Copious Shot Glasses
One is a reminder of your spring break in Cancun, the other was a gift from your fraternity. You may be sentimental, but how many do you need stacked up in your cabinets? It’s time to part with the majority and keep just a few of your all-time faves. That’s no the only glassware that should hit the road. Here are 15 kitchen items to get rid of.
Your First Kitchen Tools
If you haven’t gotten rid of your first set of kitchen tools, chances are you have duplicates that are in much better shape. Take any peeling, rickety or heavily stained tools out of the mix and say sayonara. These 10 simple organization tips will get your kitchen in tip-top shape.
Plastic Dinnerware
Unless you have young children in the house, it’s time to upgrade to proper dinnerware. Trust us, eating off of a real dinner plate is so much better! Speaking of kids, here are some supplies that will get them cooking.
Miss-Matched or Warped Food Storage Containers
Despite not having found the bottom or top to your storage containers in years, you’ve kept them around anyway. Or, perhaps your containers are warped from the dishwasher. Whatever the case, if they’re old, it’s time to toss them. Glass containers with rubber tops ensure safe food storage and they look so much better. Here are our favorite food storage containers.
Beaten-Up Flatware
If you’re planning on hosting guests, having quality, matching flatware is important. Invest in a quality set and donate your old stuff to Goodwill. While you’re cleaning our your utensil drawer, switch to one of these alternative silverware storage containers.
Mismatched Dessert Plates and Bowls
Much like old flatware, your plates and bowls should come in sets with a color palette that complements your style and other pieces in your home. Hosting a party but you don’t have enough table space for all of your guests. You can pick up an inexpensive set on Amazon.
Old Bedding
From your dorm room to your first apartment, your old bedding has seen it all. Especially if it’s the set your parents gave you, it’s time to toss out the old linens and make room for a grown-up set. Did you know that old or dirty sheets could be making you sick?
Clothes That No Longer Fit
If your dresser and closet are filled to the brim, it’s time to do some recon. Try on all the clothes you haven’t worn in a while and drop off the pieces that don’t fit right to Goodwill. If you’re organizing your clothes, make sure you check out Marie Kondo’s amazing tips.
Memorabilia in Boxes
Old family photos are one thing, but letters, concert ticket stubs, etc. stored in boxes just take up space in your home. Spend an afternoon sifting through such things and get rid of what can’t be displayed out in the open. If you’re struggling, take photos of things you want to remember and then, let them go.
CDs and DVDs
Hopefully at this point, you no longer have useless cassette tapes (or heaven forbid, 8-track tapes!) hanging around. You may, however, still be holding onto CDs and DVDs despite not using them that often. Unless you have a CD or DVD player you use regularly, it’s time to toss your discs. You can donate the old CDs, or turn them into a cute craft.
Your Old Cell Phones
At first, keeping your old cell phone around was just a precaution, but if you have one that dates back to the age of the Blackberry or flip phone, it’s time to get rid of it. Here’s what you should do with your old cell phone.
Your Futon
It served you well through college and your various apartments throughout your 20s, but now it’s just uncomfortable. Upgrade your living room with a couch that’s built to last. If you get a microfiber couch, here’s the best way to get it clean.
Hand-Me-Down Furniture
Antique furniture can be quite beautiful in the right setting, but if your hand-me-downs look more beat up, it’s time to move them along. Fix tables, sticking drawers and chairs with these furniture repair how-tos.
Wire Clothing Hangers
Just as much as you should have an organized and functional closet full of things you actually wear, you should also have decent hangers. The wire ones you collect from the dry cleaner just don’t cut it. They bend easily and can cause snags. Wire hangers aren’t recyclable, so learn how to dispose of them properly.
Cheap Rugs
Rugs can transform a room, turning an otherwise bland space into an interesting space. However, if you still have an old rug from your dorm room or first apartment, it’s going to bring down the aesthetic of your home. Vintage wool rugs are a great alternative, as they get better with age. To buy the best carpet for your home, learn about different styles, materials and quality to ensure durability and comfort for your long-term satisfaction.
Worn Out Bed Pillows
No pillow lasts forever. This means the pillow that’s followed you since college is definitely shot. The National Sleep Foundation says pillows should be replaced every one to two years. So throw out any aged pillows and grab a new one that will provide you a restful night’s sleep. Here’s how to clean a pillow the right way.
Flat-Pack Furniture
By your 30s, flat-pack furniture should be minimal, not the majority. Investing in good-quality furniture will allow you to enjoy pieces for years to come.
Bean Bag Chairs
Bean bag chairs are OK if you have children, but to carry your dorm room bean bag into your adult home simply because you want to save on seating is a no-no. Check out these floor seating options that are way more attractive.
Random Chargers and Cords
That box full of cords seems like a good idea, but if you have no idea what any of those charger and cords belong to, then it’s time to clean house. Here’s exactly what to do with those old cords and chargers.
Mismatched Socks
The chances of a pair of socks staying together forever isn’t very high. When you can barely open your drawer because of all the loose socks in there, it’s time to toss them! Protect safety glasses by storing them in an old sock.
Mini Hotel Toiletries
Every time you go to a hotel, you pick up those mini toiletries and bring them home. However, if you’re not going through them, then they’re only adding up and creating clutter in your bathroom. Many social service agencies will take donations of these items. You might be interested in these bathroom cleaning tips to keep it sparkling.
Unwanted Presents
Perhaps they’re still in their original packaging in your closet or garage, but it’s time to free up space and part with those unwanted gifts. Donate them to Goodwill if you haven’t been able to re-gift them at this point.
High School Band Instruments
Your old clarinet may conjure up memories, but if it’s collecting dust under your bed in its case, it’s time to part with it. You can sell it or donate it so someone who will actually play it.
Textbooks
You’ve been keeping your high school literature book around just in case you want to reread something, while your college books seemed important to keep because they pertain to your career. But, you know that you can find all of that information elsewhere, so donate those books and fill up your bookshelf with your favorite books and more that you’re looking forward to reading. Start off with these books all about food.
Incomplete Games
You keep hoping that incomplete deck of cards will come in handy or that you’ll find those missing board game pieces, but you won’t. Let them go. Want a better place to store your games? Check out these 25 cool game room ideas.
Old Cameras
A vintage camera can be beautiful when used as decor, but if you have a bunch of digital cameras from decades past that you don’t use, then it’s time to say goodbye. If you’re storing them because they have photos on them, this is your opportunity to print, upload or delete. By the way, this is why we say “cheese” when taking a photo.
The post 26 Things in Your Home You Should Toss of By Age 30 appeared first on Taste of Home.
Alexa Erickson