…Are there any items in your house that don’t serve you any good anymore?
Popular series like “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” have inspired a new wave of people in the United States to rid their homes of unused items. That’s great if you ask me! Having a giant pile of clutter in your home is definitely not good, both for your mental health and the cleaning process.
And if I’m being honest, I used to be one of those people. I used to have all sorts of unnecessary items around my house, and the worst part was that I had no idea there were so many of them. I was like a greedy hamster, but not anymore.
This kind of cleansing is helpful at any age, but it becomes more so beyond the age of 50. This leads me to the following question: how many unusable items are in your home?
I know, it’s natural and normal for a person who’s 50 years old or more, to have a few possessions they can’t seem to let go of. But as difficult as it might seem, finding the items that “spark joy” (in Kondo’s wise words) and getting rid of the rest is just part of the process.
NGL, it’s hard. Very hard. Realizing and accepting what you’ve been hoarding for too long and getting rid of it is also part of this tough process. That calls for an HONEST evaluation of the items you have in your home, down to the antique furniture and hairbrushes you’ve been using for years. Bear with me, because here are 8 items you should get rid of after 50!
103 Responses
When I lost 70# my closet had so many nice things I didn’t need, so I donated them.
The next step was the lovely clothes thin friends gifted me…an abundance of clothes!
So I have donated some of those and it made sense to downsize once more.
Also cool whip bowls, they have to go! If anyone comes over and takes home some of
the food I have loads of Rubbermade and Tupperware.
I am a paper hoarder, that’s my next project…difficult as it will be!
Yes, those plastic containers sliced ham comes in are also excessive. You can save items in them, but they accumulate quickly. Discharge!
Thank You for the notes.
I would add old mementos from past relationships. They served a purpose at one point but is Unfair to keep those things around.
We eat a lot of that ham. I take them to church and when we have a dinner, they’re great to send home with people who want leftovers.
Tell me about paper hoarding
I need help with that also ……
So throw away some stuff. Now there is a lot of empty spaces. A little less clutter and what has been gained? Un-smart to throw anything away just because it’s old or you haven’t used it in a while. What harm is there in a full cabinet vs. a half empty one? Oh…wait you can get more stuff so someone else can tell you it needs to be thrown away. Crafty Captain is full of it about the towels anyway. He must not wash his towels. They don’t build up dead skin if washed.
After losing 80 lbs. I had tons of “fat” clothes (everything but socks). I donated everything in addition to household and garage things that had been lying around for years taking up space. I donated to the American Breast Cancer Society. The best part is that I can deduct 30% of my adjusted gross income on donations. Easier than selling everything and having strangers to deal with.
My old birthday cards??! My National Geographic?? You are a cruel man indeed!! Boo, hoo! It..must..be..done.
Old pots and pans that have no tops to them. They have to go. Plates and cups that are not sets, they have to go.
I still struggle with being a collector. I have been giving away jackets and sports coats I will never wear again. If only I can stay away from home depot.
I have managed to get rid of most of my clutter. Thing is, I have an excessive porcelain doll and collector plate collections that no one seems to have an interest in. Any suggestions would be appreciated. If I could unload these I would feel satisfied with my downsizing, and my husband would be happy too.
You can go online to sell them, there is a market for them but if you are expecting to make a killing on them you may be disappointed. if you really want to get rid of them try checking online to see what they are worth and then offer them at a discount whatever you feel you can accept.
I would like to speak to you about the dolls for my granddaughter.
We have some vintage dolls for sale on Etsy. Sam and Judith’s Now and Then Shoppe, most are vintage and some very old and price very reasonably. These have been collected my myself and family over decades.
If you are still interested I have many dolls for sale. These are collectibile dolls and I hope you grandaughter is old enough to appreciate them. I’m 87 years old and love these dolls but they must go. I have two dolls Gibson Girls, both Franklin Mint 20″ tall Gibson girl at the beach and Gibson girl at the race track. I’d be happy to get $35.00 each plus shipping. they are worth much more. they are in excellent condition but no box. I live in TN so don’t know what the shipping would be. You can contact me at audreyw2019@yahoo.com or call at 931-277-1027, I am in assisted living so if I don’t answer just leave a message.. Thanks
Any interest in AMERICAN GIRL DOLLS?
