Old Magazines
Does your coffee table really benefit from a two-year-old stack of Good Housekeepings? Stacy Caprio of Deals Scoop says no. Actually, keeping these dusty periodicals around can be getting in the way of your happiness.
“Often, people will have stacks of old magazines lying around their house or in cupboards,” Caprio notes. “Finding and tossing these magazines is a great way to get rid of clutter and open up the house—helping you find more space, ease, and joy in your daily life.”
Clothes That Don’t Fit
As a rule of thumb, you should only be keeping clothes that make you feel fantastic, says Jennifer Snyder, a professional organizer and owner of Neat as a Pin Organizing and Cleaning. And those aspirational outfits in the back of your closet don’t count.
“The clothes hanging in our closets that don’t fit make us feel bad—specifically, they make us feel fat,” Snyder says. “Only allow clothes in your closet that make you feel like a million bucks—even if it is only a couple of pieces.”
Towels, Blankets, and Linens That Have Seen Better Days
“You deserve to have and use nice things,” says Snyder. “They don’t have to be expensive, but nice. Having a fluffy towel when you get out of the shower is a small luxury that can change your entire day.”
Throwing out old towels even gives you the option of buying a matching set—and who doesn’t love some good décor synergy?
Trinkets From High School
While it’s understandable that you would want to hold on to yearbooks and photographs, all the other things from your teens—like mix tapes and class notes—likely hold only a small place in your heart. So toss ’em.
“For most of us, who we were in high school has absolutely no bearing on who we are today. There is no reason to hang on to that homecoming mum or prom dress, and old homework or assignments should especially go,” says Snyder. “Embrace who you are today!”
