Letting go of stuff can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure what you’ll actually miss. But clearing out items that just take up space can make your daily life simpler and less stressful.

You might be surprised to find that many things you hold onto don’t really add value or memories once they’re gone. This article shares a list of things that were easy to part with and didn’t leave a gap, helping you rethink what’s truly worth keeping.

Expired medications

You probably have some old meds hiding in your cabinet. Holding onto expired medications doesn’t help—they can lose effectiveness or, in rare cases, become unsafe.

It’s smart to toss them and avoid guessing their potency later. Proper disposal is key—mix them with something like coffee grounds or cat litter before trashing. You can learn more about safe ways to get rid of them at how to dispose of your expired medicines properly.

Old screwdrivers I never used

You probably have a drawer full of old screwdrivers that just sit there. I finally tossed mine because I never reached for them.

Most were beat up and useless. If you’re worried about keeping backups, a couple good ones will do the job. Broken or unused screwdrivers aren’t worth the clutter.

If you want to repurpose them, some ideas exist, but honestly, letting go feels better. For more on this, check out tips about using old screwdrivers.

Worn-out bed linens

You probably have some old sheets that have seen better days. Tossing them feels good once you realize they don’t improve your sleep or comfort anymore.

Instead of keeping them, you can turn worn-out bed linens into cleaning rags or donate them to animal shelters. It frees up space and gives your old sheets a second life. For more ideas, check out practical ways to repurpose old bed sheets.

Duplicate kitchen gadgets

You don’t need two of the same gadget cluttering your drawers. Owning multiple peelers or coffee grinders just takes up space and slows you down.

Often, one good tool can handle several jobs. Getting rid of duplicates frees up your kitchen and makes cooking less complicated.

You might even find you never really missed the extra gadgets once they’re gone. For some ideas on what to keep or toss, check out this list of useful kitchen gadgets.

Torn clothes I ignored for years

You probably have those clothes with small tears or loose threads sitting in your closet. For years, you might have ignored them, hoping to fix or wear them someday.

Letting go of these worn-out pieces frees up space and clears your mind. You don’t actually miss them once they’re gone. It feels good not having to wonder if you’ll ever repair them.

If you’re holding on for sentimental reasons, take a picture instead and move on.

Expired beauty products

You might think expired makeup is harmless, but it can cause breakouts or irritation. Old foundations and liquid products lose their effectiveness and can harm your skin over time.

Even unopened items eventually degrade, so it’s smart to toss anything past its expiration date. Keeping an eye on those dates helps avoid skin issues and ensures your products actually work.

For more details on why you should throw out expired cosmetics, check out this discussion on expired makeup.

Broken furniture pieces

You know those old chairs or tables with cracks or wobbly legs? Holding onto them just takes up space and adds clutter.

If fixing sounds like too much hassle, it’s honestly okay to let them go. You won’t miss a broken piece that just gathers dust.

Sometimes, deciding to toss broken furniture frees you up to get something that actually works for you. Check ideas on how to handle broken items here.

Scrap papers piling up

Your desk might be covered in little scraps of paper that seem useless but keep piling up. You don’t really need to hold onto every note or receipt.

Try sorting out what’s important and toss the rest. Shredding anything with personal info helps keep things safe.

Using methods to organize or repurpose scraps can make the clutter easier to manage, so they don’t take over your space. For more ideas, check out how others tackle paper clutter like this Reddit discussion.

Surplus dog beds

You don’t need a dozen dog beds taking up space. If your pets prefer one cozy spot, extra beds just clutter your home.

Getting rid of surplus dog beds frees up room and makes cleaning easier. Plus, you can donate unused ones to shelters or friends.

Having fewer beds also means less washing and maintenance, which is a nice bonus for busy pet owners. Consider investing in one quality bed that your dog actually uses.

Check out options for easy care and durability like those on Parachute Home’s dog bed care guide.

Outdated electronics

You probably have some old gadgets lying around that you don’t really use anymore. Floppy disks, portable TVs, or even that old Polaroid camera can finally go.

Getting rid of those outdated electronics makes your space feel less cluttered. Plus, today’s tech often works better and takes up way less room. Check out more about obsolete products that were game-changers.

Shabby towels with holes

You know those old towels with tiny holes that just keep hanging around? It’s time to say goodbye. They don’t dry well and only make your bathroom look messy.

Replacing them with fresh, absorbent towels feels better. Your hands—and guests—will notice the difference. Plus, no more worrying about them falling apart mid-use.

Unused DIY supplies

If you have craft materials sitting untouched for months, it’s okay to let them go. You probably won’t start that project suddenly.

Holding on to every leftover glue stick or fabric scrap just adds clutter. You can always buy what you really need later.

Clearing out unused DIY supplies frees up space and makes your craft area less overwhelming. It’s a simple way to keep things tidy and stress-free.

Check out ideas for repurposing or donating supplies if you want to avoid waste. Useful tips are available on craft supplies decluttering.

Expired food in the pantry

You probably have expired items hiding in your pantry that you don’t really need. Stuff like old baking ingredients, nuts, or cooking oils can go rancid and lose their flavor. Tossing those frees up space and helps avoid any weird tastes.

Checking your pantry regularly prevents you from holding onto stale or dented cans. It’s easy to forget what’s expired, but getting rid of it feels good and keeps your kitchen fresh. For more on what to throw out, check out this guide on pantry clear-out.

Photos I didn’t cherish

You probably have photos saved that don’t really mean much anymore. Maybe they were just random snaps or blurry moments you never cared to look at again.

Getting rid of those can free up space and clear out clutter. You won’t miss them because they weren’t tied to any strong memories or feelings. It’s okay to let go of what doesn’t add value to your collection.

If you want, check tips on how to view only the photos you actually took to help decide what to keep.