Most of us have hidden clutter — inside kitchen cabinets, nightstands and the dreaded junk drawer. But some items simply aren’t worth keeping and should be tossed, recycled or donated immediately.
While professional organizers recommend tossing expired spices, stained linens and junk mail, items like clothing and books may still be useful to others. "If you no longer use something but know it has value or could benefit someone else, it’s safe to let it go," says Amelia Meena, a professional organizer and founder of Appleshine. Before donating, check with your local center to ensure they accept the item, or contact your sanitation department for recycling options.
Here are the top things organizing experts say you should declutter ASAP.
Expired spices and food
If your fridge is packed with condiments or your cabinets are overflowing with spice jars, it's time to take stock. Toss expired ingredients, condiments, and spices to free up space and avoid potential health risks.
Books you've already read
Instead of letting books gather dust in the closet or pile up on the nightstand, donate them when you're done reading. "Books in good condition can go to book sales, libraries or thrift stores," says Julie Stobbe of Mind Over Clutter.
Shopping and tote bags
Avoid collecting excess reusable shopping bags by keeping just a few favorites — around two or three per person — and donating the rest.
Unworn and unloved clothing
Keep only the clothes you currently wear and love. Donate well-maintained clothing items and discard anything torn or damaged. "Donating sooner rather than later ensures items will be in style and can be sold by thrift or consignment stores," says Stobbe. "Clothing stored for years often gets damaged and ends up in a landfill."
Expired or unwanted toiletries
Check under the bathroom sink, where clutter quickly builds up, says Rachel Rosenthal, a professional organizer at Rachel and Company. "It's a great spot to find expired or unnecessary items." Clear out expired cosmetics, skincare products, medications and bulky packaging to free up space.
Old linens, towels and pillows
If your linen closet is overflowing, toss any stained or torn linens. Donate gently used sheets and pillows that no longer fit your beds to local charities, and give old towels and bedding to animal shelters.
Incomplete toy sets and games
With kids, toys and games pile up fast — whether in the living room, playroom or bedroom. Donate anything they've outgrown (when’s the last time they played with that baby doll?). Toss or repurpose books, puzzles and games with missing pieces, and clear out broken crayons, dried-out markers and incomplete toy sets.
Miscellaneous wires and cords
Searching for a charger in a tangle of wires is frustrating. If you don’t know what a cord belongs to, toss it! "There’s no need to keep cords for devices you no longer own," says Rosenthal.
Old shoes
Get rid of unworn shoes, from worn-out sneakers to uncomfortable heels, and donate any pairs in good condition. "Don't hold onto shoes that are too tight or uncomfortable," says Rosenthal.
Takeout containers
Ditch cheap plastic containers, especially those that are stained, cracked or missing lids. Sort through your kitchen cabinets and recycle any that haven’t held up. While you're at it, toss chipped dishes, glasses and damaged kitchen gadgets.
Extra vases
A beautiful bouquet often comes with a glass vase, but how many do you really need? Keep one or two for your favorite blooms and donate the rest to a thrift store — or try selling them on Facebook Marketplace.
Junk mail and takeout menus
As you sort through mail, toss junk mail and takeout menus straight into the recycling bin. If a stack is piling up in your junk drawer, now’s the time to clear it out. Be sure to shred any mail containing personal information.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
