28 things you need to get rid of when cleaning

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Cleaning is a great excuse not only to disassemble cabinets, but also to understand yourself. Dump what you don’t need to be scrapped without regret.

How do you know if a thing can really be thrown away? Use Japanese kaizen practice. Take the object in your hands and answer four questions:

• How much do I need this item?
• Is this item needed here?
• How often do I use it?
• When was the last time I picked it up?

If a thing has not been useful to you within the last six months, feel free to throw it away.

Marie Kondo, a young Japanese writer and author of the bestselling Magic Cleaning, advises doing this as environmentally friendly as possible. Talk to the thing, thank her for her service, acknowledge her merits and say goodbye. According to Marie, a thing is good if it makes the heart beat faster.

So what exactly can you throw away while cleaning?

1. Old documents

These are checks, warranty cards, receipts, certificates, recipes, instructions for household appliances, and so on. Many people keep them "for every fireman" - and suddenly they will come in handy. If the papers have definitely expired (the warranty has expired, all payment deadlines have passed), feel free to throw it away.

Often, old documents are kept on the desk, in folders. To keep the papers you really need from cluttering your workspace, use small wall organizers. It is difficult to accumulate trash in them: they are always in sight.

2. Magazines and newspapers

Magazines and newspapers, as well as booklets, posters, concert tickets, business cards, postcards, drawings can be kept if they are really dear to your heart and mean something to you. Place the desired items in a separate box. Part with the rest: waste paper weighs decently, takes up a lot of space and serves as a dust collector.

Paper (including gloss) can be recycled. Kill two birds with one stone: free the house from garbage and get some money.

3. Books and tutorials

It is very difficult to part with books: from childhood we were taught that they need to be protected. But if you haven't opened your closet for several months and prefer electronic editions, change the rules.

Books can be handed over to a public library or anti-cafe, handed over to a second-hand bookstore, replenished bookcrossing shelves, attached by ad - there are probably many who want to.

The same applies to textbooks, all kinds of manuals and handouts received in courses and workshops. Conduct an audit, leave only what you really need. For the rest, there is the Internet.

4. Calendars and diaries

Last year's calendar with dogs, an unused souvenir diary that was presented to you a couple of years ago - all this will no longer be useful. Leave only what is needed here and now.

5. Boxes

Packages from under TVs, household appliances, shoes take up a lot of space and accumulate dust. If the boxes are empty - for example, in case of a move - it is better to part with them. But if you nevertheless came up with an application for them and decided to put dear letters, postcards, photographs and other trifles in them, leave them.

Also, do not save up gift bags, bows, ribbons, postcards, wrapping paper. Dispose of them together with the boxes.

6. Unnecessary gifts and souvenirs

Vases and figurines, caskets and stands, empty frames and photo albums … There were no applications for these cute things, but it's a pity to throw them away. Or ashamed in front of the donors - they did their best! If these items did not pass the test with the questions given at the beginning of the article, part with them. If you don't want to throw it away, sell it.

7. Package with packages

Many of us have a bag in our kitchen that holds other bags. If you care about the environment, replace the plastic collection with a reusable shopping bag. This will free up space in the kitchen and will allow you at least a little, but save money: you will no longer spend money on bags during shopping trips. And what has accumulated at home is better for recycling.

8. Old electronics

Headphones that you walked with 10 years ago, a broken smartphone, an old keyboard and monitor, a remote control from a discarded TV, an electric kettle with a broken lid … You definitely won't give a second life to these things. You can call the service centers and offer this stuff for spare parts or attach it for free according to an ad. If it doesn't work, send it for recycling.

Also, do not spare wires of unknown purpose, installation discs, creaky working flash drives, covers from old gadgets and other accessories. If you do not use it, go to the trash can!

9. DVD and CD

The legacy of the past takes up a lot of space and will never be used again. Digitize disks containing family archive records and transfer the data to a USB flash drive or the cloud. An outdated collection can be thrown away or tried to be added to those who still use disc players.

10. Valuable but unnecessary gadgets

Did you get a waffle iron, juicer, or steamer but don't use them? Half of the drawer is taken up by a food processor you never unpacked? Is an iron for beautiful curls waiting in the wings? Don't wait, it won't come.

