20 Things to Toss for a Simpler, More Minimal Life

Written By Jill Taylor

Simplifying your life starts with letting go of stuff you don’t need. Getting rid of these items will clear up your space and your mind. Here are 20 things you can ditch to embrace a more minimalist lifestyle.

Outdated Electronics

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Old gadgets and tech accessories often just sit around collecting dust and taking up space. Why not recycle them to free up some room for things you actually use? As Minimalistee points out, “Many municipalities offer special collection days for hazardous waste, including electronics” to help you dispose of them safely.

Unworn Clothing

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If you haven’t worn certain clothes in a while, you probably won’t miss them. Free up some closet space by donating them to a local charity or giving them away to your friends. You’ll be surprised how much easier and quicker it will be to find what you want to wear.

Duplicate Kitchen Utensils

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Extra spatulas, spoons, and gadgets can really clutter up your drawers. A well-organized kitchen makes cooking way more enjoyable, so try keeping just one of each essential item.  Plus, decluttering these extras gives you more space for the tools you actually need.

Expired Medications

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Expired medicines can be both dangerous and ineffective, so it’s important to get rid of them safely. Keeping your medicine cabinet up to date not only cuts down on clutter but also keeps you healthy. A tidy, current medicine cabinet means you’re always prepared and safe.

Sentimental Items

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Sure, some mementos are important, but a lot of them just take up space. Hold onto the ones that truly mean something to you and store them neatly. This way, you can keep your memories without your place feeling cluttered. Focusing on the special items keeps your home both sentimental and tidy.

Unread Books

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Those books you’ve been meaning to read for years but haven’t touched might never get read. Consider donating them to a local library or bookstore; they’ll be happy to have them.  Keeping only your favorites makes your bookshelf more manageable and enjoyable.

Old Makeup

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Cosmetics have a shelf life, and using old products can harm your skin. Toss anything expired or unused to create more space and ensure you’re using safe and effective products. A decluttered makeup collection makes your beauty routine quicker and healthier.

Unnecessary Paperwork

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Stacks of old bills, receipts, and documents can really pile up fast. Just shred what you don’t need and digitize the important stuff. A tidy filing system will save you a lot of time and stress. Keeping only the essentials makes it super easy to find what you need.

Unused Toys

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Kids outgrow toys so fast, and holding onto too many can stress everyone out. Just donate or sell the ones they don’t play with anymore. It’ll make their play area more organized and peaceful. Plus, fewer toys can lead to more focused and creative playtime for the little ones.

Excess Furniture

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Having too much furniture can make a space feel cramped. Try removing pieces that don’t serve a purpose or add to your comfort. This will open up your living areas and make them feel more spacious. A more open layout really makes your home feel better.

Outdated Decorations

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Seasonal or trendy decorations that are out of style can really clutter up your home. You don’t need to keep hold of everything; many places will be happy to take them off your hands. A little refresh can create a calm, inviting atmosphere.

Broken Items

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Broken items that probably won’t get fixed just take up space. Letting them go can free up room for things you actually use, cut down on clutter, and make your living space more functional. Focus on keeping things that make your daily life better.

Excessive Stationery

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Having too many pens, notebooks, and office supplies can create unnecessary clutter. Just keep what you use regularly and donate the rest. A tidy workspace can really boost your productivity and creativity. Simplifying your stationery makes it so much easier to stay organized.

Unmatched Socks

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Socks that have lost their partners are probably not going to be useful again. Always recycle or repurpose them to clear out your drawer. This little step can make your morning routine easier. An organized sock drawer means less time hunting for a matching pair.

Unused Sports Equipment

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If you have old or unused sports gear taking up space, try donating them to local schools or community centers. It’s a great way to stay organized and focused on your fitness goals. Plus, keeping only the stuff you actually use can really motivate you to exercise regularly.

Expired Food

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Pantries can be full of expired or unused food. It’s a good idea to regularly check and clear out what’s no longer good. Keeping only fresh ingredients means healthier eating habits and a cleaner kitchen. An organized pantry makes meal prep simpler and more fun.

Old Magazines

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Magazines and periodicals that have been read and forgotten just gather dust. Get rid of them to free up space and reduce clutter. A clean coffee table or shelf can really make your home feel more orderly. You’ll have more room for the things that truly matter.

Outgrown Baby Items

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Baby gear that kids have outgrown can really clutter up your home, taking the space from what you actually need now. Keep things organized as your family grows by donating what you no longer need. Plus, having room for new essentials makes daily routines a lot smoother.

Forgotten Hobbies

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If you have materials for hobbies you don’t enjoy anymore or just don’t have time for, they’re just creating clutter. Pass them on to someone who will actually use them. This frees up space for new interests and keeps your place tidy. Stick to hobbies that make you happy now.

Unused Gift Items

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Gifts you don’t use or need can pile up over time so just regift them to keep your home clutter-free. This simple habit helps maintain a clean, functional, and enjoyable living space. Keeping only what you love brings a sense of peace to your home.

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