Sometimes your space just feels cluttered, making it hard to relax or find what you need. Clearing out a few things can make a big difference in how your home feels and functions.

Tossing a small list of common items this weekend can help you create a cleaner, lighter space without much effort. It’s all about making room for what really matters and letting go of stuff that just takes up space.

Expired mascara and old makeup

You should toss expired mascara right away. Using it past its date can cause eye infections and irritation.

Old makeup like foundation and lip gloss also loses effectiveness and can harbor bacteria.

If you’re holding on to products “just in case,” it’s better to clear them out for a fresher, safer beauty routine. Check expiration info to know when to toss. For more tips, see this guide on tossing expired makeup.

Half-used shampoo bottles past their prime

You probably have a few shampoo bottles lingering in your shower that you barely touch. If they’ve been sitting unused for months, it’s time to toss them.

Old shampoo can lose effectiveness or even cause scalp irritation. Clearing them out makes space and keeps your bathroom fresh.

For more tips on bathroom decluttering, check out this guide on items to throw away.

Single socks without a match

You probably have a pile of single socks hiding somewhere. Holding onto them “just in case” can clutter your space unnecessarily.

If the sock has no match after a long time, it’s okay to let it go. You can repurpose some as dusters or toss the rest to keep things tidy.

Check out simple ideas for old socks here.

Chipped coffee mugs cluttering cupboards

If your cupboards are full of chipped coffee mugs, it’s time to let some go. Those mugs can be a hazard and make your kitchen look messy.

Keep only your favorites that you actually use. Toss the ones you avoid or don’t reach for anymore to free up space. For more tips on decluttering mugs, check out advice from reddit.

Souvenir cups collecting dust

You probably have a few souvenir cups tucked away that you never actually use. They might remind you of trips, but they mainly just take up space.

If they’re chipped, stained, or don’t fit your style anymore, it’s okay to let them go. Clearing them out will free up shelf or cabinet space for items you really need or enjoy.

Tossing these cups is an easy way to lighten your kitchen clutter quickly. Consider keeping just one or two special ones instead of the whole collection.

For ideas on other quick tosses, check out this list of things to declutter fast.

Ratty potholders from seasons ago

You know those potholders that have seen better days? If they’re stained, torn, or smell funny, it’s time to let them go.

Old potholders don’t protect your hands as well and can be a fire risk. Tossing them frees up space and keeps your kitchen safer.

Replacing them with fresh ones makes cooking feel a little nicer, too. You don’t need a drawer stuffed with tired kitchen gear.

Weird spices that never get used

You probably have some odd spices hiding in your cabinet that you never reach for. They might be ones you bought on a whim or got as a gift.

If you can’t remember the last time you used them, it’s okay to toss them. Keeping spices you rarely use just takes up space and adds clutter to your kitchen. Check out this list of weird spices to toss for ideas.

Unused bakeware from last holiday

If you still have bakeware you didn’t touch after the last holiday, it’s time to let it go. Holding onto dishes or pans you never used just clutters up your kitchen.

Only keep what you know you’ll actually use. Tossing unused bakeware frees up space and makes your kitchen feel lighter. For more tips on kitchen decluttering, check out this guide on things to toss.

Old magazines and newspapers

You probably have stacks of old magazines and newspapers lying around. They take up space and rarely get looked at again.

If you haven’t flipped through them in months, it’s time to let them go. Recycling is a great way to clear clutter without waste.

Getting rid of these papers can instantly make your space feel neater and more open. For tips on what else to toss, check things to get rid of right now.

Instruction manuals for junked appliances

If you have appliance manuals for devices you no longer own, it’s time to let them go. Keeping those papers just adds clutter and takes up space you could use better.

You won’t need instructions for something that’s already gone. Tossing them frees your home and your mind from unnecessary stuff.

For manuals you want to keep, try scanning and saving digital copies instead. It’s an easy way to stay organized without piles of paper.