Sell these items at an online flea market or give them away for free to those who really need them. It gets easier immediately.

11. Clothing and footwear with defects

Send your favorite scratched shoes to the basket, a dress with a stain that cannot be washed, comfortable shoes with a broken heel, the hand often does not rise. Yes, you are sure to repair or wash them and wear them again. But stop clinging to the past and move on without this burden.

The same goes for clothes and shoes that are out of size or out of fashion. Once you get rid of the old stuff, there is a reason to buy yourself something new. And this is always nice.

12. Prom dress

Yes, it is very beautiful. But there is a 99% chance you won't wear it again. The same goes for a wedding dress - why are you keeping it? In case you get married again?

Sell outfits at an online flea market or rent dresses to make others happy.

13. Cookware not in use

In order to have breakfast, lunch and dinner at home, a modest set of dishes is enough. However, our cupboards are often packed with assorted plates and mugs (including souvenir ones), grandma's sets, napkin holders and jam sockets, jugs and glasses …

Leave only what is necessary for you personally and for receiving guests. Part with the rest.

14. Glass jars

A collection of cans is usually waiting for the moment when you suddenly decide to pickle cucumbers or spin lecho. Dispose of glass. When you want to make supplies for the winter, then buy the required amount of glass containers.

15. Old rags and sponges

Dishwashing sponges should be changed as often as possible - at least once every two weeks. And rags in the kitchen should not be stored at all: they are a breeding ground for germs and a source of unpleasant odors. Used - throw away.

16. Medicines and cosmetics with expired dates

How long have you checked to see if the mascara or lipstick you bought a couple of years ago at a sale is not expired? When was the first aid kit examined? Medicines and cosmetics have their own expiration date, after which they can cause harm to health. So get into the habit of going through your first aid kit and cosmetic bag at least once every six months.

17. Unopened perfume

Found a box with an unopened expensive perfume on the shelf? It's simple: if you don't use it, you don't need it. Present to those who love this particular scent.

18. Toys

Cute teddy bunnies and bears, board games with lost "spare parts" - all this probably takes up a lot of space and accumulates dust. Save only what pleases your heart, and throw the rest into the trash.

19. Paintings and posters that didn't have a place

Anything that is not yet hanging on the wall, feel free to donate, put up for sale or send to the trash. Posters with flowers and landscapes, pictures with running horses and sitting cats - they are probably wonderful, but personally you do not need them.

20. Old pillows, blankets, blankets

The bedding we use every day is a piggy bank of harmful microorganisms and dust mites. They need to be changed at least once every two years, otherwise you risk waking up with a headache or becoming allergic.

21. Decorative pillows

One of the popular impulse purchases. Cute decorative pillows in the store look very attractive, but it is not a fact that they will fit into your interior. Besides, it is an extra dust collector.

22. Sports equipment lying idle

Once you decided to do yoga and bought a special rug. Or they promised themselves to lose weight in three months and bought a stepper or an exercise bike. But if the sports equipment has been idle for the last six months, get rid of it urgently.

23. Remains of tiles or wallpaper after renovation

All this is stored "for every fireman", takes up space and accumulates dust. Throw it away without regret: there is no shortage of building materials in stores today.

24. Discount cards that you don't use

Go through the cards that you probably have a lot of, and leave only those that are regularly needed. If possible, make digital copies of them and transfer them to your smartphone.

25. Fridge magnets

The fashion of decorating refrigerators with magnets is long gone, so revisit your collection. Well, for those with whom you absolutely do not want to part, you can make an exception and move them to a special board.

26. Old scarves

Knitted accessories that you are not wearing can be undone and tied. If you don't want to give them a second life, get rid of it: the wardrobe needs an update.

27. Inconvenient travel bags and suitcases

Is the travel bag beautiful, but small? Does the suitcase weigh more than what you put in it? Do not store them at home: you are unlikely to want to ruin your trip.

28. Hangers from the store

It is better to throw away free wire or plastic hangers that you got with the item. They are not designed for long-term storage: thin plastic and wire will bend and deform clothing.

Follow this link to find out where in your city the waste is accepted for recycling: paper, glass, plastic, metal, clothing, batteries, household appliances, etc.