If you're anything like me, de-cluttering is downright exhilarating. But knowing where to start can be a major mental roadblock. If you've got the urge to get some stuff out of the house, start with this list of items you can say goodbye to right now with little thought and no impunity.
1. Expired coupons. I like to put coupons I might use in Evernote, with a "delete" tag and deadline reminder so I can eliminate this paper clutter altogether. Read more here.
2. Old magazines. If you're keeping them to look back at later, you won't. If you're keeping them for your kids to use for collages, keep three, max.
3. Expired pantry items (canned goods, spices, etc.). Check your local food bank for donation guidelines.
4. Old clothes. Check out Why Keeping Only the Clothes that "Spark Joy" is Magical.
5. Old/extra/excessive wrapping paper and supplies. If your stash tends to grow and sit, paring it down leaves you with less decision fatigue when it's time to wrap.
6. Excessive plastic and paper bags. They'll multiply again, trust me.
7. Broken things you've been meaning to repair. Take that pressure off yourself and breathe easier.
8. Old/extra/stained/torn linens. Chances are you never reach for those anyway.
9. Chipped dishes and mugs. They're fung shui energy stealers.
10. DVDs you know you'll never watch again. You won't waste your time on them; don't waste space on them either.
11. Duplicate kitchen tools. Keep only the ones you reach for when you have a choice.
12. Accessories you haven't worn in a year or more. It means you don't actually like them.
13. Take-out menus. They're all online. Free up that junk drawer real estate.
14. Extra boxes and empty storage containers. Professional organizers say you should buy containers specifically for what you know you need to store, not the other way around.
15. Refills for items you no longer use. Examples include regular light bulbs after you've switched to LEDs, coffee filters for a pot you no longer own or use, or toothbrush head replacements for an electric toothbrush that kicked the bucket a long time ago.
16. Expired or compromised bike helmets. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that helmets should be replaced every five years or if they have been involved in any impact.
17. Expired medication. Use these guidelines for proper disposal.
18. Expired cosmetics. Components separate, ingredients lose their effectiveness, and fragrances can turn rancid. Don't put them on your body.
19. Old cell phones. Check out HopeLine, Cell Phones for Soldiers, and the FTC's guidelines for making sure your personal information is wiped clean.
20. Books that don't move you or that you haven't used for reference in three or more years. Editing your collection leaves you with an autobiographical shelf that's a distilled literary portrait of you — and makes room for new favorites.
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