Sometimes, it seems like clutter has a mind of its own.
You start out with good intentions, giving everything in your apartment its own designated spot to keep chaos to a minimum. Unfortunately, as time passes by and you accumulate new things, clutter starts to spread like wildfire, overtaking your once-organised home.
If you’re tired of the clutter in your apartment, it’s time to get rid of some of the things you no longer need. Start by throwing out these 10 things.
Mini Hotel Toiletries
Many of us collect miniature hotel toiletries, telling ourselves that because we paid for the room, we might as well get as much value out of it as possible. However, unless you plan on using those little shampoos and body wash bottles, get rid of them.
Unnecessary Gadgets
Things like pizza ovens and bread makers sound amazing at first, but they take up a lot of space in your kitchen, and there’s a good chance you won’t use them as often as you think. If you want to bake bread or a pizza, use your oven to do it! There are plenty of guides online that will teach you how without asking you to use an outdated piece of equipment.
Unwanted Gifts
Just because someone you love goes out of their way to buy you something doesn’t mean that you must keep it forever. If you’re not using the gifts, you’ve been given by friends and family members try selling those items, donating them, or giving them to someone who can use them. You’re not rude by getting rid of these gifts – you’re just practical.
Broken Things
Many of us have a habit of holding onto broken things, telling ourselves that we’ll fix them at some point or another. This is particularly true when it comes to expensive items that we just can’t imagine throwing away. However, you’re not going to get use out of a broken television or an old games console, so get rid of it and clear some space!
Your Landline Phone
Face it, how often do you use your landline these days? The chances are that most of your calls come from spammy bulk-diallers. If that’s the case, then get rid of the landline altogether, and you could save some money, as well as space. You’ll still have your smartphone for people to call you on.
Expired Food and Spices
Take the time to go through your spice racks and kitchen cupboards, and you’ll be surprised how many out-of-date items you find. Look through all your bottles and jars and get rid of anything that’s expired. Learning how to regularly clear things out like out-of-date goods will help you keep your apartment decluttered for longer.
Old Pillows
Pillows are one of those things that we expect to last forever – but they generally don’t. If you can fold your pillow in half and it stays that way, that’s a good sign that it’s time for some new head and neck support. Try donating your old pillows to an animal shelter if you don’t want to throw them away; some charities can use them as pet beds.
Clothes You Don’t Wear
Don’t let your closet become a time capsule of the styles you used to like. If you’ve grown out of certain clothes, or you just don’t want them anymore, get rid of them. Don’t hold onto clothes just because they remind you of a time when you used to be thinner!
Items You Don’t Use
Many of us have a habit of making spur of the moment purchases, only to leave the things that we buy at the back of our drawers for years to come. If you’re not playing the violin that you purchased, or you’re not using those old cookbooks, get rid of them. There are plenty of charities that would love to have your unwanted items.
Makeup
Finally, makeup doesn’t last a lifetime. Most experts recommend throwing your eye makeup away at least six months after you open it so that you can reduce your risk of infection. Go through your items and purge all those old eyeliners, eyeshadows and mascaras.
