40 things to purge your life after 40 years, according to the organization of pros

There is no better time to reduce clutter, according to experts in mental health and organization.


Duringfour decadesChances are that you have raised a quite important amount of things, some of which will always be close and expensive to your heart. However, hiding among special items and everyday essentials, there are probably enough things you would be better at betterlet go of once for all. To generate some inspiration, we talked to the summit of experts by organizing experts and mental health professionals to create a definitive guide for what you should spend your home before another year.

1
Expired medicine

Pill bottles
Refuge

All these old-empty pill bottles so old as their labels started to go away only creating more congestion in your home and arePotentially dangerous, too much. They overestimated their welcome and it's time for them to hit the road.

"Make a quick editing of your medicine cabinet and your pantry and start the new year with a clean slate", suggestsAlison Yoder, Owner ofProfessional organization of the Blueprint Plan In Fort Worth, Texas.

2
Price

a trophy on the table
Refuge

Is it nice to remind you from time to time that you have won this 10th-year mathematical competition? Sure. But if you have more than 40 years, it's time to let these memories of your achievements go to major professional rewards or something you always find really significant, that is to say.

"When you drop rewards you received, press clippings that presented you and work portfolio parts that you are proud, it sends a strong message to the universe - or at least to yourself- thanYou are confident What are you going to do something again that deserves praise and make you proud, "saysPatty MorrisseyChief organizing a Mercari expert and a Konmari certified specialist.

3
Meeting of old relationships

woman reading old love letters
Refuge

Of course, it might be nice to travel in a way of memory with memories of the past from time to time, but I prejudice old relationships do not make long-term favors. "The outset of old things can keep you stuck in your past and not make room for what is coming", explains a licensed mental health advisorBrittany A. Johnson.

4
Clothes that is not suitable

pants too small
Refuge

Hanging clothes that do not suit you more or you never wear, it's just another way to keep your mind stuck in the past. "Let yourself go out of these things that make you feel bad when you look in your closet and just let things feel good," says Yoder.

5
And clothing stages of past life

pile of clothes
Refuge

Even though some of your old clothes are still fit, it does not necessarily mean they are always useful. Morrissey suggestsTransition from your wardrobe In addition to your life stage and get rid of everything that feels you juvenile, like this ball dress that has not seen the light of day for decades.

6
Metal hangers

Wire Hangers
Refuge

Decent hangers can be purchased at virtually any price range. So there is no excuse to keep these fragile versions of the dry cleaner around. "Mismatched, Misshapen's hangers make up that your closet feels cluttered and messy, and they ruin your clothes," explains Yoder. It suggests upgrading to Versions of Velvet Slim, or at least corresponding to plastic versions.

7
Home Decor you have exceeded

lava lamp
Shutterstock / Freedom Master

If your jam band stage is behind you, it's probably time to bring down these posters. And once you have 40 years, this lava lamp is well beyond its expiry date as a piece of acceptable welcoming decoration. "Embrace your growth and let yourself go away from earlier versions of yourself," says Morrissey.

8
Incompatible food containers

plastic food containers in cabinet
Shutterstock / Patppitchaya

After reaching 40 years, your new kitchen cleaning mantra should be ", if the lid is not suitable, eliminate it." With regard to Tupperware, "Be realistic about how much you really need and get rid of the rest," says Yoder. "Your cabinets will be so less chaotic."

9
Devices rarely used

dish washing hacks
Refuge

Unless you have more space than you know what to do with, chances are yourThe kitchen could use a little trigger. In your forties, it's time to work smarter, no stronger - and it means abandoning these single-use kitchen devices taking place.

"There is probably no reason to have a slow cooker and a rice manufacturer if you have a snapshot", suggestsMarty Basher, an organization organization withModular cupboards. "Donate extras or give them to friends."

10
Additional coffee cups

cabinet full of mugs and dishes
Refuge

Honestly, how many coffee cups a person does she need? "You know you always reach your favorites anyway," saysAmanda Clark, Owner ofNever organized so much, based in the County of Orange, California. It recommends simply keeping the ones you and your family actually use.

11
Older electronics

old electronics toss these things from your house for instant happiness
Refuge

Nostalgia should not be a reason to keep acongested house. "It's time to say goodbye to your old electronic devices, including digital cameras, fax machines and mobile phone phones," says Basher. It recommends contacting your local shelter to see if they accept it.

12
CD and DVD

empty CDs
Refuge

When is the last time you used a physical CD or DVD? If you do not remember, it's high time you get rid of thoseobsolete collections. "In a world of Netflix and Spotify, there is no reason to keep them in your house," saysMary Cornetta, Founder and co-owner ofSort and Sweet, Inc., A professional organization company based in New York.

