, many of which are past their prime.

Expired products can harbor bacteria and lose their effectiveness. Professional organizers recommend checking expiration dates and tossing anything that smells off or looks separated.

Keeping only the essentials makes bathrooms easier to clean and use. Switching to multi-use products can also cut down on clutter.

Regularly reviewing your stash can prevent new products from piling up.

Old Towels and Linens

Linen closets often overflow with worn-out towels, faded sheets, and mismatched pillowcases. According to a 2024 survey by Good Housekeeping, Americans keep linens for an average of 7 years, well past their optimal lifespan.

Organizers suggest keeping only two sets per bed and a few towels per person. Donating old linens to animal shelters or recycling them prevents unnecessary waste.

Reclaiming space in your linen closet can make it easier to access what you use daily. A streamlined collection also ensures guests always have fresh, quality options.

Unworn Shoes

Shoes you never wear can quickly overtake entryways and closets. A 2023 study by The Spruce found that the average person owns 19 pairs of shoes but regularly wears only 5.

Professional organizers recommend keeping only pairs that are comfortable, in good condition, and used regularly. Damaged or ill-fitting shoes should be donated or recycled.

Reducing your shoe collection makes storage more manageable and keeps floors tidy. Shoe racks or cubbies can help you keep favorites within reach while freeing up space elsewhere.

Letting go of rarely worn pairs can lighten your load, both physically and mentally.

Unused Sports and Fitness Equipment

Home gyms and garages often become dumping grounds for unused sports gear. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association reported in 2024 that 60% of purchased fitness equipment goes unused after the first six months.

Whether it’s a treadmill, yoga mat, or set of dumbbells, organizers suggest keeping only what you use consistently. Selling or donating equipment can free up valuable space and help others get active.

Keeping your gear organized makes it more likely you’ll stick with your routine. A clutter-free workout area can even boost motivation.

Regularly reviewing your equipment helps prevent accumulation.

Excess Mugs and Glassware

Kitchens are famous for having more mugs and glasses than anyone needs. A survey by Apartment Therapy in 2023 showed that the average household has 15 mugs, but only uses four regularly.

Organizers recommend keeping just enough for your family plus a couple for guests. Unused mugs can be donated to shelters or thrift stores.

Clearing out extras frees up cabinet space for other essentials. This small change can make kitchens feel less crowded and more inviting.

It’s amazing how a few simple decisions can make a big impact.

Free Promotional Items

Freebies like tote bags, pens, and water bottles often multiply without notice. A 2024 consumer habits report by Statista found that 80% of people keep promotional items even if they have no use for them.

These items tend to clutter drawers and closets, rarely seeing the light of day. Organizers suggest keeping only what you truly use and letting go of the rest.

Donating extras to schools or community centers can give them new life. Removing excess promotional items can instantly declutter and simplify your home.

Less is often more when it comes to free stuff.

Old Paperwork and Junk Mail

Stacks of old bills, receipts, and junk mail quickly create chaos. The National Association of Professional Organizers found in 2023 that 25% of Americans struggle with paper clutter.

Important documents should be filed securely, while everything else can be shredded or recycled. Going paperless for bills and statements can help stem the tide of incoming clutter.

Organizers recommend sorting mail daily to prevent buildup. Keeping only the most essential records makes it easier to find what you need.

A tidy desk can also boost productivity and reduce stress.

Unused Furniture

Bulky, unused furniture can make rooms feel cramped. According to a 2024 report by IKEA, nearly half of U.S.

households hold onto at least one piece of furniture that is never used. Organizers recommend evaluating each piece for function and value.

Donating or selling furniture that no longer serves a purpose can open up valuable living space. Rearranging or removing items can make rooms feel bigger and brighter.

Sometimes, less furniture means more freedom to enjoy your space. A simple, functional layout often feels more relaxing.

Sentimental Clutter

Items with emotional value, like childhood trophies or old greeting cards, often pile up. A 2023 study by Psychology Today found that 60% of people struggle to let go of sentimental belongings, even when they serve no practical purpose.

Organizers suggest keeping only the most meaningful items and displaying or storing them with care. Taking photos of items before parting with them can help preserve the memories.

Letting go of excess sentimental clutter can create space for new experiences. A few cherished keepsakes can be more powerful than a box full of forgotten mementos.

Curating your collection ensures each item tells a story.

Unused Pet Supplies

Pets often leave behind a trail of unused toys, beds, or accessories. The American Pet Products Association reported in 2024 that pet owners typically own twice as many pet items as their animals use.

Organizers recommend donating gently used items to shelters or friends with pets. Keeping only what your pet loves or needs streamlines storage and makes daily care easier.

Regularly reviewing your pet supplies can prevent unnecessary purchases. A tidy pet area also contributes to a calmer home environment.

Your pet will appreciate the extra space, too.

Outgrown or Unused Kids’ Items

Children’s rooms tend to accumulate toys, clothes, and books that are no longer used. The U.S.

Consumer Product Safety Commission stated in 2023 that many families keep toys for years past their recommended age. Organizers advise donating or passing on outgrown items to reduce clutter.

Rotating toys can keep things fresh without overwhelming the space. Keeping only current favorites makes clean-up easier for both kids and parents.

A simplified setup encourages creativity and play. Regular decluttering teaches children the value of sharing.

Unused Holiday Decorations

Holiday decor can take up a surprising amount of storage. A 2024 YouGov poll found that 30% of Americans have decorations for holidays they no longer celebrate.

Organizers recommend keeping only meaningful or regularly used decorations. Donating or selling extras can help others decorate on a budget.

Storing items in clear bins makes it easier to find what you need each season. Limiting your collection can reduce stress when it’s time to decorate or pack away.

A curated holiday stash means more joy and less hassle.

Random Hardware and Tools

Garages and basements fill up fast with spare nuts, bolts, and tools. The Home Improvement Research Institute reported in 2023 that the average household owns 22 unorganized hardware items.

Organizers suggest keeping only tools you use and organizing them in labeled containers. Unused or duplicate tools can be donated to community workshops or schools.

A tidy workspace makes projects more enjoyable and efficient. Knowing exactly where to find what you need saves time and frustration.

Streamlining your tool collection can inspire more DIY success.

Obsolete Calendars and Planners

Old calendars and planners often linger long after their usefulness ends. A 2024 poll by Paper Source found that 40% of people keep old planners for years, thinking they might reference them.

Professional organizers recommend recycling or shredding outdated materials to free up desk and shelf space. Digitizing important dates or notes can help preserve what matters most.

Letting go of the past allows you to focus on the present. A fresh planner or digital calendar keeps you more organized and less weighed down.

Removing old schedules can make room for new plans.

Unused Craft Supplies

Craft rooms and drawers can become black holes for unused supplies. The Craft & Hobby Association reported in 2023 that only 28% of purchased craft materials are used within a year.

Organizers recommend keeping only what inspires you and donating the rest to schools or community centers. Organized supplies make creative projects more enjoyable and less overwhelming.

Frequent decluttering can prevent supplies from going bad or becoming damaged. Focusing on a few favorite hobbies can lead to better results and less stress.

A tidy craft area invites more creativity and joy.