Organizers Say You Can Throw out These 12 Items in June
Now's the time to reset your home for summer.
You've likely checked spring cleaning tasks off your list, but as the school year winds down and you gear up for summer activities, decluttering your home should still remain top of mind. Professional organizers say there are certain items you should toss, donate, or recycle in June to free up space for summer.
"June is a natural reset point for many homes," says Victoria Tran of Sorted Professional Organizing. "The school year is ending, routines are shifting, and it’s the perfect time to clear out lingering clutter and set your home up for a lighter, more functional summer."
Ready to whip your space into shape? Keep scrolling for the full list of items to throw out, from unused swimsuits to expired sunscreen hiding in your medicine cabinet.
Swimsuits You Never Wear
We all have our go-to swimsuits, so there's no reason to keep styles in your closet that don't make you feel and look your best. "If you find yourself reaching for the same swimsuit summer after summer, while the rest stay tucked away in a drawer, it's time to let them go," says Allison Flinn of Reclaim Professional Organizing.
Needless School Gear
As the school year comes to an end, it's a great time to take stock of your kids' backpacks and lunchboxes. "Dump everything out and you’ll likely find crumpled papers, half-used notebooks, old snacks, and forgotten items," Tran says. "Toss the trash, wash bags, and containers, and set aside reusable school supplies. This small reset helps clear both physical clutter and the mental load of the school year."
Overflow of Kids' Schoolwork
Go ahead and address the homework and art that's piled up over the school year. Don't feel the need to hold onto it all. Tran likes to sort everything into three piles: toss, keep, and capture.
"Recycle worksheets and repetitive assignments, keep a few meaningful pieces (special writing, artwork, or report cards), and take photos of larger or 3D projects before letting them go," Tran explains. "Store keepsakes in a labeled folder or memory bin so it stays intentional, not overwhelming."
Unused Grilling Tools
Large grilling tools always find a way of accumulating, taking up much-needed space. "If you find yourself not using any of your grilling items during the summer months, it's a good idea to donate them," says Flinn.
Expired Medication
Don't overlook your medicine cabinet this month either, says Laura Cattano of Laura Cattano Organizational Design. "Check expiration dates on medicines and first aid ointments. Remember that liquids and gels tend to have shorter 'good-by' dates than pills. Restock on bandaids, which I feel get used more often in the summer," Cattano says.
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Unnecessary Summer Gear
Before shopping for summer, take a moment to see what you really need to enjoy the season this year. "Now is an ideal time to pull out summer essentials and take inventory of items like swimsuits, beach towels, and pool toys," says Tran. "Discard anything that no longer fits, is worn out, or didn’t get used last year."
Expired Sunscreen
Part ways with any expired sunscreen, bug spray, and after-sun products, as they're ineffective. "Recycle or safely dispose of anything that is no longer good and restock intentionally for the season ahead," Tran advises.
Damaged Food Storage Containers
Go through your kitchen cabinets and look for any food storage containers, snack bins, and reusable water bottles in poor condition. "Discard anything with damaged seals, lingering odors, missing lids, or staining that won’t come out," Tran says. "Keeping only fully functional items makes everyday routines smoother and less frustrating."
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Worn-Out Sandals
"If your favorite summer sandals are hanging on by a thread—literally—it's time to replace them," says Flinn. Purchase a few new options that suit your style and would work well for your summer plans.
Excessive Seasonal Kitchen Tools
Chances are, you have some seasonal kitchen items buried in the back of your cabinet or pantry. Figure out what's really worth keeping, so you can make room for items you use on a regular basis. "Seasonal kitchen tools just take up extra space if they are never used, so it's a good idea to donate items such as popsicle molds and shaved ice machines," Flinn says.
Clutter Under the Bed
If you have trouble sleeping, Cattano says the clutter under your bed might be the culprit. To properly declutter the space, she recommends pulling everything out all at once to assess what you want to keep and toss.
"Have a vacuum on hand to tackle the dust. And if you keep memorabilia under there, know that not everything needs to be kept. Items can be photographed and printed out so you can keep the memory and not the actual thing," Cattano explains.
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Dingy White T-Shirts
Do you really need all of those ratty white t-shirts? There are tons of clever ways to reuse them, according to Cattano. "Pull out those white cotton summer shirts from the past few years and see if they're not quite so white anymore," Cattano says. "It's OK to send them to the textile recycler, or cut them up for rags and restock. And if you find one you love and happen to have multiples, you're allowed to keep four."
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
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