15 things you think you need, but you really don't

Let me say this upfront, it’s okay to keep things that serve no practical purpose just because you like them.  That said, if your home is cluttered with too much space-hogging stuff, it’s time to decide what stays and what goes.  For instance, we have a stack of old, lumpy pillows and a stained comforter in our linen closet for “emergency” purposes. We rarely have overnight visitors, and even if we did, we should probably invest in new bedding for them anyways.  I’m sure your local animal shelter would be happy to get those old pillows and comforters.

Below are 15 things you think you need to keep, but really don’t. Consider this list a decluttering jumping off point that will get the bigger process moving.  Roll up your sleeves and get down to it.  We dare you to go ahead and donate, dump, shred or recycle any of the below:

  1. Any undergarment that has lost its elasticity

  2. Bad Tupperware - those pasta sauce stained ones come to mind

  3. Plastic stadium cups - and while we are at it do we really need 20 water bottles

  4. Clothes that are two sizes too big or too small

  5. Coupons that you can get online (or are expired) - please, no more Bed Bath and Beyond ones

  6. Cookbooks you no longer use

  7. Unidentifiable keys

  8. Promotional trinkets - I’m looking at you branded stress balls, t-shirts, & pens

  9. Kids birthday party gift bag trinkets

  10. Paperback books you will never reread

  11. Empty shoe boxes - unless you are keeping ONE for your child’s future art project

  12. Condiment packets from fast food restaurants.

  13. Games and puzzles with missing pieces

  14. Chargers that have lost their device

  15. Curtains from your old place