13
Electric cords and chargers

Pile of old electronics cables and chargers
Refuge

Do not more than CD player, but still its power cable around, for any reason? The time to take at thetechnical cemetery. "We live in a time when it's actually probably easier to get a new cord than to know which one in the box is the one you need," says-Yoder.

14
The things you are only now because they are expensive

luxury designer handbag
Lab Shutterstock / Creative

Simply because you have spent a large amount of money on something does not mean that you need to keep it indefinitely around. Instead of keeping the real element, "remember to feel bad for the regrettable purchase so that you are not tempted to buy something like that again," Clark said.

15
Items you keep "just in case"

screwdriver set
Shutterstock / Seva_BLSV

Ask yourself the chances of using this hexagonal key that went with the IKEA furniture you build 10 years ago. Not good? Then he goes far! "It's best to empty your home from these things so that you can enjoy the things you actually use get on," says Clark. She notes that if you need these "in case" in the future, chances are that you can buy them or borrow them again.

16
Plastic bags

Plastic bags things to throw away
Refuge

Plastic bags are a major contributor toGlobal pollution, And if we are honest, this big bag full of other bags in your kitchen is not quite an elegant addition to space. However, it does not mean you should throw them away. "Recycle immediately to your local grocery store, and his determination to use your relatable loved ones moving forward," says Yoder.

17
Gifts you ever use

Woman holding a pile of wrapped presents
Refuge

It can be difficult to get rid of things that the others gave you, but it is important to delete items from your home that you do not use, even if they came from someone you like. "Say" Thank you "to the person who gives you to deposit in your bunch of gift, without guilt," says Clark.

18
Old Christmas decorations

box of red and gold christmas ornaments
Shutterstock / Africa Studio

If they have already been languish in yourVacation feed box For more than 12 months, you have probably not been using these ornaments next year, either. "Take note of what you did not put it this year or does not have love and donate," says Cornetta.

19
physical coupons

white hand clipping coupons
Shutterstock / Igor Kisselev

Since so many stores offer the same digital rebates as they do on paper, it is unlikely that this folder soon expired physical coupons you do a lot of good. As Cornetta simply says: "There are few reasons for real coupons thesaurize. »

20
Cuts of old newspapers and magazines

white hands cutting newspaper
Shutterstock / Julija Sapic

Even if you think you will have time to do this vision council or scrap one day, if these cuts do not have the sentimental value that they are not your ad-economy is not worth: they are marriage.

And if there are some of you can not stand to separate, Yoder suggests that you "come with a system, like a binder for travel inspired items. »

21
Device manuals

instruction manual
Shutterstock / Ragma Images

All that "contains information, you can easily find online" also needs to go, according to Yoder. And this is especially true for manual devices and even more for gadgets that you do not use or more to own. For the recycling tray, they go!

22
Books you do not connect

stack of damaged books
Refuge

Let's admit it, not every book will be part of your permanent collection. If you are still hooked to the books you know you will never open again or books you have ever opened in the first place, there is no time as the present to donate it in favor of a House more without clutter. After all, "you can find anything online or at the library," says Yoder.

23
Magazines you do not read

stack of magazines
Refuge

PlumpFelineophilia As much as you first thought you would? It's time to say so long to your subscription. However, do not stop at magazines. "Unsubscribing things you do not read free from space in your home and time in your life for things you're actually reading and enjoying," says Professional OrganizerEllis Mariah ofThe Dane organizedIn Arizona. It also recommends leaving unread electronic newsletters and unread emails.

24
Spam

pile of junk mail
Shutterstock / Anke van Wyk

It's easy to leave batteries fromJunk Mail Build In your home, but if you want life to be simpler in your forties, start leaving these objects before you even pass the door. "Letting go to the minute where you prevent it from building overwhelming levels, then it is pushed to the corners," says the certified professional organizerLauren Williams, Owner ofCasual Christmas, LLC In Woodville, Washington.

25
Old paperwork

stack of paperwork
Shutterstock / Smolaw

Unless it is a testament or act of your car or home, if you have not used specific paper in over a year, chances are you can - and should you probably You get rid of it. "This includes utility bills, bank statements, credit card statements, as long as they are not for tax purposes - and income statements over seven," says Ellis.

26
Unused organizers

folding black storage boxes
Shutterstock / Grigvovan

If these organizers are not used to actually organize your belongings, consider the congestion. "Unused organizers - or those that do not work for you - add only to your disorganization," says Ellis.