What sort of dolls do you have? I collect the [old] Cabbage Patch/Little People dolls and would be interested if you happen to have some of these in good condition.
Thanks.
I have cabbage patch dolls looking to sell if interested
We have some vintage dolls for sale on Etsy. Sam and Judith’s Now and Then Shoppe, most are vintage and some very old and price very reasonably. These have been collected my myself and family over decades.
I have the collectors cabbage patch doll still in her rocket ship box. So cute. I also have the porclen cabbage patch doll. Both never played with.
I have a huge collection passed from step mother, reach out if u r interested.
I have a cabbage patch doll that I would sell in a clown suit. New condition. Will send photo if you like, I will just have to go find it. It’s at least 30 plus years old…Been sitting in a glass box since I bought it.
I have six or seven (real, from Cleveland, GA) that i would sell. I also have two porcelain cabbage patch dolls (those are in boxes). All in excellent condition.
I have some Cabbage Patch old dolls and little people…
I have two vintage cabbage patch dolls . 1987 Toddler Kid Orange shirt Boy Baby $70.00
and 1985 Patch Kids Girl Original Clothes – $80.00
Sell them and make some money!
Try selling on Facebook Marketplace or Ebay
I gave all my Asian dolls to my grandchildren (who are Amerasian and wanted them) and around Christmas people will buy them as gifts…
How about real old vacation photos and slides? Old VHS tapes fill boxes in my closet😵💫
It’s hard to move things out we’ve enjoyed. My only suggestion is to pick a space in your home (maybe a cabinet or shelf area) where you could create a vignette or focal point. Then pick your 3 favorites of both collections and cluster them together with books or other objects that make an an attractive arrangement. Viewing a large collection is somewhat overwhelming to the eye anyway, though you had fun creating it. Take your time, you should be able to pick out the top faves, donate all the rest and enjoy the extra space you’ve created.
LOL GIVE them to Good Will or a church thrift shop and help someone who doesn’t have the luxury of excess trinkets cluttering up their homeless space under the bridge.
Find an auction house!
Did u try an antique store?
Call an auction house near you they will auction them off and you’ll make money
Hello, i would be very interested in your collection. Where do you live??? I’m in MD.
We have a collection of Franklin Mint lighthouses and other coastal, nautical things.
People, younger people do not “collect” like they had in the old days.
Eventually we will find homes for our collections, we hope.
Take it to an antique store or thrift store they will take it off your hands
I bet if you went to a nursing home some ladies there would LOVE to take at least one or two off your hands.
Also, if you are a member of a group/league/club with ladies in it ask if anyone would like to have 1, some or all.
Have an estate planner come to your place and give you an objective evaluation. Usually they can also recommend an honest dealer in your area.
Sell them on Etsy or Mercari. If you do this, be sure to pack them well when shipping. I would stay away from Ebay right now.
give them away to a thrift store, preferably a small one, privately owned by two nice little old ladies.
Ha! The last time I is that I donated 5 full SUV loads of kitchen items. We used to entertain a lot for business and tons of stuff for throwing large parties. The CHURCH ladies were so thrilled with the donation, which was supposed to benefit local charities. Too bad the two women stole over 100,000 from the church charity.
Hospice organizations
Mail the porcelain dolls to me!
Donate to another collector or gift some to a childcare center.
Take them to an antique store and sell them. Then with the money pay off bills and go out to eat.
Collector plates what to do with them
I hear you. We inherited 36 3” plates that are gorgeous, rich with gold. Each plate depicts a fairy tale. I made Christmas ornaments.
Now, my husband and I get to enjoy the plates once a year.
Where are you located? One man’s clutter is another man’s treasure. I would interested to see what you have if you are nearby. I know a Mary Bryant. I live in Mesa AZ.
Thank you for the fabulous tips!
One exception I have to cards and letters is keeping a few that have handwritten notes especially from passed loved ones.
