People tend to focus on the negatives of growing older, which is fair because there are plenty of them! But at least in my experience, there are also a few good things about getting older that help balance out the bad ones.
One aspect of growing older that I’ve been enjoying is that my patience for nonsense seems to be decreasing all the time! I not only feel more confident about what I want, but I also care less about the judgments of other people. I also have less patience for junk cluttering up my house, which brings us to the subject of today’s post!
Today we’ll be talking about the sort of junk that’s taking up space around your home, with a specific focus on things that you should know better than to keep – whether you’re 30, 40, or 50+! Far from being one of those judgmental lists that makes you feel bad about getting older, the purpose of this list is to empower you to get rid of the sort of unnecessary clutter that can build up over time.
As an older woman, I have found that the experience, wisdom, and maturity that comes with age can open up a more practical chapter in our lives…and our homes should reflect that! And believe me, it’s never too early to start.
So get those garbage bags ready, because by the time you’re finished reading this post, you’ll be ready to do some serious decluttering.
Related: 9 Things You Need to Get Rid of in Your Closet
15 Things That No Woman Over 40 Should Have
1. Shoes That Hurt
If you have shoes that make your feet ache or give you blisters when you wear them, get rid of them. There comes a certain point when the pain just isn’t worth it (no matter how cute they are!) Donate the shoes or sell them, and use the extra space to store your shoes that aren’t painful to wear!
2. Bras That Don’t Fit
One of the most frustrating things about bras is how many different ways they can not fit properly. At this point you should have a good idea of what your true bra size is, so you shouldn’t be hanging on to bras that don’t fit!
If you aren’t sure of your correct bra size, take the time to get fitted for one at a store you trust. (And hopefully it goes without saying, but if you have bras that are stretched out and worn through, toss those out as well!)
Related: How to Wash and Care for Bras
3. Bridesmaid Dresses
We often keep bridesmaid dresses for far too long because we talk ourselves into believing we’ll actually wear them on some future occasion (yeah, right.) But if you’ve have one or more bridesmaid dresses hanging in your closet for a few years, it’s probably time to donate them (or add them to your little ones’ dress-up collection!)
4. CD Collection on Display
Unless you listen to CDs often, there’s no reason to have a huge stack of them out on display (especially if you use music streaming services!) Donate them and use the space for something else, or if you can’t bear to part with your CDs, store them in a space-saving CD binder instead. (The same might be true of your DVD collection!)
5. Flimsy Plastic Chairs
If you’ve got an outdoor space, you want your guests to feel at home while enjoying it. One of the best ways to do that is to give them something to sit on that isn’t made from flimsy, rickety plastic! Invest in some sturdier outdoor furniture that will look great and serve you well for years to come.
Related: How to Clean and Store Your Outdoor Furniture
More Ideas You'll Love
6. “Skinny” Jeans
I don’t mean the slim-fitting style of jeans—I’m talking about too-small jeans, especially the ones you cling to in hopes that you might fit into them someday! Keeping clothes that no longer fit is a slippery slope towards having a closet full of clothes you don’t actually wear.
It’s best to get rid of clothes that don’t currently fit, even if it means giving up those “aspirational” jeans. (Then if you do end up losing weight or improving your fitness for health reasons down the line, a new pair of jeans could make a nice reward for your hard work!)
7. Expired Spices
When was the last time you checked the expiration dates on your spices? Ground spices are usually okay to keep using for 2-3 years, while whole spices can stay fresh longer, up to 4 years or so.
8. Wire Hangers
Hanging shirts on wire hangers can result in unintended damage, especially when the thin surface of the hanger wears out the shoulders of shirts. Clear out all the wire hangers from your closet and replace them with wood or cloth hangers, and your clothes will thank you!
9. Concert Posters
Concert posters can indeed be hard to part with, especially if that U2 show really DID change your life! But if you have one or two posters that you simply must hang onto, you can make them a bit more display-worthy by putting them in a frame.
10. Expired Makeup
If you have any makeup that is past its expiration date, it’s time to toss it! Expired makeup can become a breeding ground for bacteria, and you don’t want to put that on your face! Concealers and liquid foundations should be good for around 6 months, while mascara should be replaced after 3 months.
11. Supplies from Abandoned Hobbies & Crafts
There’s no shame in trying out a new hobby and not sticking with it. In fact, good for you for trying something new! But if you have a stash of yarn somewhere you haven’t touched since, or a stack of scrapbook paper you haven’t used, it’s just unnecessary clutter you just don’t need anymore (but you can always give it to someone who does!)
12. Tax Records from 5+ Years Ago
It’s a good idea to hang onto tax records just in case, but you only need them for about 3 or 4 years in most cases. If you have a box of tax records from 2021 or earlier, shred them (and recycle the paper shreds, of course.)
13. A Box of Cords
So many of us keep a box of random cords and cables somewhere because we “might need them!” But if you don’t know what those cords are now or where they came from, odds are that they won’t come in handy anytime soon. Keep the ones you need tidy and get rid of the rest.
