14 Things You Keep “Just In Case” But Should Toss Today

We all have that drawer, closet, or corner filled with items we swear we’ll need someday. But let’s be honest, how often do we actually reach for them? It’s time for a little decluttering. Not only will it free up space, but it will also give you a sense of accomplishment. Here’s a list of 14 things you keep “just in case” but should toss today.

1. Old Magazines

We all hang on to magazines, thinking that we’ll get around to reading that one article or trying a recipe. But more often than not, they end up gathering dust and taking up valuable space. According to professional organizer Marie Kondo, keeping such items only adds unnecessary clutter to our lives. Instead, consider scanning the articles you want to keep for future reference and recycling the rest. Your living space will thank you, and you’ll feel lighter without the paper weight.

The idea of flipping through old issues may sound appealing, but how often do you actually do it? Chances are, those magazines have been untouched for months or even years. If you haven’t needed them by now, you probably never will. Letting go of them can be surprisingly liberating and will make room for new interests. Plus, if you really need something, you can easily find it online these days.

2. Expired Makeup

We’re all guilty of holding on to that lipstick or mascara for longer than we should, thinking we’ll use it again one day. However, expired makeup can harbor bacteria and potentially cause skin issues or infections. Makeup has a shelf life, and using it past that can do more harm than good. A better approach is to periodically review your stash and toss any expired items. Not only will this keep your skin healthier, but it will also make your beauty routine more streamlined and efficient.

Keeping old makeup seems harmless until you realize the potential risks involved. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about your health. Consider setting a date every few months to go through your beauty products and discard anything past its prime. You might even find that you have fewer products to carry around, which will simplify your daily routine. Plus, this gives you an excuse to try out new items guilt-free.

3. Clothes That Don’t Fit

We’ve all been there—holding onto clothes that once fit perfectly, hoping that one day they will again. But in reality, your wardrobe should reflect who you are now, not who you used to be. According to psychologist Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner, keeping clothes that don’t fit can negatively impact your self-esteem. Instead, donate them and focus on wearing clothes that make you feel good today. This simple act can boost your confidence and help you appreciate the present moment.

When you keep clothes that don’t fit, you’re essentially holding on to the past. It’s a psychological burden that can weigh you down without you even realizing it. Letting go of them is like giving yourself permission to be okay with where you are now. When you open your closet and see clothes that fit and flatter, it makes choosing an outfit a more enjoyable experience. Plus, it creates space for new pieces that you’ll actually wear and love.

4. Broken Electronics

Fixing that old phone or tablet might seem like a task you’ll get to someday, but let’s be honest, that day rarely comes. Broken electronics are just taking up space and collecting dust, not to mention, they can be a potential hazard. Instead of keeping them hidden away, recycle them responsibly. Many electronic stores or community centers have recycling programs for e-waste. By doing so, you’re not only decluttering your space but also doing your part to protect the environment.

We tend to keep broken electronics with the hope of fixing them, but the reality is that they often sit in a drawer for years. It’s time to ask yourself if you’re ever truly going to get them fixed. If not, it’s time to let them go. Removing them from your space will create an area that’s less cluttered and more functional. Plus, it gives you a clearer headspace, making it easier to focus on what you actually need.

5. Unmatched Socks

We all have that pile of lonely socks missing their partners, waiting for the day they might magically reunite. But in most cases, those partners are long gone, and it’s time to face the truth. According to consumer behavior expert Dr. Kit Yarrow, holding on to these items often results from an emotional attachment rather than practicality. Letting go of unmatched socks will simplify your laundry routine. Plus, the newly found drawer space can be used for things you actually need and use regularly.

It’s easy to think that the lost socks will eventually turn up, but life is too short to wait around for them. Instead, consider repurposing them as cleaning rags or donating them to recycling programs that can give them a new life. This way, you’re not just throwing them out but actually giving them a purpose. Meanwhile, your sock drawer will become a more organized and less frustrating space. You’ll find it easier to grab what you need without rummaging through a mess of mismatched socks.

6. Instruction Manuals

For some reason, we all feel the need to keep every instruction manual that comes our way. But when was the last time you actually referred to one? Most instructions can now be easily found online, making those bulky paper versions obsolete. Take some time to gather all those manuals and recycle them. You’ll be amazed at how much space you’ll free up once you’ve parted ways with these unnecessary papers.

Keeping instruction manuals might seem useful, but in the digital age, they’re more of a relic than a resource. Instead of holding on to them, consider bookmarking the online versions for future reference. This way, you’re not only saving space but also making it easier to access the information when you need it. Plus, you’re contributing to a paperless world, which is always a good thing. Letting go of these manuals means one less pile of papers cluttering your space.

7. Extra Buttons

We all have that jar of extra buttons, thinking they’ll come in handy one day. But let’s be honest, when was the last time you actually used one? According to Dr. Randy Frost, a psychologist specializing in clutter, we tend to overestimate the usefulness of such items. Instead of holding onto them, consider donating to local craft stores or schools that might have a use for them. This way, you can let go without feeling wasteful and make room for things you’ll actually use.

When it comes to extra buttons, they’re often more trouble than they’re worth. They get lost, mixed up, and take up space you could use for something else. By letting them go, you’re freeing yourself from the clutter and simplifying your life. If you ever do need a button, they’re inexpensive and easy to find. Plus, your home will feel more organized, and you’ll be less stressed when searching for the things you actually need.

