20 Things to Throw Away in 20 Minutes

Introduction

Ever feel overwhelmed by clutter? You're not alone. According to a 2022 study, 84% of Americans worry their homes are too cluttered. But what if I told you that you could dramatically improve your living space in just 20 minutes? That's right—no need for a full weekend overhaul. Just a focused session to toss 20 items that are cluttering your life. By the end of this guide, you'll have a cleaner, more organized home and a clearer mind.

Step #1: Expired Foods

Let's start in the kitchen. Open your fridge and pantry. Check expiration dates and toss anything past its prime. Not only will this free up space, but it also makes room for fresh, nutritious foods. Remember, expired foods aren't just useless; they can be harmful.

Example: A study by the National Resources Defense Council found that 40% of food in the U.S. goes uneaten, often due to confusion over expiration dates.

Step #2: Old Magazines and Newspapers

Head to your living room or reading nook. Gather all those old magazines and newspapers. If you haven't read them yet, you probably won't. Recycle them and enjoy a clutter-free coffee table.

Example: A friend of mine recycled a decade's worth of magazines, gaining back an entire shelf for her favorite books.

Step #3: Unmatched Socks

Go through your sock drawer. Any socks without a match should be tossed. They're taking up valuable space and you'll never wear them.

Tip: Use mismatched socks as dusting cloths before you toss them.

Step #4: Outdated Electronics

Check your junk drawer or electronics bin. Old chargers, cables, and gadgets you no longer use can be recycled. Many electronic stores offer recycling programs.

Example: Best Buy has a comprehensive electronics recycling program that accepts a wide range of items.

Step #5: Unused Cookbooks

If you're not using them, let them go. With online recipes readily available, you likely won't miss them. Donate to a local library or sell them online.

Step #6: Old Makeup

Cosmetics have a shelf life. If it's been more than a year, it's time to toss it. Old makeup can harbor bacteria, which is bad news for your skin.

Tip: Check the Period After Opening (PAO) symbol on products to know how long they're safe to use after opening.

Step #7: Expired Medications

Dispose of expired medications safely. Many pharmacies offer take-back programs. Never flush medications as it can contaminate water supplies.

Example: The FDA provides guidelines for disposing of medicines safely if take-back programs aren't available.

Step #8: Broken Jewelry

If it's beyond repair or you haven't worn it in years, it's time to say goodbye. Donate pieces that are in good condition and recycle the rest.

Step #9: Old Receipts and Bills

Shred what you don't need to keep for tax or warranty purposes. Consider going paperless to reduce future clutter.

Tip: Use a digital app like Evernote to scan and organize important documents.

Step #10: Unused Toys

If your children have outgrown them or they haven't been played with in months, donate them. This not only clears space but also teaches kids about giving.

Step #11: Worn Out Towels

If they’re scratchy or stained, it’s time to replace them. Use old towels as cleaning rags or donate to animal shelters.

Step #12: Stale Spices

Spices lose their potency over time. If they're more than two years old, they're likely not adding any flavor to your dishes.

Step #13: Extra Coffee Mugs

How many mugs do you really use? Keep your favorites and donate the rest to free up cabinet space.

Step #14: Outdated Tech Manuals

Most manuals are available online. Recycle the paper versions you no longer need.

Step #15: Unused Fitness Equipment

If it's gathering dust, sell it or donate it. Someone else might benefit from your treadmill or yoga mat.

Step #16: Old Calendars and Planners

They’re not useful anymore. Recycle them and enjoy the extra space on your desk.

Step #17: Stretched Out Hair Ties

If they're not holding your hair up anymore, toss them. They’re cluttering your space with no benefit.

Step #18: Unworn Clothes

If you haven’t worn it in the last year, you probably won’t. Donate to charity or sell online to make some extra cash.

Step #19: Dead Plants

If you've been holding onto them, hoping they'll revive, it might be time to let them go. Use the pots for new plants.

Step #20: Old Greeting Cards

While it's lovely to receive them, they can accumulate quickly. Consider digitizing the ones with special messages and recycling the rest.

Tips and Reminders

• Set a Timer: Keep it to 20 minutes to avoid overwhelm.
• Sort Quickly: Use three boxes: Keep, Donate, and Trash.
• Stay Focused: Avoid sentimentality during this quick purge.
• Consistency is Key: Make this a monthly habit for best results.

Conclusion

Ready to stop guessing and start estimating like a pro? Try Estimero free today at Estimero.com — your smarter way to estimate any project. By following this guide, you’ve taken a significant step towards a more organized, peaceful home. Keep up the momentum, and enjoy the newfound space and clarity in your life!