There’s something about holding a paper with the penned sentiment from my Mother that fills me with love everytime 🙂
Yes, can’t seem to let that kind of thing go… I have a few letters, my brother wrote me when he was in Viet Nam…. tho he did come back, and is still here, I don’t want to ever let them go… It still speaks of his innocence and love, at a horrible time in his life…
Don’t throw away, save it for your Family History. It will give insight into the Person, the things he did, what he was like, just a lot of information that the future generations in your family will be happy you did. Also put a picture of him in with it, so they will know what he looks like. It is a family Treasure. Also write the names and dates on labels and put them on the back of your old photographs. If for some reason your family does not want them, put them in a large envelope and donate to your local library, that way you will be providing a great service to someone researching their family. The letter seems very important to you,naturally, why don’t you put it in the pocket of a sweater or jacket that you wear often and he will be with you . Relax in a comfortable chair by a window, with a cup of hot Chocolate, in your favorite mug and look at his letter. He knows how much you love him.
I have the same issue. My son did two tours in Iraq and he came home as well but the trauma he and his fellow comrades went through are in those letters and I can’t just let them go! God bless you!
I would keep them too because it was such a difficult time of war….and we are so appreciative of those who fought and gave their lives for the United States of AMERICA. I’m so happy he was able to return home to his family
Your love for him shows too.
I am an art and history major and teacher. Your Brother’s letters are NOT “clutter” to let go….they are HISTORY. Keep them. At some point, there will be people begging for people like you to share them for a book or “project” or National History Day competition (which my students have participated in). Some things are sacred—like the voices of our relatives out of the past. Maybe not of significance to your neighbor or many others, b/c they were not affected by it. But, you were, as was our nation at the time. You own a piece of our history. Keep it for future generations.
Take a photo of the letters you love. Keep them in a file folder, they will be easy to find. Remember to back up your computer or if you have them on iphone, they are on icloud.
Fortunately, my grandmother kept some letters and a ledger book from a family “general store” and I am the current custodian of them.
You might ask at your local library or university about archives that might want what you have. I am “concerned” about all the valuable correspondence, etc that is limited to digital content.
I absolutely agree with you about cards and letters from loved one’s who have passed. Two years ago I lost my 18 year old daughter and nothing could ever make me through away anything she has ever given or written me🥲
You don’t need to consider notes and cards from your mom clutter. You may keep them forever. How about get picture in a frame with a few of her notes in the frame with the picture? It use a pretty box to contain her notes to you. You don’t have to give away your heart to declutter
Im a clothes hoarder. Just went thur them once…2 large garbage bags full and im sure i have too many still so now that they are on hangers will match sets and get rid of most single items
What has your husband downsized or donated. It’s not only your stuff.
My husband LOVES to toss out MY stuff. lol 🙁
I’m not the person who clutters my partner is , pots and pans good or bad stored , things that remind him of his mother stored , Knick knacks that he grew up with stored ,crystal vases, candy Jars ,silver ware stored clothing that don’t fit any more closets full , all stored what do I do? The house could only hide so much that I call street junk makes it’s way home🥴🥴
Same problem here – you can’t throw away other peoples’ stuff.
Don’t want it; if in doubt, throw it out!
Only if it is trash. Goof things should always be donated.
Sell them on http://www.ebay.com.
I got rid of the 2nd vehicle; a Corvette that was only driven once a week to keep the battery up and not get flat spots on the tires. Now all the new extra room out there is full of STUFF.
Media reports President Biden has a classic Corvette in his garage next to a bunch of classified documents.
I’m giving my vintage 1973 Volkswagen convertible to a dear friend. He was a customer at our antique store and became a very good friend.
I can’t, however, get rid of most of the furniture because I’m still using it. It is mostly handmade Texas, Civil War era stuff. We were in the antique business for years after my husband retired from USDA. If you like antique furniture buy locally made stuff. It will hold its value better than other things.
Shoulda kept the Vette. Putting more stuff in it’s place kinda defeats the purpose.
Im still giving away things or donate ing items.when I look around I say Don’t need this out it goes.abd lately I don’t shop for things I don’t need .clutter is my worst enemy.too bad my hoarder of a roommate don’t see it.
