Tired of seeing your closets overflowing for no reason? Decluttering shouldn’t be a chore but a real boost to breathe in your home. Start today: get rid of these 12 items that you often keep “just in case”, even though they bring nothing. Freeing up space means improving your quality of life daily, both at home and in your mind. Afterwards, we will also look at what should be cherished to avoid regrets. Ready to make some space?
In brief:
- Eliminate expired medications and cosmetics for your safety.
- Sort through worn or unworn clothing and shoes.
- Recycle broken electronics with platforms like Zero Waste France and The Recycling Center.
- Donate unused items through Emmaüs or sell them on Le Bon Coin and Vinted.
- Keep only durable and sentimental essentials.
The 12 items to throw away today to free up your home
Expired medications are a real danger: inefficacy and health risks. Do not throw them in your regular trash, return them to your pharmacy instead. The same applies to outdated makeup and skincare products: they can cause irritation and infections. Also, get rid of overused shoes, especially those that no longer support your feet, as they can cause pain and clutter unnecessarily.
- Broken electronics like old smartphones, chargers, headphones: take them to a recognized recycling center like Zero Waste France.
- Are holey clothes or orphaned socks cluttering your drawers? Repair or recycle, then dispose of the rest.
- Unused kitchen gadgets, a pineapple peeler that’s never come out of the cupboard? Donate them to Emmaüs or sell them on Selency.
- Outdated magazines and newspapers often end up in the trash — prefer digital versions to follow the news lightly.
- Mismatch kitchen items like lidded boxes: recycle or eliminate them quickly.
- Expired food items in the pantry cause waste and disorder: sort regularly and donate the rest to partner associations of Envie or Geev.
- Forgotten craft supplies: often stored for years, they can revive a local school if you donate them.
- Surplus mugs? Keep the ones you truly love and offer the others to Recyclivre or through exchange networks.
What you should keep to avoid regrets
Family heirlooms have a value that neither time nor space can erase. Preserve them carefully. Also, make sure to store your important documents in a secure place. Keep sturdy tools and quality furniture: these durable investments do not age.
- Timeless clothing like a blazer or a little black dress are basics to cherish for future occasions.
- Selected sentimental books and memories, those that tell a story or that you often reread, deserve a place in your library.
- Durable kitchen essentials that make daily meal preparation easier.
- Reusable bags that are practical for shopping and eco-friendly.
- Emergency kits always ready to serve when necessary.
Quick guide to declutter effectively
- Choose an area to start (drawers, closets, etc.) to stay focused.
- Prepare several bags: one for throwing away, one for donating (Emmaüs, Envie), one for selling (Le Bon Coin, Vinted).
- Do a quick sort by deciding whether each item is useful or not.
- Recycle or donate wisely through solidarity or ecological platforms like Zero Waste France or The Recycling Center.
- Repeat the process room by room to avoid being overwhelmed.
Alternatives and limits of decluttering
If you are attached to certain items despite their uselessness, consider transforming them to avoid throwing everything away: customization, artistic recycling, or targeted donations. However, chronic clutter may require the help of a professional, especially if the emotional burden is strong or the clutter is massive.
A clear and practical video to motivate you and structure your decluttering.
Specific tips to simplify your living room and regain space.
