Tired of clutter and want to reclaim your space? This article highlights 10 things you likely don’t need in your home, helping you create a more cozy and organized environment.
The Infamous Tupperware Graveyard
Consider the Tupperware graveyard. That one cupboard where lids go to die is a chaotic mess of mismatched plastic. Every time you open it, it’s like playing an advanced game of Tetris. You’ll be amazed at how much space you can reclaim with a proper clear out.
Considering that the median price per square meter of land is significant, those cluttered kitchen cabinets are some very expensive real estate. Is that random container really worth that price tag?
Here’s a recommendation: look into nesting containers so they store neatly, or get multiples of the same size and shape so they can neatly stack. Glass is better than plastics as they’re also microwave and oven safe, though it is heavier and more fragile. But they can double as serving dishes, which means you can cut down on the needs for extra bowls. Now, if buying a whole new collection of containers isn’t possible, check that all your containers have lids. If not, they’re a bit like mismatch socks; it’s probably time to say goodbye.
Mugs, Cups, and Glasses
You open the cabinet, and it’s mugs. So many mugs. Some you love, some you never use, and one with a faded Mickey Mouse print from a trip 10 years ago. But how many mugs, cups, and glasses do you really need? If it’s just two people in the home, 6 to 8 is more than enough. For a family of four, 12 should probably more than cover it. And if you’re using your dishwasher regularly, you could even get away with less. Similar ones make the cabinet look more organized. Ones with a sunken base allow stacking, making the most of vertical space and extra room to store other things.
The same goes for water bottles. Most have way more than needed, but honestly, one to two bottles per person is really all you need. Most likely, there are one or two favorites that are used all the time, and the rest are just there taking up space. So, if you open your cupboard and it looks like a Stanley Cup convention, it is time to let a few go. Keep the favorites and donate or recycle the rest.
Kitchen Gadgets
Kitchen gadgets are those shiny promises of faster cooking and easier mornings that usually add up as countertop ornaments. We’ve all bought a gadget that only does one thing: waffle irons, egg cookers, avocado slicers, you name it. But here’s the truth. If you can do the same thing with a pen and a little patience, you probably don’t really need the gadget. A personal rule is that if something isn’t getting used every other day, it does not deserve precious countertop space. That’s only reserved for things used daily, like a coffee machine and kettle. Everything else should be tucked away if you have the space or donated if you’re short on space.
Cleaning Products
Cleaning products that were thought to be needed but never actually used might include the weird smelling all-purpose spray you hated but kept anyway, the floor cleaner for tile you don’t even have anymore, or the miracle stain remover that’s been untouched for years. They’re not just wasting space, they’re wasting your time, because if you have to dig through 15 half-used bottles to find the one product you actually do use, you’re overdue for a clean out.
Here’s an easy fix. Keep your go-to cleaners in a single caddy or basket. If something hasn’t been touched in months, or you forgot you own it, let it go. Your future self will thank you for this.
Cables and Remotes
Let’s talk about that drawer full of random cables, ancient chargers, and mystery electronics that belong to devices you don’t even own anymore. If you’ve already ditched the DVD player, it is time to let go of its power cord, too. There’s no point in keeping it. And even if you have cables that are still relevant, ask yourself, how many USBC cables do you really need? Maybe four or five, but definitely not 12. And yet somehow they multiply like rabbits. And let’s not forget the remotes. It is time to say goodbye to the ones that don’t work along with those mystery cables.
Now, here’s a little tip. If you’re still not sure whether you need them or not, grab a small box or bin and toss them in there. Leave it somewhere in your house, and if you didn’t grab them in 6 months, then you can safely throw them away.
Fridge Magnets
Fridge magnets are one of those things that can sneak up on you. One day it is a cute souvenir from your trip, and the next your fridge is plastered. A couple of them are totally fine. They can be functional or even sentimental. But when your fridge starts to look like a clouded bulletin board, it stops feeling intentional and starts looking chaotic. Most people prefer their fridge to be completely free of it. But if you like having them on, then curation is suggested. Pick a few favorites that are functional or sentimental, like family photos, your kids drawing, or a grocery list. You can even rotate them from time to time, but you definitely don’t need 45 of them displayed all at once.
Tea Towels
For some reason, tea towels have a magical ability to stick around for way too long, like decades too long. They are treated like heirlooms instead of the hardworking fabric rectangles they are. But here’s the thing. If your tea towel is more stained than fabric, or it has holes big enough to qualify as built-in ventilation, it is time to let it go. You can either throw it out or downgrade it to a rack for cleaning. They’re great for those jobs you wouldn’t sacrifice a fresh towel for. They’re making it harder to find the ones you actually use. So, a quick tea towel audit will reveal how much tidier the drawer can be.
The Guest Bed
So far, the hidden clutter has been tackled. The cords, the towels, the fridge full of memories. Now, let’s zoom out and look at the bigger picture. The big items are taking up some serious space. Let’s talk about the guest bed, or as it is sometimes known, the world’s most expensive laundry rack. But if your home is feeling cramped and you’ve got a guest bed sitting there collecting dust, it might well be time for a little bit of self-reflection. How many nights a year does that bed actually get used?
Now, let’s imagine that you were lucky enough to have another room in your home. What would you do with it? A home office, a gym, a creative space, or how about a personal yoga studio? The options are endless and chances are you’ll get way more value out of it rather than a room reserved for the occasional visitor. Now, it is nice to have something ready just in case, but that is where space-saving furniture comes in. A stylish sofa bed can be a comfy couch by day and a guest-ready bed at night. Murphy beds are great, too. You can tuck them into a wall unit and free up the room for everyday use. Plus, you’ll have more storage space.
If there is room for it, then there’s no reason not to have a dedicated guest bed, but if you’re very tight on space and have other needs, it is good to reconsider the options. The point is that your home should work for you everyday. And if it is not fit for purpose now, it is time to think about how you can fix that.
Kitchen Rugs
Have you noticed how many ads lately are insisting that you’ll be so much happier with something soft underfoot while you cook? And for some people, that might be true. If you’ve got hard floors and you’re on your feet cooking a lot, a rug can add comfort. But for others, it is just one more thing to clean. Slippers are a viable alternative, so there is no need for a rug in the kitchen.
The key takeaway: Don’t fall for a trend just because it is everywhere. If a rock makes your kitchen feel warmer and works for your habits, go for it. Just choose something low pile and washable. But if it is just there because trends dictate, you’re better off skipping it.
Throw Pillows
When did sofas become pillow hoarding zones? It usually starts innocently. A couple of throw pillows are added to make a space feel cozy. But then you’re not satisfied with how it looks, and then you see a new pattern or something on sale you couldn’t resist. And suddenly your couch looks more like a pillow fort than a place to sit. More pillows don’t always mean more style. In fact, too many can make your space feel cluttered and over stuffed. No one wants to rearrange five cushions just to sit down.
The solution: Look at your current collection and ask, “Do these actually match the vibe of my space? Are the inserts comfy or do they deflate like pancakes? Are quality fabrics elevating the look, or are they just filler?” The secret is to go for quality over quantity. You really only need anywhere between two to three pillows, maybe five or six if it’s a massive sectional sofa. Choose something with great texture, beautiful color, and a bit of weight to them. The same goes for your bed. If it takes more than 60 seconds to make it, you’ve got too many pillows. Keep it simple, keep it functional, and your space will instantly feel calmer.
