Professional Organizers Swear by Replacing These 10 Things Annually
"Doing a yearly check helps you catch these things before they start affecting your health and daily routines," explains one organizing pro.
If you're not sure where to start when it comes to decluttering, you're not alone. We tapped professional organizers to tell us which items they replace annually, from expired items that are probably lurking in your bathroom to kitchen tools that have seen better days. To get the ball rolling with your clear-out, experts recommend using a decluttering method like the core 4 decluttering strategy, the 10-10 method, or the 20-minute organizing method.
How often should you declutter? It can depend on your space, but in general, “it’s always a good idea to declutter your home once a year,” says organizing and efficiency expert Kristin MacRae. “Donate, toss, or sell anything that is no longer serving you, or bringing the energy down in your home.”
Laura Kinsella of Urban OrgaNYze also suggests decluttering your spaces at least annually. “Doing a yearly check helps you catch these things before they start affecting your health and daily routines,” she says.
Below, organizers explain the items they replace annually. Tossing these things (and buying replacements if needed) can help ensure you're using your space wisely and keeping everyone in the family healthy. Here's what to toss.
Expired Makeup
MacRae takes an inventory of her makeup each year and throws away anything that she’s had for a while. “Makeup does expire, and I want to be sure I’m putting fresh makeup on my face,” she says. “Sometimes, if I know it takes me a while to get through a certain product, I’ll write the date I began using it on the tube so I can keep track of how old it is.”
RELATED: The Best Makeup Organizers That’ll Keep Your Vanity Neat and Stylish
Expired Medication and Vitamins
When you or a loved one is dealing with a cold or flu, or if you’d like to keep up your vitamin regimen, it’s key to check the expiration dates at least once a year, if not more.
“If you’ve ever had a sick kid at 2 a.m., you know the panic of grabbing medicine and praying it still works,” Kinsella says. “Before your home is hit with the flu is a great time to do an annual clean-out. Check for expirations on medications and vitamins, and replace any other first-aid items that may be running low so you’re prepared when germs strike.”
Plastic Items
Kinsella says that plastic storage containers and water bottles can see lots of wear and tear over time—particularly, lids can warp and lose their seal (which means that food isn’t staying fresh) and plastic water bottles can develop mold in spaces you can’t reach. “When containers look cloudy or your water bottle has that ‘off’ smell, it’s time for an upgrade,” she adds.
Calendars
If you eschew digital calendars and planners, you probably love your analog wall calendar and paper planner. In fact, MacRae says that she’d be “lost” without hers, which is why she purchases a fresh planner-and-calendar in one every fall (or in December, if you’d like to abide by your New Year’s timeline) and marks it up with standing appointments and to-dos, and then uses it daily.
Filters
Filters throughout your home, which can include vacuum filters, air purifier filters, and water filters, can get clogged and stop working effectively, as Kinsella says, “which means over time, you’re not actually catching debris, but simply moving it around. Replacing these ensures better air and water quality, which improves your sleep, home hygiene, and overall health.”
Labels
Since labels can keep your organizing systems in tip-top shape, Kinsella recommends swapping out any labels that are illegible or inaccurate at least once a year.
“If they fade or peel, it's time for a reprint,” she says. “And if you find the items inside have changed or been outgrown, that's your cue to update the label, too.”
Sunglasses
Kinsella says that sunglasses tend to scratch, fade, and lose their UV protection with use, “so it’s smart to reassess them about once a year to ensure they're keeping you both stylish and safe.”
“If your eyes feel tired or strained after wearing a pair, that’s one of the easiest signs it's time to replace them,” she notes.
Spices
Each year, MacRae advises sifting through your spice cabinet and tossing anything that’s expired or lost its potency. “Make a list of anything that needs to be replaced,” she says.
RELATED: The Best Spice Rack Ideas to Save on Kitchen Counter Space
Essential Batteries
“There's nothing more important than having working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to keep your family safe,” Kinsella says. “If you’re not sure when you last changed [the batteries], set up a calendar reminder so it’s one less thing to keep track of, but still gets done.”
RELATED: The Best Smart Smoke Detectors
Wardrobe Staples
Kinsella says that basic wardrobe staples like socks, underwear, bras, and favorite tees get the most wear, so they lose their shape and comfort over time. “We’re all guilty of holding onto worn-out socks, stretched-out underwear, and bras that have lost their support, but life’s too short for that,” she says. “These staples really set the tone for how you feel in the morning, and there’s nothing better than a fresh pair of pristine socks and a bra that actually fits.” That’s code for: replace these items at the beginning of every new year.
Shelby Deering is a freelance lifestyle writer who frequently covers home design and decor for national publications. She has worked as a full-time freelance writer for over a decade, and has worked in the industry for nearly 20 years, writing home tours, interviewing top designers, and beautifying her own home. She holds a master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and when she's not writing, you can find her at thrift stores and flea markets, running, or exploring local trails in Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband and corgi, Dolly.
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