“If you don’t use it, lose it.” This popular adage highlights the clutter issue many face. Overfilled closets and pantries make it easy to lose track, leading to unnecessary duplicates. Here are seven common items to consider decluttering right now without hesitation.
Professional organizers Jamie Andrieu and Hillary Forst of Sorted And Styled often find clients with overstuffed closets. As Andrieu explains, “We see multiple identical items like white button-down shirts or jeans.” They even had a client with a clothes subscription that sent duplicates unknown to her amid the clothing chaos.
While duplicates are sometimes practical, like having a perfect T-shirt in varying colors, frequent forgotten purchases necessitate a closet downsizing.
Towels are a common surplus. “Many refresh their towels yearly, particularly white ones,” says Forst. Failing to discard old towels leads to an overflowing linen closet. Andrieu and Forst suggest two towels per family member plus extras for guests. Donate old towels to animal shelters; transform hand towels into cleaning rags.
When it comes to sheets and duvets, most beds require just two sets. Excessive bedding clutters your closet, so recycle or donate unused extras.
For kitchen items, redundancy is often unnecessary. “Many clients own multiple coffee makers due to upgrades but cling to the older models,” Andrieu notes. Encouraging clients to release the hold can lead to simpler living.
While some duplicate kitchen tools are sensible, like extra measuring spoons for avid bakers, casual cooks seldom need multiples of these items or similar kitchen gadgets.
Excessive coffee mugs result from gifts and impulsive buys, yet only a few are regularly used. Pare down your collection by donating or disposing of surplus mugs.
Bathrooms often house an excess of half-used toiletries. To combat this, finish existing products before replacing them and declutter expired cosmetics.
