Back in May, we ran a blog called 20 Items You Can Trash Right Now. It was about those things that take up much needed space in our homes, making things look messy and overrun. And, yet, we keep them.
Maybe it’s because we want to be prepared “just in case.” Maybe it’s for sentimental reasons.
The sad truth is, that often even though we have a supply closet full of those items, we often buy something new when we need it either because it is just a bit off, or because we don’t know exactly where to find it.
This month’s blog is a follow up to that one, with some more specific ideas — because so many of you reached out to tell me that you wanted more.
What? You haven’t done the first round yet? Well, start with either list and then migrate to the other.
More things you can dispose of right now that you will never miss, but that, with their absence, will give you a lot more space and a sense of control.
This time, we break it down into five main areas of concern: your closets, the kitchen, the kids, bedroom stuff, and media.
In the Closets
Sheet sets. Oh, you were saving some to use as drop cloths? Your painter will bring his own. What, you wanted some extras if anyone needs to go camping? Is anyone really going camping? You are saving some for when you rent a shore house? Didn’t that last shore house come furnished with sheets and towels already? Keep one extra set for every bed, and maybe one extra “just-in-case” set for each size. That is it.
Extra blankets. Let’s say you had guests come one winter and there was a blackout. Everyone needed to bundle up with an extra blanket. Keep one extra stored for every bed in the house and enough for a guest or two. It’s not going to get worse than that.
Unused holiday decorations. Those broken ornaments. And the ones you really don’t like but bought because they were on sale. Get rid of them. Keep what you put out, the sentimental ones, and special ones the kids made. Get rid of the rest.
The lampshades and curtain rods. Getting rid of all the extras will bring you back valuable space. No one is going to need the old candelabra chandelier shades.
In the Kitchen
Cell phones. Flip phones might be making a comeback, but not those kinds of flip phones. You can donate these in bulk.
Paper clutter. Takeout menus. Phone books. Address books. Everything is available online. Use up the old extra napkins and plates from kids' birthday parties.
Extra mugs that are from old companies. You have your favorites that you use. You can save enough for all that company who are visiting during that winter blackout and who all need a mug of hot chocolate to warm up at the same moment. You don’t need the rest. Donate.
Expired stuff. Suntan lotion. Spices. Even coffee. Use up anything that will expire soon before you buy more. Replenish your pantry from the back so that you reach for older stuff first.
Jars — Mason and otherwise. Canning those summer cucumbers sounded like such a good idea, but if another summer passed and you still haven’t gotten to it, donate some of those jars. People are always looking for canning jars on the free-community based websites.
Drawers of power cords and chargers. You probably got rid of many of the items that they were supposed to charge long ago. If you can find the cords that go to those flip phones, pair them up.
Water bottles. You will be shocked at how many of these have declared residency in your kitchen. Get rid of all but the ones you use.
Freebies. The chopsticks, condiments, napkins, and plates that have exploded. If you never use them, then stop saving them.
Used sponges and toothbrushes. Are you saving them for cleaning? You really only need one of each, and you can keep updating it when you change out your current ones.
Cleaning rags. Keep one bucketful in the basement, get rid of the rest.
Reusable bags, shopping bags, boxes. If you bring your own bags to the grocery store that is wonderful. Check them to make sure they haven’t gotten grungy and change them out if they have. Repurpose old Amazon boxes. You can cut them down to resize larger ones to mail your own packages. Save a few in each size — you know they will mysteriously replenish themselves in just a week or two!
Kitchen toys: The panini maker, the vegetti, the fondue pot, the ice cream maker, the avocado slicer, the watermelon baller, the fat separator, the onion goggles, the fun-shaped ice cube maker, the popcorn popper, possibly even the air fryer and the Instant Pot? Everyone’s list of kitchen gadgets that they don’t use will look different, but everyone has one. If yours is in good shape (even brand new, maybe?), pass it along.
Wedding gifts. The things you put on your wedding registry way back when sounded great. But did you really think you were going to use them? If they are still brand new in the box, or have not been used since the Clinton administration, donate.
All the vases from flowers. How nice that people keep sending you flowers! Donate some of those vases to the flower shop at the hospital or back to the florists.
Used candles. Name one dinner party you had where you didn’t put out fresh candles?
Your Kids Stuff — And Stuff for Your Kids
Whether those “kids” are just starting their college applications, or are having children of their own, they have left behind a lot of stuff.
Much of the stuff they used as a baby is not even up to code anymore. The crib bumpers — possibly even the crib itself — might be considered dangerous.
Do save some special well-made toys that your children enjoyed that you might want to play with your grandchildren, but boxes of puzzles with pieces missing and electronic toys where the battery exploded and are now rendered useless do nothing but take up valuable closet space.
Some of their sports equipment — cleats, bats, frisbees, sticks — could be brought to sports consignment shops or donated.
Separately, your treasured items, whether they are ornate antiques, heavy furniture, or delicate China service, might not be of interest to your children in their streamlined lifestyles. If they say they really won’t want it, begin to check with antique dealers or even try listing a few items on eBay. This includes the stuff you inherited from your own parents and grandparents.
In Your Bedroom
In your closet? Skinny jeans? Or your boyfriend jeans? Or high-waisted jeans? It’s hard to keep track of what is considered in style these days. Whatever the trends, if it doesn’t fit, donate it. Including those expensive mistakes. As for all that stuff that is “sure to come back in fashion,” even if it does, it will be tweaked just enough that you will want to buy the updated version of it.
Same goes for the stuff you are saving for 70s and 80s costume parties. Save a couple of things, and donate the rest.
Ditto exercise clothes.
Edit your entire inventory of nearly empty perfume bottles and get something new that you love.
Media
The last category to clean out is all the media that is taking up space.
Old Jane Fonda tapes. No explanation necessary. Again, YouTube videos.
This goes for all the old albums, CDs, cassettes, 8-tracks, and more that you probably couldn’t even play even if they are in great shape. Check around for dealers and collectors who might be interested in what you have.
As for the VHS tapes, Netflix is your friend.
Cookbooks? Save the few you actually use. You can find recipes for anything online.
I look forward to hearing about some of the great things you have done with all the space in the areas that you have reclaimed in your homes. There is so much benefit to be had from living A Simpler Life Now.
