15 Things in Your House That a Professional Organizer Would Throw Out

Trista - July 29, 2025

Clutter is a common struggle in nearly every home. Even with good intentions, it’s easy for unused, broken, or outdated items to pile up. Professional organizers are trained to spot things that no longer serve a purpose and are simply taking up valuable space. With their expert eye, they help families regain control of their homes by letting go of what’s unnecessary. In the following sections, we’ll explore specific household items that organizing experts often recommend tossing for a cleaner, more functional living environment.

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1. Expired Food and Spices

Finger pointing at the expiry date on canned food — Source: Pexels

Expired food items and old spices are among the first things a professional organizer will remove from any kitchen. Not only do these items clutter your pantry and fridge, but they can also present health risks if accidentally consumed. Organizers routinely check expiration dates on canned goods, condiments, and spice jars—tossing anything past its prime. For more on why this matters, see the FDA’s guidance on food expiration dates.

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2. Single-Use Plastic Bags

Single-use plastic bags tend to accumulate in drawers and closets, quickly becoming unnecessary clutter. Professional organizers encourage recycling these bags and switching to durable, reusable options. This simple swap reduces waste and helps keep your home tidy. The EPA offers tips on minimizing plastic waste and making eco-friendly changes at home.

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3. Broken Electronics and Cords

Drawers packed with broken gadgets and mystery cords are a common sight in many homes. Professional organizers swiftly discard non-working electronics and encourage donating or responsibly recycling usable items. Keeping only what you need prevents clutter and confusion. For safe disposal, Consumer Reports recommends specific e-waste recycling methods to protect both your home and the environment.

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4. Unmatched Socks

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A pile of lonely, unmatched socks can quickly take over any drawer. Professional organizers recommend letting go of single socks if their mate doesn’t reappear after a laundry cycle or two. It’s a simple but effective way to reduce clutter, as noted by Good Housekeeping’s decluttering guide.

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5. Outdated Magazines and Newspapers

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Old magazines and newspapers tend to pile up, often with the hope of revisiting them someday. In reality, they usually remain untouched and simply gather dust. Professional organizers recommend recycling these publications regularly, making room for more relevant reading material. For more tips, see Better Homes & Gardens’ guide to decluttering.

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6. Duplicate Kitchen Gadgets

It’s easy to accumulate multiple peelers, can openers, or spatulas over time. Professional organizers recommend keeping only the best or most-used version of each kitchen tool to free up valuable drawer and cabinet space. This approach makes cooking and cleaning more efficient. For more kitchen decluttering strategies, check out The Kitchn’s room-by-room tips.

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7. Expired Beauty Products

Expired makeup, lotions, and sunscreens can clutter your bathroom and may even be unsafe to use. Old beauty products lose their effectiveness and can harbor harmful bacteria, leading to potential skin irritation or infections. Professional organizers urge checking expiration dates regularly and tossing anything past its prime. The FDA offers guidance on cosmetic safety and shelf life.

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8. Worn-Out Towels and Linens

Old, threadbare towels and faded or fraying sheets often linger in closets long past their useful life. Professional organizers recommend clearing these out to free up storage space. Instead of tossing them in the trash, consider donating them to animal shelters, which often welcome such items for bedding, as recommended by the Humane Society.

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9. Unused Gifts and Trinkets

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Gifts and decorative trinkets that never find a real place in your home quickly become clutter. Professional organizers suggest letting go of items that aren’t meaningful or useful, no matter how well-intentioned the gift. Donating or regifting helps free up space and brings joy to someone else, echoing tips from NPR’s decluttering advice.

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10. Expired Medication

Keeping expired or unused medication poses safety risks to both children and adults. Professional organizers always recommend checking medicine cabinets regularly and disposing of out-of-date prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs. Proper disposal prevents accidental ingestion and environmental harm. For safe methods, consult the FDA’s guide to medication disposal, which outlines take-back programs and safe at-home options.

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11. Old Receipts and Paperwork

Receipt after payment in the supermarket — Source: Pexels

Paper clutter can quickly overwhelm desks and drawers. Professional organizers recommend shredding or recycling receipts and documents you no longer need, while digitizing or securely storing important records. This strategy drastically reduces paper piles and keeps essential information accessible. For more on managing paperwork, see The Balance’s advice on organizing documents.

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12. Outgrown Clothing

Clothes that no longer fit or reflect your personal style often just fill up valuable closet space. Professional organizers encourage sorting through wardrobes regularly and donating or selling outgrown items. This not only clears clutter but also helps others in need. For more closet decluttering tips, visit Goodwill’s guide to closet organization.

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13. Unused Hobby Supplies

Craft materials, musical instruments, or sports gear that haven’t seen use in years only add to the mess.
Professional organizers advise letting go of these forgotten supplies by donating or selling them. This frees up storage and allows others to enjoy the items. For more inspiration, check out Real Simple’s decluttering tips.

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14. Takeout Menus and Old Coupons

Paper takeout menus and expired coupons often pile up in kitchen drawers or on countertops. With easy online access to menus and digital discounts, these paper versions are no longer essential. Professional organizers suggest recycling them, a key step highlighted by The Spruce’s decluttering guide.

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15. Unused Decor and Knickknacks

Decorative pieces and knickknacks that no longer match your taste or style can quickly make a space feel cluttered. Professional organizers recommend letting go of these items to create a cleaner, more cohesive look in your home. This strategy is supported by Apartment Therapy’s decluttering advice, which emphasizes prioritizing items that truly add value or joy.

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Conclusion

Letting go of these 15 types of household items can truly transform your living space, making it more organized, functional, and peaceful. By viewing your home through the eyes of a professional organizer, you can identify what’s holding you back and reclaim valuable space. Take the time to assess your belongings, and don’t hesitate to start small—every step brings you closer to a clutter-free, refreshed environment that supports your well-being.

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