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When it comes to getting organized, getting rid of items you don’t use or need often makes a much bigger impact than simply storing them in another part of the house. This is especially true for those who have limited storage space, as the line between “stuff” and “clutter” in their homes is likely to be razor thin already.
In addition to freeing up valuable storage space, eliminating clutter can also save you time by simplifying your cleaning routine. And if you’re anything like me, physical decluttering always aids in mental decluttering, which is always as nice bonus. :-)
If you’re looking to streamline your storage or make housework a little easier, parting with unnecessary items is a great place to start. To make that process easier, here are 7 things you don’t need, and thus would make a good place to start if you’re fed up with clutter.
7 Things You Don’t Need Around The House
1. Top Sheets
While the debate between Team Top Sheet and Team No Top Sheet rages on, there’s no doubt that ditching your top sheet can lighten your laundry load and simplify the process of making your bed. (Though if you are thinking about getting rid of your top sheet, it’s important to do it the right way.)
And if you don’t want to toss it out, consider putting that old top sheet to good use—it’s a win-win!
2. Alarm Clocks
Do you use the alarm function on your phone but still have an old alarm clock gathering dust on your nightstand? Then it’s probably time to part ways with that old clock for good!
Once you get rid of it, you’ll have more room on your nightstand for important things like your pillow spray, a jar of DIY snore relieving gel, and your nightly cup of pre-bedtime tea. (And since you’re already getting rid of things your phone has made obsolete, go ahead and put your calculator, kitchen timer, and stopwatch in your donation box too.)
3. Napkin Rings
Your next dinner party won’t suffer a bit if you get rid of those old napkin rings, which simply exist to take up space 99.9% of the time. And you can still make your napkins look great without relying on rings—check out some simple and stylish napkin folding techniques in my step-by-step guide!
4. Specialized Cleaning Products
Back when I was a new mom and an only slightly less new wife, the sheer number of specialized cleaning products (those specifically marketed for bathrooms, kitchens, etc.) in stores had me convinced they all must be necessary! It wasn’t until I started experimenting with homemade cleaning solutions that I realized just how unnecessary they actually are.
Now that I know better, I keep a few basic cleaning agents like vinegar, baking soda, lemon essential oil, and dish soap on hand instead. If you have a lot of different types of cleaners, take a quick inventory of your collection and get rid of anything you haven’t used in a while.
5. Many Fancy Knives
While there’s a certain appeal to having an attractive knife block full of interesting types of knives on your countertop, it isn’t always that useful. You may reach for a few of them regularly, but that still leaves about 7 other blades that never see the light of day!
Instead of wasting valuable counter or drawer space storing knives you don’t use, pare your collection down to a few basic, good quality knives. (You might be surprised how far a decent chef’s knife, paring knife, and bread knife can take you in the kitchen!)
6. Outdated Technology
From that old cordless phone in the hallway to the fax machine in your office, there’s sure to be outdated tech taking up space somewhere in your house. It’s fine to keep the things you actually use, but dusty stacks of old VHS tapes aren’t doing you any good — especially if you no longer have a way to play them!
Take inventory of your old technology, then take everything you haven’t used in recent memory to a thrift store or electronics recycling service. If you have any old mix tapes/CDs or home videos with sentimental value, consider digitizing them for compact storage you can back up elsewhere.
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7. Single-Use Kitchen Gadgets
Remember that strawberry huller you used to make a strawberry pie, or those herb scissors you stopped using after they proved impossible to clean? Getting rid of them will make your more useful kitchen tools easier to find.
If you aren’t sure which kitchen gadgets to part with, check out these clever, cheaper alternatives that produce the same results.
Which household items would you add to this list?