14. Cheap Hair Ties
If you have hair ties that cause knots or yank out hairs, it’s time to upgrade. Replace them with gentler hair ties like yoga bands or scrunchies. (They are making a comeback, after all!)
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15. Old Perfumes
While perfume doesn’t necessarily expire, the scent can change over time. Go through your scent collection (my current favorite is Michael Kors Wonderlust) and smell each one. If you don’t like the smell or it doesn’t smell quite right, toss it out.
Do you have any clutter or junk that’s been sitting around for years?
Just a heads up on old perfume I spray my old or no longer like perfume in waste baskets in my bathrooms and craft room it makes the area smell lots better for a while and I am still using it just not on me.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great idea. You’re a recycling genius!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use it as air freshener in the bathroom!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I did this until a friend of my son (adult, mind you!!) came over and smelled up the whole house! So many, MANY people of the millennial gen have zero life skills…their use of drugs, behavior, etc. have caused a crack in their relationship with parents and therefore they basically “raise” themselves. They do not have a clue about many things. :-(
Thanks so much.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I woke up this morning with the idea to clean and sort out my bedroom today.
Will certainly do what’s applicable to me ,like shoes, yarn ,etc.
It worked for me — not sure why it didn’t work for you. You could try the search feature at the top and search for “bras that fit”.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillee forgot the link — here it is: https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/how-to-hang-fold-sweaters
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Love your post!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks Dale!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for the tip Denny, I had no idea!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Our local Humane Society will take shredded paper to use in kitty boxes.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.From IRS.gov: “Keep records for 3 years from the date you filed your original return or 2 years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later, if you file a claim for credit or refund after you file your return. Keep records for 7 years if you file a claim for a loss from worthless securities or bad debt deduction.”
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have gone through all these items already and would like to add going through dishes! Old sets that aren’t used, chipped, mismatched, or stained need to go–same with silverware.
Also old photographs that are fuzzy, blurry, don’t trigger any memories, and travel photos that I am happy scanning onto my USB and don’t really need a print of. I have also transferred the photo disc’s onto USB and Cloud as well. They no longer need to take up space! I also make sure every picture I am keeping is labeled (recently inherited photos dating from the early 1900’s and up that no one knows who they are! SAD!) I don’t want to leave a mess of photos behind for my son to try to decipher!
I scan every tax return with all the necessary papers. If needed I can print them all up. Then I have them, they don’t take up space.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great ideas!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Along with the dishes…POTS AND PANS!! I know I have so many that are mismatched or look SO bad I would never want to cook in them with and company I am entertaining looking on! (of course, they probably have some of the same!) I had cookie sheets that looked like they had never been cleaned! Also, in the back of the cabinet, I had lids that didn’t match or fit ANYTHING!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.We use shredded paper in our raised beds in the veggie garden! They make a great base before filling the rest of the way with soil.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.How clever!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you for the tip about shredded documents in tge garden! Love it. Helps with moist retention. Brillant!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I had to laugh about the wire hangers. I know they’re not the best. I have a fairly small closet and don’t really have room to use very many of the nice ones. I only use the hair ties if I’m out in public. I’ve been using the scrungies for years at home. They are much gentler on the hair and won’t cause damage.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great info! I would like to add to your list to go through your linen closet and view your bath towels, sheets, blankets, tablecloths, etc. What you no longer want or can’t use, or if any of your linens are showing signs of wear and fraying, donate them to your local vet’s office; they are always in need of these items for their animals. I do this every year, I even tossed in a quilt that had really out-served me since it was losing its color from many washings. Just a great way to downsize your linens, and help out your vet.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Just finished doing this. I kept 3 sets of sheet for the master bedroom and two sets for each of the guest rooms. Two sets of towels for each and two extra bath towels for the dog. Everything else was donated to a rescue. I have SO much more room in my linen closet now!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Your local animal shelters might find them useful too. I volunteer for the RSPCA in Australia and we always welcome donations of towels etc. as they come in handy.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It’s a good way to recycle, and it helps out everyone; you, your shelter and/or vet, and of course the environment. Way too go! Thank you.
Love this post Jillee! Just the tough love conversation that is needed. I giggled with the nail polish and outdated cosmetics. The skinny jeans too. Sometimes I don’t realize how much I keep for that just in case situation. Awesome job!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks Angie!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for all the tips! 15 Things no woman over 40 should have!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m so glad you didn’t tell me I had to get rid of my Springsteen poster that’s in my sewing room! lol
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great tips!
I have a Bruce Springsteen poster too!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Haha! I also have a great pic of my favorite team, the Yankees, with Derek Jeter and the rest of the gang. I never grew up haha!
I have DiMaggio, Mantle and Maris, my A’s from the late 80s, and my 49er photos. NOT getting rid of them! :)
I have Bruce Springsteen!…na-na-na, no, just kidding…sorry. I REALLY never grew up! Does it show?? <\:-D
Totally right! Love this post, thanks!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This was insightful and helpful- love the idea of the cord organizers
Please log in or create a free account to comment.ours does too!
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