As we all know, decluttering is an integral part of cleaning, so much so that it’s usually the first step. While there are plenty of ways you can tackle this job (and there are a few rules to follow), the basics are the same: get rid of anything you don’t need, use, or want.
This is usually simple enough, but it ignores one key factor. Sometimes, the things we don’t need anymore are such a mainstay in our homes that we don’t even notice them anymore.
With this in mind, we turned to two organizing experts to find out the most common culprits, and here’s what they had to say.
@situateyourspace / Instagram
Buying more of what you love sounds great in theory, but as Jan Serafan of The Ordered Home points out, it often leads to an excess of things you don’t end up wearing.
One of the most common categories? Work-out clothing, she says. Fortunately, this is also a great item you can pass along or donate rather than trash.
“I have a particular sensitivity to how ‘things’ are moved on and try my absolute best to upcycle or recycle where possible,” she says. “I wouldn’t advise people to throw away duplicate clothing—donate, upcycle, or share with family, friends, or neighbors.”
@nycneat_louisa / Instagram
Chances are, your fridge gets a regular clear-out and scan for expired items, but as Brian and Jen Boyle, Thumbtack pros and owners of MaidThis Cleaning, point out, expired goods in your pantry are much easier to slip by unnoticed.
Depending on how far past due the items are, they might either still be good to use quickly—or possibly okay to donate.
“Most food banks will still accept food items up to two years past the ‘best if used by’ date for non-perishable items,” they say. “But when in doubt, contact your food
Read more on thespruce.com