You Probably Have Too Many Of These Things in Your Home, According to Organizing Pros

In theory, decluttering your space is simple: simply sell, donate, or get rid/recycle everything you no longer use or need. But putting this simple theory into practice can be difficult.

Lauren Saltman, professional organizer and owner of Living. Simplify. It is often necessary to facilitate the client’s participation in the process.

“Encouraging my customers to get rid of items becomes much easier when we group similar items together,” she says.

You might be surprised to see how many similar items are scattered throughout your home. If you’re ready to declutter, start with these all-too-common items that organizing experts will gently encourage you to get rid of.

Cooking Utensils and Appliances

Let’s be clear: Home cooks need tools like spatulas, knives, and kitchen spatulas. But Saltman recalls working with a client who had accumulated a “staggering” amount of kitchen tongs.

“We laughed when we saved two long pairs and one short pair and then gave away about 15 pairs,” she said.

What number is “too high” for a particular cookware? Saltman says if you have a few items in your drawers but keep re-washing your “favorites,” it’s time to clean out the remaining items.

“My general rule is to make sure the appliance is reusable and that there is nothing else in the kitchen that can do the job,” she says.

Screwdrivers

If you have a junk drawer in your kitchen, we’re sure there’s at least one screwdriver in there.

To begin, Saltman recommends removing any worn parts from the tip. Then take the rest one at a time and see if they’re too hard to hold—they’re ready for the cutting board, too.

Finally, sort them by size and type (for example, Flathead and Phillips). Saltman says it’s a good idea to have a few on hand in varying lengths for convenience.

Books

We may be losing some bookworms here—and it really pains you to write this—but there comes a point when the number of books you own doesn’t match the size of your space.

If this concept is foreign to you, then definitely skip this tip. But if not, you might want to consider donating the books so others can enjoy them, too, says Saltman.

Coffee Mugs and Water Bottles

No one will stop you from drinking caffeine. And we all know how important it is to stay hydrated. But if you have a closet full, it’s time to make some decisions.

According to Saltman, minimalists can stick to just two of each kind, but if you want to keep more, keep them organized.

“If you’re always reaching for cups in the front to get to your favorite foods in the back, it’s time to declutter your collection,” she explains.

Plastic Containers

If you meal prep or just love leftovers, you probably have enough plastic containers to prove it.

Aaron Traub, owner and lead organizer of My Professional Organizer, noted the “overwhelming number” of these events in clients’ homes.

“You really only need a few to store food, and the extra takes up valuable space,” he says.

Expired Food

When was the last time you looked at the jars hidden in the back of your cupboard or pantry? Traub recommends especially checking spices, sauces and other canned goods. “Regularly checking expiration dates and discarding old food can prevent clutter and ensure more fresh food is available,” he says.

Paperwork

Even in the digital age, it’s easy to accumulate too many documents, such as old bills, documents and receipts.

“Routinely checking and shredding unnecessary documents can greatly reduce clutter and make it easier to find important documents when needed,” says Traub.

He adds that there are a number of services, including some professional organizers, that offer this type of service if you’re having trouble figuring out what to keep and what to go.

When to Keep Duplicate Items

Of course, if you feel personally attacked by any of the cleaning suggestions on this list, you may want to fall back on the “my house, my rules” philosophy. Saltman may even support you in this.

“It doesn’t matter if there are duplicate items related to your interests,” she says, noting that many of her clients are collectors of items that interest them. “If you like them and show them off, then by all means keep them in your home.”