Are you drowning in clutter but can’t seem to let go? You’re not alone. “Existing in a cluttered environment taxes our brains because the cluttering objects compete for our attention,” according to Dr. Scott Bea, a clinical psychologist.
Moreover, a staggering 84% of Americans worry that their homes aren’t organized or clean enough, and for 55% of them, it’s a major source of stress.
It’s time to take control of your closet and reclaim your space. Here are the 16 common items lurking in your closet that you can confidently toss today.
1. Clothes That Don’t Fit
We’ve all been guilty of holding onto clothes that no longer fit, hoping we’ll squeeze back into them one day. However, these ill-fitting garments take up precious real estate in your closet and potentially damage your self-esteem.
Instead of clinging to the past, focus on dressing the body you have now. Donate or sell clothes that are too small or too big.
Letting go of these items will create space for pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable in your current shape.
2. Worn-Out Shoes
Those comfortable sneakers with holes in the soles or dress shoes with scuffed-up toes have served their purpose. Holding onto worn-out footwear clutters your closet and can harm your foot health.
It’s time to say goodbye to shoes that have lost their support or are beyond repair. Invest in quality replacements that serve you well and keep your feet happy.
Remember, well-maintained shoes can elevate any outfit and boost your confidence.
3. Outdated Accessories
Fashion trends come and go, and that statement necklace from 2010 might not make the comeback you hoped for. Outdated accessories can make your outfits look dated and take up valuable storage space.
Go through your collection and keep only the timeless pieces that complement your current style. Donate or sell accessories that no longer suit your taste.
By curating your accessory collection, you’ll have an easier time putting together stylish outfits without the clutter.
4. Bridesmaid Dresses
Let’s be honest. How often have you worn that bridesmaid dress after the wedding? These formal gowns often occupy significant space and rarely see the light of day again.
Consider donating these dresses to organizations that provide formal wear to those in need. If you’re feeling sentimental, take a photo of the dress to preserve the memory before letting it go. Your closet will thank you for the extra breathing room.
5. Duplicate Items
Do you really need five black T-shirts or three pairs of identical jeans? Over time, duplicate items can sneak into our wardrobes, leading to unnecessary clutter.
Take inventory of your clothing and identify items that serve the same purpose. Keep the ones in the best condition and discard the rest. By streamlining your wardrobe, you’ll easily get dressed and might even discover forgotten favorites.
6. Clothes with Irreparable Damage
We all have that favorite shirt with a stubborn stain or jeans with a rip in an unfortunate place. While holding onto these pieces is tempting, damaged clothing that can’t be repaired is just taking up space.
Be honest with yourself about what can truly be salvaged. For items beyond repair, consider repurposing the fabric for cleaning rags or craft projects. Letting go of damaged clothes will make room for pieces you can wear with confidence.
7. Unused Gym Clothes
Those neon workout shorts from your short-lived Zumba phase or the yoga mat you haven’t unrolled in years are just collecting dust. Unused gym clothes and equipment can constantly remind of unfulfilled fitness goals.
If you’re no longer participating in certain activities, it’s time to let go of the associated gear. Donate usable items to local sports programs or schools.
By clearing out unused fitness items, you’ll create space for equipment that aligns with your current health and wellness goals.
8. Uncomfortable Underwear
We’ve all got underwear that rides up, pinches, or just doesn’t fit right. Yet, for some reason, we keep them tucked away in our drawers, never to be worn.
It’s time to bid farewell to uncomfortable undergarments. Life’s too short for bad underwear. Treat yourself to quality, comfortable pieces that make you feel good.
Your future self will thank you when you rush to get dressed during those hectic mornings.
9. Sentimental T-Shirts
Concert tees from your college days, promotional shirts from past jobs, or that ratty old high school gym shirt – we tend to hold onto these for sentimental reasons. However, they often end up buried in drawers, unworn and forgotten.
Consider keeping one or two truly special shirts and letting go of the rest. For items with sentimental value, take photos or create a memory book before donating them. This way, you preserve the memories without cluttering your closet.
10. Expired Makeup & Skincare
That eyeshadow palette you bought three years ago or the face cream that’s been sitting in your drawer for who knows how long – it’s time for them to go. Expired makeup and skincare products take up space and can harbor bacteria.
Go through your beauty products and check expiration dates. Toss anything that’s past its prime.
Keeping only fresh, usable products will simplify your routine and ensure you use safe, effective items on your skin.
11. Mismatched Socks
The mystery of the missing sock is a universal experience. Yet, we often hold onto single socks, hoping their mates magically reappear.
It’s time to face reality and let go of those lonely socks. Consider repurposing them as cleaning rags or donating them to textile recycling programs.
By clearing out mismatched socks, you’ll free up drawer space and simplify your morning routine.
12. Unworn Jewelry
That statement necklace you bought on impulse or the earrings that always irritate your skin – unworn jewelry takes up valuable space in your accessories collection.
Be honest about which pieces you wear and enjoy. Consider selling valuable items you no longer want or donating costume jewelry to local theaters or schools for their drama departments. By curating your jewelry collection, you’ll easily select pieces to complement your outfits.
13. Old Swimwear
Faded, stretched-out swimsuits from seasons past are likely taking up space in your drawers. These worn-out pieces are unflattering and can be unhygienic if they’ve lost their elasticity.
It’s time to retire old swimwear and invest in a few quality pieces that make you feel confident. Donate gently used items and recycle those that are beyond wear.
Updating your swimwear collection will make you ready for impromptu pool parties or beach trips without the clutter.
14. Unused Hangers
Empty hangers cluttering up your closet rod can make seeing and accessing your clothes difficult. Whether they’re wire hangers from the dry cleaners or mismatched plastic ones, it’s time to streamline.
Keep only the hangers you need for your current wardrobe. If possible, donate excess hangers to thrift stores or recycle them. You’ll create a more visually appealing and organized closet space by eliminating unused hangers.
15. Outdated Formal Wear
That sequined dress from New Year’s Eve 2015 or the tuxedo you wore to a wedding years ago – formal wear can take up significant space in our closets, even if we rarely have occasions to wear it.
Assess your lifestyle and keep only the formal pieces you’re likely to wear soon. Consider renting formal wear for special occasions instead of storing rarely used items.
Donate gently used formal wear to organizations that provide outfits for proms or job interviews.
16. Unused Luggage
Old, bulky suitcases or duffel bags that have seen better days can occupy valuable storage space in your closet. With advancements in travel gear, these outdated pieces may no longer effectively serve your needs.
Evaluate your travel habits and keep only the luggage that suits your current lifestyle. Donate usable pieces to local charities or shelters that may need them for clients.
By streamlining your luggage collection, you’ll free up space and be better prepared for your next adventure.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.