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Many individuals feel overwhelmed by a lack of storage space in their homes. If your closets and cabinets seem to be overflowing, you are not alone. However, most people possess sufficient square footage; much of it is filled with items that are no longer needed. Consider the kitchen drawer filled with cookie cutters for occasions when you rarely bake. This scenario is common in many households, where similar forgotten items lurk in linen closets, under sinks, and within wardrobes.
According to professional organizers, clutter extends beyond physical space and can impact mental well-being. Bridget Urgo, co-owner of The Settler, states, “Many people underestimate the burden of clutter on their minds.” Decluttering can enhance your ability to find items, improve focus, and prevent unnecessary duplicate purchases. This article explores common items that can be discarded or donated, leading to a more organized living space.
Common clutter culprits in your home
Vases and floral arrangements
After receiving a bouquet, many find an assortment of vases accumulating dust in cabinets. Maura Fitzgerald, founder of Fitz Just Right, notes, “Most people will default to using their cherished wedding vase when arranging flowers, rendering the rest unnecessary.” Many florists accept returned vases, allowing for upcycling rather than hoarding.
Kitchen gadgets and appliances
Kitchens often harbor an excess of gadgets. Do you really need an apple corer and a mango slicer? As Urgo suggests, a simple knife suffices in most cases. Additionally, trendy appliances like Instant Pots and Vitamix frequently gather dust. Consider donating or recycling appliances that no longer serve a purpose. Local libraries may even have programs for borrowing such items.
Electronics and outdated items
Households often stockpile outdated electronics, from cracked phones to obsolete laptops and their cords. Many cling to these items in case they are needed again, but most never do. Before disposing of these devices, wipe them clean of personal data. After resetting, consider recycling or selling them back to manufacturers for credit towards new devices.
Excess bags and paper clutter
Reusable bags
Many homes are filled with an overwhelming number of reusable grocery bags. Fitzgerald remarks that “more than five bags are often unnecessary.” Surplus bags can be repurposed for transporting items for donation or checked with local charities for need.
Papers and paperwork
Paper clutter is a significant issue, especially for Baby Boomers and young families alike. Old receipts, instruction manuals, and school projects can accumulate quickly. Nikki Boyd, founder of At Home With Nikki, recommends that parents involve their children in selecting which artwork to keep. Digitizing the rest can free up physical space while preserving memories.
Gift supplies and culinary books
Wrapping supplies
Gift-wrapping supplies can overtake closets. Shira Gill, author of Minimalista, emphasizes the tendency to buy attractive gift supplies. Instead, consider consolidating your inventory into a dedicated space, such as an Elfa Utility Mesh Gift Packaging Over the Door Rack, to keep your collection manageable.
Cookbooks and recipes
With many accessing recipes online, physical cookbooks often remain untouched. Gill suggests keeping only a few favorites on display while donating the rest. This method of editing your collection can streamline belongings throughout your home.