Items That Don't Belong in Your Home, According to Pro Organizers

From expired spices to unused beauty products, these are the household items professional organizers say you should get rid of.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 9:15pm

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Professional organizers share a list of common household items that should be decluttered, including expired spices and food, books you've already read, excess shopping and tote bags, unworn clothing, expired toiletries, old linens and towels, incomplete toy sets, unused wires and cords, old shoes, and excess vases and takeout containers.

Why it matters

Decluttering these types of items can help free up space in your home, prevent potential health issues from expired products, and ensure unused items go to better use through donations rather than ending up in landfills.

The details

The article provides specific tips from professional organizers on which household items should be cleared out, such as tossing expired spices and condiments, donating books you've already read, limiting reusable shopping bags, getting rid of unworn clothing, clearing out expired toiletries, donating old linens and towels, parting with incomplete toy sets, and recycling unused wires and cords. The goal is to create a more organized and clutter-free living space.

  • The article was published on February 7, 2026.

The players

Julie Stobbe

A professional organizer at Mind Over Clutter.

Rachel Rosenthal

A professional organizer at Rachel and Company.

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What they’re saying

“Books in good condition can go to book sales, libraries or thrift stores.”

— Julie Stobbe, Professional Organizer

“It's a great spot to find expired or unnecessary items.”

— Rachel Rosenthal, Professional Organizer

The takeaway

Decluttering your home of these common household items that professional organizers recommend getting rid of can help create a more organized and clutter-free living space, while also ensuring unused items are properly donated or disposed of rather than taking up valuable space.