12 items professional organisers say don’t belong in your home
Say goodbye to that box of random charging cables you never use
Most of us have hidden clutter — inside kitchen cupboards, bedside tables and the dreaded junk drawer. But some items simply aren’t worth keeping and should be tossed, recycled or donated immediately.
While professional organisers recommend tossing expired spices, stained linens and junk mail, items like clothing and books may still be useful to others. 'If you no longer use something but know it has value or could benefit someone else, it’s safe to let it go,' says Amelia Meena, a professional organiser and founder of Appleshine. Before donating, check with your local centre to ensure they accept the item, or contact your council for recycling information.
Here are the top things organising experts say you should declutter ASAP.
Expired spices and food
If your fridge is packed with condiments or your cupboards are overflowing with spice jars, it's time to take stock. Toss expired ingredients, condiments, and spices to free up space and avoid potential health risks.
Books you've already read
Instead of letting books gather dust in the cupboard or pile up on the bedside table, donate them when you're done reading. 'Books in good condition can go to book sales, libraries or charity shops,' says Julie Stobbe of Mind Over Clutter.
Shopping and tote bags
Avoid collecting excess reusable shopping bags by keeping just a few favourites — around two or three per person — and donating the rest.
Unworn and unloved clothing
Keep only the clothes you currently wear and love. Donate well-maintained clothing items and discard any torn or damaged items. 'Donating sooner rather than later ensures items will be in style and can be sold by charity shops,' says Stobbe. 'Clothing stored for years often gets damaged and ends up in a landfill.'
Expired or unwanted toiletries
Check under the bathroom sink, where clutter builds up quickly, says Rachel Rosenthal, a professional organiser at Rachel and Company. 'It's a great spot to find expired or unnecessary items.' Clear out expired cosmetics, skincare products, medications and bulky packaging to free up space.
Old linens, towels and pillows
If your linen cupboard is overflowing, toss any stained or torn linens. Donate gently used sheets and pillows that no longer fit your beds to local charities, and give old towels and bedding to animal shelters.
Incomplete toy sets and games
With kids, toys and games pile up fast — whether in the living room, playroom or bedroom. Donate anything they've outgrown (when’s the last time they played with that baby doll?). Toss or repurpose books, puzzles and games with missing pieces, and clear out broken crayons, dried-out pens and incomplete toy sets.
Miscellaneous wires and cords
Searching for a charger in a tangle of wires is frustrating. If you don’t know what a cable belongs to, toss it! 'There’s no need to keep cables for devices you no longer own,' says Rosenthal.
Old shoes
Get rid of unworn shoes, from worn-out trainers to uncomfortable heels, and donate any pairs in good condition. 'Don't hold onto shoes that are too tight or uncomfortable,' says Rosenthal.
Empty takeout containers
Ditch cheap plastic containers, especially those that are stained, cracked or missing lids. Sort through your kitchen cupboards and recycle any that haven’t held up. While you're at it, toss chipped dishes, glasses and damaged kitchen gadgets.
Extra vases
A beautiful bouquet often comes with a glass vase, but how many do you really need? Keep one or two for your favourite blooms and donate the rest to a charity shop — or try selling them on Facebook Marketplace.
Junk mail and takeaway menus
As you sort through mail, toss junk mail and takeaway menus straight into the recycling bin. If a stack is piling up in your junk drawer, now’s the time to clear it out. Be sure to shred any mail containing personal information.
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