Let’s be honest: decluttering can feel like a daunting task. You might have a closet that resembles a black hole, or a garage that’s become a graveyard for forgotten treasures and broken dreams. But fear not! Professional organizers have some golden nuggets of wisdom to help you tackle that chaos. If you’re thinking about donating, here are seven categories of items that pro organizers suggest you should consider letting go of first. Grab your favorite beverage and let’s sort through this together!
1. Clothes You Haven’t Worn in a Year
We’ve all got that little section of our closet that holds onto the hope of “someday.” But if you haven’t worn it in the past year, it’s time to be real with yourself. That dress you bought for a wedding five seasons ago? Unless you’re planning to recreate the event, it’s time to let it go. Professional organizers often recommend adopting the “one-year rule.” If it hasn’t seen the light of day, it’s a prime candidate for donation. Plus, think of all the space you’ll free up for that new outfit you’ve been eyeing!
2. Duplicates and Triplicates
How many spatulas does one person really need? If you’ve got an overabundance of kitchen gadgets, utensils, or even pairs of scissors, it might be time to streamline. Keeping duplicates might feel comforting, but often, they just take up space. Professional organizers suggest you keep one or two of each item and pass along the extras. Trust me, your drawer will thank you for it!
3. Items with No Sentimental Value
Ah, the nostalgia trap. We all have that one box filled with items that bring back memories, but how many of them truly hold sentimental value? If you’ve got a bunch of knickknacks that spark joy only because they were on sale or gifted by a distant relative, it’s time to reconsider. Professional organizers encourage you to ask yourself: Would you miss it if it were gone? If the answer is no, it’s likely time to donate. Someone else might love that quirky ceramic cat as much as you once did!
4. Expired or Unused Beauty Products
Let’s face it, we’ve all had that makeup drawer that’s seen better days. If you’ve got lipsticks from high school or creams that went out of style with bell-bottoms, it’s time to let them go. Professional organizers recommend checking expiration dates and tossing anything that’s past its prime. Not only will this make room for fresh products, but it’ll also save you from an unexpected allergic reaction. Your skin will thank you later!
5. Books You’ll Never Read Again
Books are a tricky one, aren’t they? We tend to hold onto them like treasures, but if you haven’t cracked the spine in years, it might be time to let them fly. A professional organizer might say, “If you love it, keep it; if not, donate it.” Think of it this way: your dusty novels could light up someone else’s reading nook. Plus, you’ll have space for that new bestseller you’ve been longing to dive into!
6. Broken or Damaged Items
This one’s a biggie. Do you have a pile of broken electronics or furniture that you’re “going to fix someday”? News flash: that day might never come! Professional organizers suggest taking a hard look at these items. If you haven’t repaired it yet, chances are you won’t. Instead of letting it take up valuable real estate in your home, consider donating it to a place that might repair and repurpose it. It’s a win-win!
7. Gifts You Don’t Use or Like
Ah, the polite gift that lives in the back of your closet. We’ve all been there, holding onto gifts we feel guilty about discarding. But here’s the thing: it’s okay to let go of items you don’t love or use! Professional organizers encourage you to remember that the gift-giver likely wanted you to enjoy it, not feel obligated to keep it forever. Donate those unworn sweaters or unused gadgets and make someone else’s day brighter. Plus, it clears the emotional weight off your shoulders, too!
Wrapping it Up
Decluttering doesn’t have to be a chore; it can be a liberating experience! By focusing on these seven categories, you’ll not only create space in your home but also share the love by
More from Willow and Hearth:
Leave a Reply