Every 2-3 weeks, I have an urge to declutter my house. It all started some time ago when I thought my life would be better if I started simplifying it to reduce distractions and be more present and focused.
And one of the most important things for living a more simplified life is getting rid of things you don’t need. However, you don’t have to follow my lead and simplify your whole life completely—some like it complex! You may be about to move, renovate your home, or just try to find space available; it doesn’t matter why; the important thing is to identify the ten most useless things you don’t need and are worth getting rid of as quickly as possible and get ready to renew the energy in your space. How many of these do you still have in your house?
Clothes you haven’t worn for more than a year: As most of us, there must have been numerous times when you said to yourself, “I’ll wear this one sometime,” but this moment has never finally come. If it’s been over a year and that garment is still in the closet, it’s time to wave goodbye. Gather all the clothes you haven’t used and donate or recycle them, but in any case, do not let them take up unnecessary space.
Old cables and chargers: The wires from devices that no longer exist or chargers that you don't even know what they are used for are just a “visual noise.” Scan them and remove from your space what isn’t functional or you don't need anymore.
Expired medicines: Do you have a medicine cabinet in your house, that, besides all the useful medicine in there, has also outdated medications? These are not only useless, but they can also be dangerous. Check your medication and toss it as soon as possible.
Journals and paper: Old newspapers, electrical appliance manuals you've already dumped, proof of purchase from years ago; all this paper is useless and just fills your space with clutter. Recycle what you can and get rid of the rest.
Foods that have expired or you never use: Open your pantry and do a thorough check. The pasta you bought many years ago or the spices that don't have any scent anymore are useless and potentially not suitable for consumption. Make room for fresh foods and make a list of what you really need—and eat. Do the same with your freezer. You will be amazed at how much expired frozen food you will find.
Broken appliances: The dryer that has been broken for 2 years in your bathroom and you were supposed to have it repaired but you never did it or the toaster that is no longer functional are perfect examples. If you haven't fixed them before, you'll never fix them, so why keep them and get some room in your place?
Toys that children no longer use: Broken toys or those that children no longer touch are another source of stack that doesn’t need to exist. Gift them or throw them away if they are in a bad condition and you will finally see how much unused space you have in your house.
Expired cleaning products: Yes, cleaning products have an expiration date too! If you have forgotten bottles under the sink, take a look at them and throw away what is no longer useful.
Old Decorations: Broken Christmas decorations, paintings you no longer like, or furniture that no longer fits your style; say goodbye to all of them. It’s an awesome way to renew the appearance and decoration of your space.
Old tech gadgets: Phones, tablets, or computers and laptops that no longer work or are outdated. You can donate them if they're still usable and you don't want them or take them to an electronics recycling center.