8 things professional organizers would toss from your home immediately
Your home should be your sanctuary, not a storage unit for your stress. A 2025 survey found that 40% of Americans describe their homes as cluttered, and 42% feel genuinely overwhelmed by the mess. We unknowingly hoard about 300,000 items in the average US home, and science shows this visual noise spikes cortisol levels, especially in women.
Grab a trash bag and let’s reclaim your space and your sanity, right now.
Wire hangers from the dry cleaner
Listen to me closely: these thin metal triangles are the enemy of your wardrobe. Professional organizer Kenika Williams warns that wire hangers are designed solely to transport clothes from “point A to point B,” not for long-term storage. They lack the structural integrity to support weight and often collapse under heavy fabrics.
Even worse, they aggressively ruin your clothes. The thin wire creates permanent “shoulder bumps” and creases that distort the shape of your favorite garments. Plus, they rust over time, which risks staining that expensive silk blouse you love. Do yourself a favor and swap these out for velvet or wood hangers immediately.
Expired cosmetics and sunscreen
I know it hurts to toss that expensive palette, but your makeup bag might be a petri dish. Studies show that 98% of people use makeup past its expiration date, risking nasty consequences like bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) and skin irritation. If you can’t remember when you bought it, it’s gotta go.
Here is the “toss timeline” dermatologists recommend:
- Mascara & Liquid Eyeliner: 3–6 months.
- Liquid Foundation: 1 year.
- Powders: 2 years.
The “graveyard of good intentions” (broken tech)
We all have that one drawer filled with tangled cords, dead phones, and mysterious remote controls. You probably keep them thinking, “I might fix this someday,” but let’s be real, you won’t. Kenika Williams calls this clutter a major space waster, noting that old gadgets usually just gather dust while their batteries degrade.
Holding onto old lithium-ion batteries actually poses a fire risk if they swell or leak over time. If you haven’t touched that broken tablet in six months, recycle it at a certified e-steward facility. You can usually drop these off at big-box electronics stores for free.
Clothes that don’t fit your current body
Staring at skinny jeans from 2015 doesn’t motivate you; it just makes you feel bad. Data shows the average American adult holds onto 6.2 unworn clothing items, contributing to a national surplus of 1.6 billion useless garments. Keeping these items in your closet and your mind clogs them.
Professional organizers call this the “Fantasy Self”, the person you wish you were rather than who you are today. If it doesn’t fit or flatter you right now, donate it. Experts suggest keeping only what you can wear today to reduce decision fatigue every morning.
Mystery leftovers and ancient condiments
Open your fridge. Do you see a jar of mustard from the Obama administration? Professional organizers like Tonia Tomlin make expired food the first target during a home edit. While we worry about wasting money, keeping spoiled food just creates a “sunk cost” hazard in your kitchen.
Experts advise a strict timeline for fridge safety:
- Opened Condiments: Toss after 6 months.
- Leftovers: Safe for only 3–4 days.
- Opened Juice: Drink or toss within 7 days.
Dangerous and mismatched plastic containers
That cabinet full of lidless containers isn’t just annoying; it might be hurting your heart. A startling 2025 study found that eating from plastic takeout containers significantly increases the risk of heart failure, as microplastics alter the gut biome. If your plasticware looks cloudy, scratched, or stained, toss it immediately.
Also, stop fighting with mismatched lids. If a container has no partner, it’s just clutter stealing your time. Organizers recommend upgrading to glass or stainless steel for a safer, streamlined kitchen aesthetic.
Empty boxes for electronics
Why do we keep the box for a TV we bought three years ago? Unless you plan to move in the next month, these bulky cardboard boxes are just free real estate for pests like silverfish and roaches. They eat up massive amounts of square footage for zero return.
Use the 20/20 Rule: if you can replace an item (or the box’s utility) for under $20 in under 20 minutes, don’t store it. Break those boxes down and recycle them today. The extra closet space is worth way more than the resale value of a cardboard box.
Junk mail and paper manuals
Paper is the silent killer of organized surfaces. The average American receives 41 pounds of junk mail annually, and 44% of it goes unopened and ends up in a pile. This paper mountain creates a massive fire hazard and increases your risk of identity theft if sensitive information is left around.
- Manuals: Recycle them. You can find almost every manual online as a PDF now.
- Junk Mail: Shred it or recycle it the second it enters your house.
- Touch It Once: Never put mail down on a counter “for later.”
Key Takeaway
Decluttering isn’t about punishment; it’s about making your home work for you. By tossing these 8 common clutter culprits, from wire hangers to toxic plastics, you instantly lower your stress levels and regain valuable square footage. Start with just one category today. Trust me, your future self will thank you for the breathing room.
Read the Original Article on Crafting Your Home.