8. Old Chargers And Cables

It’s easy to accumulate a tangled mess of old chargers and cables, convinced they’ll be useful one day. However, technology changes rapidly, and those cables might not even be compatible with your current devices. Instead of keeping a drawer full of obsolete cords, sort through them and recycle the ones you no longer need. Many electronic stores offer recycling programs specifically for this purpose. This way, you’re not only cleaning up your space but also disposing of e-waste responsibly.

Having a drawer full of old cables can be overwhelming and frustrating when you’re trying to find the one you actually need. Taking the time to sort through them can be a daunting task, but the end result is well worth it. By keeping only what you need, you’ll reduce clutter and make it easier to find the cables you use regularly. Plus, it makes packing for trips or relocating much simpler. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter you feel without the added electronic clutter.

9. Plastic Utensils And Straws

It’s tempting to keep those plastic utensils and straws from takeout orders for future use. But more often than not, they just pile up, creating clutter in your kitchen drawers. Instead of holding onto them, consider switching to eco-friendly alternatives like reusable utensils or metal straws. This not only reduces clutter but also benefits the environment. It’s a small change that can have a big impact over time.

Keeping a stash of plastic utensils and straws feels practical, but is it really serving you? Most of the time, they sit unused while taking up valuable space that could be put to better use. By making the switch to reusable options, you’re investing in a more sustainable lifestyle. Plus, it makes your home feel more organized and less chaotic. You’ll find it easier to access the items you genuinely need, creating a more efficient and enjoyable cooking and dining experience.

10. Old Pillows

Pillows have a shelf life, and holding onto them for too long can result in an uncomfortable sleeping experience. Over time, they accumulate dust mites, allergens, and lose their supportive qualities. Instead of keeping them, consider replacing your pillows every couple of years for better sleep quality. Old pillows can be repurposed into pet bedding or donated to animal shelters. This way, you’re not just tossing them out, but giving them a second life.

We often overlook replacing pillows because they’re hidden under pillowcases. However, they play a crucial role in your sleep health and overall well-being. Decluttering your bed can improve your sleep, reduce allergies, and create a fresher sleeping environment. It might be a small change, but it can make a big difference in how you feel each morning. Plus, it’s an excuse to shop for new, comfy pillows that enhance your bedroom décor.

11. Travel-Sized Toiletries

Travel-sized toiletries seem like a great idea, but they often end up forgotten in a drawer or cabinet. If you travel infrequently, these items can expire before you get around to using them. Instead of hoarding them, consider using them up in your daily routine or donating them to local shelters. This way, they serve a purpose rather than contributing to clutter. Plus, simplifying your toiletry collection will make packing for trips much easier.

Keeping travel-sized toiletries might seem wise, but in reality, they often go to waste. By repurposing them in your daily life, you’re ensuring that you get the most out of each item. It’s a practical way to reduce waste and avoid clutter in your bathroom. Plus, it frees up space for the products you use regularly, making your morning routine more efficient. Letting go of these items also makes packing for future trips less daunting and more streamlined.

12. Outdated Decor

We all have decor items that once held meaning but now seem outdated or out of place. Holding onto them can make your home feel cluttered and less reflective of your current style. Instead of keeping them, consider donating or selling items that no longer resonate with you. This allows your living space to evolve with you, creating an environment that truly feels like home. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to redecorate and bring new life to your surroundings.

Outdated decor can weigh down the energy in your home, making it feel stagnant and uninspired. By letting go of these items, you’re giving yourself permission to create a space that aligns with your current taste. It’s a chance to refresh your environment and make it more inviting. Plus, you’re more likely to enjoy your home when it reflects who you are today. This decluttering process can be rejuvenating, sparking joy and creativity in your personal space.

13. Old Receipts

Many of us tuck away receipts, thinking we’ll need them for returns or record-keeping. But over time, they accumulate and create unnecessary clutter. Instead of holding onto every piece of paper, consider scanning receipts for larger purchases and important documents. For everyday purchases, it’s usually safe to discard them after confirming the transaction on your statement. Digitizing your receipts not only saves space but also makes it easier to find what you need when you need it.

Hanging onto old receipts is a habit that can quickly spiral into chaos, filling wallets and drawers with paper clutter. By adopting a digital approach, you’re streamlining your financial records and reducing waste. This not only helps you stay organized but also makes tax time or budgeting tasks more manageable. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep your life in order. Plus, you’ll feel a sense of relief and accomplishment when you finally clear out that endless pile of paper.

14. Unused Gift Cards

Gift cards are a fantastic gift, but they sometimes get tossed aside and forgotten. Holding onto them seems harmless, but they eventually lose value or expire, leaving you with nothing. Instead of letting them collect dust, make a point to use them or regift them to someone who will. This way, you’re not wasting money and are actually putting them to good use. Plus, it’s a reminder to appreciate and utilize the generosity of those who gifted them to you.

It’s easy to forget about gift cards when they’re out of sight and out of mind. By keeping them in your wallet or a visible place, you’re more likely to use them and enjoy the benefits. Think of them as opportunities to treat yourself without guilt. Plus, using them clears space in your drawers and reduces clutter. It’s a win-win situation that lets you enjoy a little something extra without any added cost.