27
Handicrafts that you do not use

knitting needles and purple yarn
Refuge

You may think you finally find your passion for macrame, but if a significant duration has arrived without using these manufacturing items, it's time to find them a new home. "Find a charitable organization Who can use your old craft items and let them leave, "suggests Yoder.

28
Broken things that you do not have the solution

wooden chair with broken leg
Shutterstock / Arnee H

Be honest with yourself: Do you really believe you find time to repair this broken plate or broken chair that has been on your list of things to do for months at this point? "If you accidentally broke [that] and insist, you will repair it, but you will not do it, you do not use your precious space and you punish yourself to be human," says Williams.

29
False plants

fake succulent in metal pot on table
Shutterstock / Ballax

If you have more than 40 years old, chances are that you can hook occasionally a succulent, which means that it is time to bid these false parents farewell. "Just buy the real thing and breathe some o2 In your space instead of chemicals that have been on a barge across the ocean, "saysLeigh Spicher, National Director of Design Studios forAshton Woods.

30
Rustic decor

wooden spool table
Shutterstock / UKMNG

Sorry,Joanna wins-The clasp style goes in the path of Dodo. "We always want the casual atmosphere, lived, but without apron and caliber buckles," says Spicher.

31
Interior signs

live laugh love wall sign
Shutterstock / Jggordienko

Do you really need a reminder in your kitchen to laugh or a sign explaining the purpose of your laundry? "Let's go back to work or photography," says Spicher.

32
Taxidermie mounted, real or false

faux taxidermy head
Shutterstock / Jeffjin

If your decapited animal heads are real or false, it's time to exchange your decor in your forties of something a little simpler. When you refer to false versions, Spicher says, "They are not cute and they are even more frightening than the real thing."

33
Bibblots

ceramic knickknacks on shelf
Shutterstock / Leonardo Emiliozzi PH

If they are not part of a real collection, but simply cluttering a surface at home, you should be ready to give up these chotchkes as you are in your forties. Feel guilty of getting rid entirely from them? "Consider storing them to eliminate the operation and exit it only for special occasions," says the interior designerColin Haentjens, an indoor architect toKnobs.co.

34
Toys and other objects for your children who have been recalled

pile of legos, tennis balls, and maracas, things that annoy grandparents
Refuge

If you have more than 40 years and you have children, this one is particularly important. "Toys are recalled all the time due to security guidelines updated each year," saysLaura Kinsella, owner of the professional organization serviceUrban organization. Children's furniture, feed supplies and other core babies are also recalled. If you want to keep your little ones safe, make sure to stay over recent reminders and purge everything that might be dangerous.

35
Promotional swag

5k run
Shutterstock / Woodysphotos

It's always fun to get something for free, but unless you want to look like a walking panel for your local charity, a 5K race you ran, or a particular brand, it It's time for fessory all these gifts that only take valuable spaces in your cupboards and drawers. "The next time you support a good cause, do that, and let the swag bag behind," says Kinsella.

36
Flower shop vases

pink flowers in clear vase
Shutterstock / Africa Studio

"Unless you view more than one bouquet at a time, choose your favorite vase and ditch the rest", advises Kinsella. Fortunately, these extra vases can be easily given to savings shops or make a nice shipping ship when you want to give a bouquet to someone else.

37
Things that other people are left at home

sweaters
Refuge

Although you could have been happy to leave your home serve as a mini-storage for friends and family members in the earlier phases of your life, when you reach your 40th birthday, it's time to split this habit for good. "Pull them with an email, a text or a video chat for you to recover what is theirs", suggests Kinsella. Or, you can also propose to drop out the articles in yourself if you have the time.

38
Or things you keep only to make other people happy

pink and gold place settings
Shutterstock / Alison Henley

If you have more than 40 years, you are old enough to stop doing things only to satisfy other people - and it includes keeping some objects around your home. "If it does not help you and do not feel good for you, give it," says an authorized clinical psychologistAimee Daramus, Psyd. "Do not go this year to be someone you're not."

39
Old or unused toiletries

black hands pumping lotion
Shutterstock / Vladimir Gjorgiev

These bottles of an old lotions or half-used makeup are only cluttering your home - and they could also make you sick. "Take an afternoon, put music and throw it, says therapistLauren Cook, author ofName your story: how to openly talk about mental health. "Truste me, I'll not miss you once you've thrown it."

40
All you have not used for a year

clothing in donation box, downsizing your home
Refuge

Regardless of what it is, if it has not been used in a year, chances are you probably no longer needed. "Whether puzzles, cookbooks or clothes, let go of items you do not intervene with," Cook said, who recommends passing items that are still usable to friends or family members, Which can allow to get rid of things.


Categories: Smarter Living
Tags: cleaning / Home / Over 40
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