I would get rid of the roommate or the clutter one or the other has to go, if not, tell the roommate to get their own storage
When selling my mom’s home & moving her into an assisted living facility, she had a hard time parting with some furniture especially if it had a sentimental attachment. I took pictures of those pieces of furniture we had to get rid of so she still had those memories. A picture is a lot easier to store than a china hutch!
I get “free” gifts from the local casino and I have an excess of Christmas. I donate to events like Bingo prizes for charitable happenings & Advent event door prizes at church. Books to rehab center, senior centers & homes and Books for International Goodwill. Clothes to shelters, men women and children. Odd accumulations to thrift shops in hospitals and churches. Seldom do I donate to Goodwill.
Hi Everybody ! I live in Las Vegas, Nevada and in Oct. 31, 2024, I will be moving back East to Northern New York. I’m 73, a collector, pack rat, and closets full of stuff i think i need to save, “just in case”….I’m not taking anything with me except some clothes (I’ve lost 25 lbs, & have 30 more to go), Jewelry, A LOAD of handwritten “Family History”, my Computer, a 2′ x 4′ white wicker basket, that i got for $5.00 at “Goodwill” ! My purple “Fuzzy Dice”, Books i can’t replace, of course, they are super heavy,Family Photographs, I have about 20 pairs of shoes, one pair of size 8 Penny Loafers ,brand new, in original shoe box. I own zillions of 1960’s Record Albums and 45’s, & 2 large 60’s record holders, a Vanity Stool and lots more. Are there places that buy whole households ? Help !!! I need suggestions desperately….. Thanks !!!!!!!!!! Cheri
Don’t trash–RECYCLE–You will be helping others as well as yourself–It’s a WIN-WIN
Donate your old magazines to the senior living centers–Need I say more?
Tupperware and plastic containers. I threw out the old stained kept the ones with matching top and donated the rest. I also put the tops in a container to organize them. It is the best my Tupperware cupboard has ever looked. Felt really good. Now if I could just get rid of my sweatshirt.
I put tubs in my rooms every January and start filling them up with stuff that I don’t use anymore I give them to a church who has a garage sale every year or family that have needs in my community!
We have an extensive stamp collection.
Would you know of someone reputable we could take the stamp collection to for an appraisal and /or purchase the stamp collection?
We live in the suburbs of the Chicagoland area.
Thank you
My sister-in-law and myself have an Annual SISTER yard sale!! We sell cheap and will take offers. People love it. They say it’s so well organized and our prices are great!!! Everything is clean. We even have different sections for items.
At the end of the sell, we post on Facebook. We are not taking these things back in the house…..come and pick up….MUST take all items. Its all gone within a 1/2 hour!!! We also take clothing and household items to two local churches.
They do not charge for items. If you need it take it. They also have food items for people who are in need. Our community has Blessing Boxes. Each month me and her buy food and snacks for kids. We usually put items in 3 locations. At Christmas, our Red Hats group bought winter items. Hats, gloves, scarfs, ear muffs, warm socks for the kids. Personal items like shampoo etc. Makes our hearts happy😀😀💕💕💕 Cindi & Paula
Amazing!!! What good ideas 🙂 I will retire soon & even if I don’t move (wish I could get out of the high tax state I’m in)…I don’t really want to deal with the yard sale thing….or even boxing up “stuff” and furniture to go…..would much rather set to it on the curb for “free” or assign donations/ profits to a local charity or church or other.
Love that…awesome giving hearts
Good for you! I am inspired, and I like to donate to Salvation Army because they do so
many good things to help the down and out–from providing shelter to job training.
I have a cooler full of old Avon bottles I think some might be worth something but not sure. Old cars, some snoopy . They was my mothers I remember her collecting them since I was a young child I am now 60 .they came with me when I moved her to Michigan. She no longer lives here but none of my siblings want them. Any suggestions I just hate to toss them out.
My biggest problem is my book collection. My house has a formal living room which I turned into a library. I discovered science fiction when I was around 9 and I’ve been buying it ever since.
