Spring cleaning time is right around the corner, and to help you get the most out of it I’ve got a list of 20 things you NEED to get rid of this Spring. The biggest reason to get rid of these things is so that you can make room for the more important stuff in your life. Who couldn’t deal with a little extra space?
1.Get rid of cardboard boxes. All the boxes that your cereals, crackers, and other dry goods come in don’t even keep food as fresh as they should, so just get rid of them. Invest in some jars or dry goods containers. Your food will stay fresher for longer and you’ll admire the clean look.
2. Wire hangers aren’t the best way to keep your clothes looking their best, so get rid of them. Wooden hangers keep the shoulders of your shirts, sweaters, jackets and suits looking as they should. They are much better for your clothes. Even plastic hangers are an improvement!
3. If it’s been longer than a month since you changed out your kitchen sponge, do it now. Toss the old one along with all the germs and bacteria it’s probably harboring straight into the trash!
4. Why do we hang onto those old shoes with holes and cracks in the soles? All they really do is clutter up your closet! Donate them to a local thrift store or homeless shelter, if you don’t wear them and they’re still in decent condition, they make a wonderful donation!
5. While you’re in your closet sorting through old shoes, extend that to sorthing through old clothes. Get rid of items that don’t fit, are out of fashion or you just don’t really like. If you haven’t worn it in a year, that’s a good rule of thumb to just toss it out, or donate it to someone in need. You could always sell them to consignment shops if they’re in good enough condition.
6. Unless your kid’s clothing is an heirloom with sentimental value {such as a christening gown}, get rid of everything that he’s grown out of. Anything in decent shape can go to a consignment shop or thrift store in your area.
7. Coloring books that have been filled don’t need to be taking up space. Save a few works of art for your child to display, and recycle the rest, or donate the un-ruined ones to a local Boys and Girls Club.
8. Okay ladies, this is a big one. How many of us have old makeup stashed away just because we think we might need it sometime in the not-so-near future? Well, don’t keep it around any longer. The truth is, it does have an expiration date, and if you wear it past that time you could end up with an eye or skin infection. So throw it out and have fun buying some new stuff!
9. The same thing goes for old makeup samples, brushes and applicators. Get rid of them today.
10. Here’s another important one. Get rid of old medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter. That especially goes for anything you can no longer identify. Safety first!
11. Did you realize that most spices in your spice cabinet are only good for about a year? After that, they lose their potency and your recipes just won’t be the same because of it. Smell those that you know are old, and if you can’t really pick up any spice smells, you should definitely throw them out. I know they’re expensive to replace, but set up a plan to replace them one, two or three at a time each time you visit the grocer’s.
12. This one is another safety issue. For healthier teeth and gums, as well as a healthier you, replace your toothbrush every three months. That’s a recommendation from the American Dental Association!
13. When your kitchen utensil drawer gets so full you always have trouble opening and closing it, it’s definitely time to get rid of some of them. At Family Circle, they suggest putting everything into a box. As you use something from the box, put it back into the drawer. At the end of a month, keep what you have been using and toss (or donate!) what’s left in the box.
14. Another kitchen item that tends to rack up space are the coffee mugs. Decide which ones you actually use regularly, and donate the rest.
15. A lot of us are overloaded with paper! Go through old receipts and get rid of what you no longer need. Keep tax returns, but receipts that back up those returns can generally be shredded and tossed after seven years.
16. Have you got a pile of magazines you keep because “one day” you’ll have time to actually look at them? Well, just be honest with yourself. If it’s really not going to happen, stop allowing them space in your life. Take them to the nearest recycling bin and throw them in. You’ll be glad you did.
17. Mail is a common source of clutter in all our lives. Make a new habit. As soon as you pick it up, scan it for important stuff like bills. Put those in a basket or space designated for them. Credit card offers and other junk need to be immediately shredded. Magazines that you’re not going to read get tossed in the recycling.
18. Electronics! They are a big part of our lives these days, but not everything needs to hang around. Power cords, old chargers, and USB cords just clutter up your desk space. Sort through it all and match up working gadgets with their chargers. Old electronics and chargers should be properly recycled, and many cell phone stores have a bin where you can toss your old electronics!
19. How’s your linen closet? Have you racked up a lot of sheets and towels you don’t even use? A good rule of thumb is to keep two sets of sheets per bed, and two towels per person. The rest can be donated to a good cause.
20. Old toys are another clutter culprit. Teach your kids early how to donate the toys that they no longer play with. It’ll free up space for new toys and help them feel good about helping others.
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