10 Common Clutter Items That Hardly Ever See the Light of Day
It’s easy to let things pile up at home, even when you rarely use them. Sometimes, items stick around because you think you might need them someday.
Your space can quickly fill with objects that seem important but never actually add value. Understanding what you tend to hoard can help you create a more comfortable, organized home.
Old chargers and cables
Chances are, you have a drawer full of old chargers and cables tangled together. Many of these belong to devices you no longer use or even own.
Keeping them “just in case” feels practical, but you probably won’t need them again. New cables are usually cheap and easy to find if you actually need one.
If you don’t know what a cable belongs to, it’s likely safe to toss it. Clearing out old chargers can free up valuable space and reduce clutter.
Let go of the ones that don’t have a clear purpose so your space feels lighter and more organized. For more on why cables clutter your space unnecessarily, see tips on what old cables you should keep or toss at CNET.
Outdated cell phones
You might have a drawer or box filled with old cell phones you never use. Even if they’re outdated or broken, it’s common to hold on to them “just in case.”
Most of the time, these phones just take up space and rarely get touched. Technology advances fast, making most old models obsolete.
Consider donating working phones to those in need or recycling them at a local center. Some stores also accept old phones, helping reduce electronic waste.
Instead of letting them gather dust, you can repurpose a phone as a security camera or a dedicated music player. This gives your device a second life without adding clutter.
Expired canned food
There’s a good chance you have expired canned food sitting in your pantry. Many canned goods can still be safe to eat years past their expiration date if the cans are undamaged and stored properly.
Before eating expired canned food, check the can for dents, rust, or swelling. If any of these are present, it’s best to discard the can.
Trust your senses—if the food smells off or looks strange after opening, don’t eat it. Storing canned food in a cool, dark place helps preserve it longer.
While dates on cans often indicate quality rather than safety, it’s always smart to inspect carefully before use.
Unused kitchen gadgets
Many people have kitchen gadgets tucked away that rarely, if ever, get used. These tools might have seemed promising when you bought them but quickly lost their appeal.
Items like bread makers, fondue pots, or single-use utensils tend to occupy space without adding much value. You might hold onto them because they were expensive or seemed fun at the time.
However, most of these gadgets end up collecting dust in the back of cupboards. They can make your kitchen feel cluttered and harder to organize.
You don’t need dozens of tools when just a few essential items can cover most tasks. Identifying and removing these unused kitchen gadgets will free up space and simplify your cooking experience.
For ideas on which gadgets to consider letting go, check out lists highlighting common kitchen tools that rarely get used.
Broken or chipped dishes
It’s easy to hold onto chipped mugs or cracked plates, thinking they still have some sentimental value. They often remind you of special moments, like a company picnic or a family gathering.
However, these dishes can harbor bacteria and may even pose safety risks when used. It’s okay to let go of them and replace them with something safe and intact.
Keeping broken or chipped dishes out of habit is common, but using only whole dishes can help reduce clutter and keep your kitchen healthier. Giving yourself permission to toss or recycle damaged dishes makes room for things you actually use.
It can also make your kitchen more inviting and easier to maintain.
Old newspapers and magazines
Stacks of old newspapers and magazines can quickly take over your space. You might keep them for a specific article or recipe you want to read again.
But in reality, these piles tend to grow and rarely get looked at twice. Sometimes, these papers have sentimental value or remind you of important events.
Still, they often just collect dust in corners of your home, like the living room or garage. You might think “just in case,” but chances are you won’t revisit them.
Keeping old papers can create clutter and make your space feel crowded. Managing these stacks can free up room and make your home feel more organized.
Stack of empty jars and containers
Empty jars and containers often accumulate in the kitchen. You keep them because they seem useful for leftovers, crafts, or storing things.
But most of the time, they just sit there, unused and forgotten. These containers often multiply quickly.
One jar turns into several, and before you know it, your cupboards are crowded. If you do need a container, it’s often easier to grab a clean one instead of digging through a pile.
Clearing out your stash can free up space and make it easier to find what you actually use. For more on everyday items you might hoard without realizing it, see this list of hoarded items taking up space.
Sentimental keepsakes
Many people have a box or drawer filled with items that remind them of special moments. These keepsakes might include old letters, cards, or small gifts from loved ones.
Even if you don’t use them, they carry emotional value that feels hard to let go of. Sometimes these items represent your past and the relationships you’ve built.
Holding onto them can make you feel connected to those memories and people. It’s normal to want to keep handwritten notes or photos that tell your story.
However, many sentimental items just sit untouched for years. Finding a balance between preserving memories and clearing space can help you enjoy both.
If you decide to keep some, choose a few meaningful pieces rather than everything. This way, your keepsakes stay special and don’t overwhelm your home.
Unused gift cards
Unused gift cards are easy to forget about, especially if they’re for stores you don’t visit often. Many people keep these cards “just in case,” but often they end up collecting dust.
Unused gift cards represent billions of dollars in unspent money each year. Some cards even lose value over time due to expiration dates or fees, which means holding onto them can cost you.
Keeping track of your gift cards and using them before they expire can save you money. If you find a card you forgot about, consider spending it soon or checking if it can be converted to cash.
You might be surprised by how much value you have just sitting around. For more details on the issue of unused gift cards and their impact, you can read about the billions tied up in unspent gift cards.
Old clothes that never fit
Most people have clothes tucked away that no longer fit, but they keep them “just in case.” These items often take up valuable space and don’t serve any real purpose.
Holding onto old clothes can feel like holding onto memories or hopes of fitting into them again. More often than not, they just add to the clutter around your home.
If you’re unsure, ask yourself when you last wore the item. If it’s been years, chances are you won’t wear it anytime soon.
Clearing out old clothes can lighten your space and your mind.