Romances – gone. Science fiction and some fantasy (Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien) I reread every few years. Also books by Robert A. Heinlein, Arthur C. Clarke and Issac Asimov. I can’t bring myself to get rid of those. But I have been culling my least favorite ones.
However my collections of magazines Have been recycled. Those are now gone. And my house is still too full.
I need encouragement. I have clothes that don’t fit. They are out of style but nice professional business wear. To go of or goodwill but dated in style. Made of great fabrics. Three expensive fur coats. No one wants fur or leather. HELP!
Our local Humane Society has a thrift store where you can donate items that they sell to get money for the animals. It’s all volunteer run so ALL the money they make by selling your donated items goes to the animals. Makes me get rid of more!
Plz help
Pretty much everything on that list you said just the recycle or get rid of you can make a profit off of selling especially the magazines. I would just throw those in the recycle bin I’d sell them and get a pretty penny for some of the old magazines forget like donating some of that stuff I just sold for a profit. I worked hard to get a lot of the stuff that I own, so why would I just get rid of it especially furniture or you could sell that for a nice prophet some of that retro furniture is worth a lot of money. And if anything I’d hand stuff down to my family And friends
Responding to the wire hangers. I have little clips that I use with the wire hangers to dry my recently washed support hose. Can’t put those in the dryer!
my home is filled with large plastic boxes filled with laces(some imported) fabric,sequin fabric, pieces of leather, leather hides, silk roses and ruffles. I also have jewels,pearls, costume jewelry, vintage clothing to sell. contact me at 631-828-8824
I was downsizing from a larger home to a much smaller home and had to move a ton of items like clothing, garage stuff, household goods, etc. after having an estate sale. Instead of hauling stuff to the local Goodwill type places, I had the “Buy Nothing” group in my city come to my house and my garage. Almost everything was taken. It saved me alot of time and gas and the group also got to set up their own and participate on the street. It was a great success for all that attended. That was thinking outside the box for sure. I also had donated to the Disabled American Veterans.
When my mother-in-law passed away we had to clean out her hoard. She had things that were stuffed in her house, garage, yard, patio, etc. I don’t think the garage was opened since 1960. We were lucky because the city was holding its annual yard clean up. We literally put everything from broken and rotted yard furniture to rolled up crispy old carpeting and completely filled the front yard, which was pretty big. They took every, dang, piece out there. That is one great program as it saved us a ton of money not having to rent a trash dumpster. Cities also offer household waste programs and shredding. Anything we didn’t want we also did a yard sale, and donated the rest. They didn’t have “Buy Nothing” groups back then. So no excuses to get things done. Just do it! You will most definitely feel better with that off your shoulders, we sure did.
I had a patient who had the terrible misfortune of a house fire that was a total loss. The carrier beat them up on the reimbursement of nearly everything. Especially content. When it came to clothing they had an allotment for clothing but only for metal hangers. Obviously, plastic hangers will burn in a fire and if you only have plastic hangers you will get very very little for clothing. I only use metal hangers now for that reason and they take up less space on the rack.
OMG hotel gifts, we did away with those about 10 years ago, my how they accumlate!! I mean who doesn’t feel they paid for them and they’re yours afterall. A perfect way we found is to give them to a shelter for abused women. These girls (and maybe kids as well) usually have little or nothing but the clothes on their backs. It took unbelievable strength to just leave. We found a sense of gratifaction in supporting them. And reduced the bags of clutter, at the same time.
The only cards I can’t throw away are the ones my father drew birds in nests. It would be his personal touch and I was the only one with this privilege.
This is the stupidest article I have read about decluttering. Really? Hairbrushes and hangers keep you cluttered? Yeah, those hairbrushes are really making a big heap in my living room.
Hmmmm…I scrolled down and never found the “eight things you should get rid of now”. There were, however, plenty of comments of experiences in how others had found ways of dealing with unused or unwanted items.
Just wish I’d found your list, though.
Hello, enjoyed the information! One thing though…use the kept birthday/greeting cards to make a beautiful scrap book. I have one such scrap book an aunt made and love looking at the way she cut out and displayed pictures from the cards. It’s over 50 years old and still brings me joy.
I have crystal and china that are probably worth something. Where can I sell them?