Your basement can easily become a storage space for things you don’t need. Professional organizers know exactly what to get rid of to create a cleaner, more useful space. Here’s a list of 15 things they would likely throw out.
Contents
- 1 Old Paint Cans
- 2 Broken Furniture
- 3 Outdated Electronics
- 4 Expired Food Items
- 5 Unused Exercise Equipment
- 6 Old Holiday Decorations
- 7 Worn-out Linens and Towels
- 8 Damaged Tools
- 9 Old Magazines and Newspapers
- 10 Unused Toys
- 11 Empty Boxes
- 12 Outdated Clothing
- 13 Old Sporting Goods
- 14 Random Cables and Wires
- 15 More From RetailShout
- 16 7 Frozen Foods Dietitians Recommend (and 3 They Warn Against)
- 17 10 Common Foods That Cause Inflammation You Should Avoid
Old Paint Cans
Old paint cans often collect dust and take up space. Paint can go bad over time, losing its color and consistency. If the paint has been sitting for years, it’s likely unusable. Professionals recommend disposing of these properly to free up space and avoid potential hazards.
Broken Furniture
Broken furniture is just clutter. It might seem like it can be fixed one day, but most times, it never gets repaired. A professional organizer would throw it out to make room for items that are actually useful.
Outdated Electronics
Old electronics like VHS players or first-generation cell phones are often stored in basements. These items are usually outdated and non-functional. Recycling these electronics can help you regain space and reduce electronic waste.
Expired Food Items
Sometimes, people store extra food in their basements. Over time, these items can expire and attract pests. A professional organizer will discard expired food to ensure your basement stays clean and pest-free.
Unused Exercise Equipment
Exercise equipment can be bulky and take up a lot of space. If you haven’t used it in a while, it’s probably not going to get used. Getting rid of these items can open up space for more important things.
Old Holiday Decorations
Holiday decorations can accumulate over the years. Often, they get replaced with new ones but the old ones are kept just in case. Organizers suggest keeping only the decorations you use and love, and discarding the rest.
Worn-out Linens and Towels
Old linens and towels can take up valuable storage space. If they are no longer soft or have holes, it’s best to throw them out. Newer, better-quality items are more useful and take up less space.
Damaged Tools
Tools are important, but damaged tools can be dangerous and useless. Professionals recommend throwing out broken tools and replacing them with ones in good working condition.
Old Magazines and Newspapers
Stacks of old magazines and newspapers can gather dust and become a fire hazard. They are usually not read again and only take up space. Recycling these items can help keep your basement organized.
Unused Toys
Children’s toys can accumulate quickly, especially ones that are no longer played with. Toys that are broken or no longer used should be donated or thrown out to clear space.
Empty Boxes
Empty boxes from appliances or electronics are often kept just in case. These boxes take up a lot of space and are rarely needed. Recycling them can instantly make your basement feel more spacious.
Outdated Clothing
Clothes that are out of style, don’t fit, or are damaged should be removed. Keeping only the clothing that you wear and love can significantly reduce clutter.
Old Sporting Goods
Sporting equipment like old baseball bats, soccer balls, or skates can take up a lot of room. If they are no longer in good condition or used, it’s best to donate or throw them out.
Random Cables and Wires
Cables and wires from old electronics are often kept just in case they are needed. These usually become tangled and confusing. Professional organizers recommend discarding any cables and wires that haven’t been used in the past year.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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