13 Household Items You Should Toss Now (And Why You’re Holding on)

Holding on to things “just in case” fills up your space before you know it. Stuff you never use or don’t even like anymore can make your home feel crowded. If your shelves and closets are overflowing, it’s probably time to clear some of these things. Letting go feels good, and you’ll have more room for what matters.

Expired Spices

Old spices lose flavor over time, and some can even go stale. If they’ve been sitting in your cabinet for years, they’re not doing much for your food. You may be holding on because they’re not cheap, but tossing the duds makes room for the ones you actually use.

Stretched-Out Hair Ties

If they don’t hold your hair anymore, they’re not worth keeping. That sad pile of stretched-out elastics isn’t helping anyone. You may keep them out of habit or because you think you’ll need backups—but they’ve already retired themselves.

Takeout Menus

With everything online now, physical menus are just clutter. They pile up in junk drawers and rarely get used. You may keep them because they feel convenient, but grabbing your phone is usually faster anyway.

Mismatched Food Containers

Lids with no bottoms. Bottoms with no lids. Sound familiar? These take up space and cause more frustration than they’re worth. You may be keeping them because it feels wasteful to toss them—but if they don’t match, they’re not useful.

Clothes That Don’t Fit

You tell yourself you’ll wear them again someday, but they’ve been sitting untouched for years. Whether they’re too small or just don’t feel good on, it’s time to let go. You may be hanging on out of guilt or hope—but your closet deserves better.

Freebie Tote Bags

They multiply quickly and rarely get used. Most homes have a pile of reusable bags taking up space, even though only a few actually go out the door. You may keep them because they were free, but they’re not helping if they’re collecting dust.

Old Chargers and Cables

You don’t even know what device they go to anymore, but you’re scared to toss them “just in case.” These wires tangle up in drawers and never seem to get used. If you haven’t touched them in a year, they’re probably safe to ditch.

Decorative Items You Don’t Like

That vase you got as a gift? The artwork you’ve moved three times but never hung? If it doesn’t match your taste, it’s just taking up space. You may feel bad getting rid of it, but your home should reflect your style—not someone else’s.

Towels That Have Seen Better Days

Frayed edges, weird smells, or towels that never fully dry you off are signs it’s time to say goodbye. You may be keeping them for emergencies or cleaning rags, but at some point, they’ve done their job. Keep a few rags—toss the rest.

Coffee Mugs You Never Use

You probably have a few favorites you reach for every day. The rest? Just cluttering your cabinet. You may keep them for sentimental reasons or “just in case,” but a smaller, useful collection is easier to manage.

Magazines and Catalogs

That stack on your end table isn’t getting read—it’s just collecting dust. Most of the content is outdated anyway. You may keep them thinking you’ll flip through someday, but they’re usually forgotten the second they hit the pile.

Old Pillows

If they’re lumpy, flat, or older than a couple of years, they’re not doing your sleep any favors. You may be keeping them for guests or as backups, but they often just take up closet space. When in doubt, replace them.

Product Boxes

You don’t need to keep the box your blender came in unless you’re planning to return or resell it. These boxes stack up fast and take up way too much room. You may keep them “just in case,” but chances are you’ll never need them again.

Clear the Space You Actually Use

Getting rid of these extras doesn’t just tidy your home—it makes your space feel easier to live in. Letting go of what you don’t use frees up room for what really matters. You’re not losing anything useful—you’re just making your home work better for you.

This article first appeared on Happy From Home.