Downsizing is a lot like putting your stuff through airport security. Only the essentials should make it through. But space isn’t the only issue. No, some things are unsafe or flat-out outdated, so you shouldn’t hold onto them. Here are eleven things organizational experts say you shouldn’t keep when you downsize. Which of these do you think is most important to throw out?
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Expired medications
Old pills & half-used bottles don’t magically get stronger with age. The expiration dates are there because meds lose their strength, or worse, become dangerous, when they get older. That’s why you shouldn’t just cram them into a smaller bathroom. Instead, try using a pharmacy take-back program or following the FDA’s disposal instructions on what to do.
Leftover paint, solvents, and lawn pesticides
That can of beige paint you have “just in case” is actually just household hazardous waste once you’re done with it. But don’t think you can just pour it down a drain or dump it in the trash. Most cities usually run collection days for this stuff, so it’s better to drop it off than stash it in a tiny garage.
Duplicate kitchen appliances
Whenever you move into a smaller spot, you’ll likely lose the number of kitchen counters that you’re used to. So ask yourself, do you really need both a toaster oven & an air fryer sitting side by side? You should pick one or two gadgets you actually use every week, then hand the rest off to a friend or sell them.
Extra sets of dinnerware
That’s not all for the kitchen. Six full dish sets sounds great…and then you open cabinets that barely fit two. The majority of families do fine with one daily set & a couple serving pieces, so there’s no point in holding onto boxes of plates you never touch. They’ll just take up the space you need for food.
Large exercise equipment
Huge treadmills & ellipticals take up half a room. In many condos, you’re not even allowed to keep them because of noise or floor weight limits, so it makes much more sense to stick to compact stuff like bands or a set of dumbbells. Downsizing is the perfect time to ditch that exercise machine that’s really just a coat rack.
Boxes of holiday decorations
The truth is, attics & basements don’t usually come with apartments. That means hauling tubs of seasonal stuff isn’t realistic, while a couple of versatile decorations are more than enough. Having eight bins of lights & inflatables is a waste. Worse still, old strings of lights could be a fire hazard, so that’s another reason to let them go.
Bulky formal dining furniture
Oversized hutches & 8-seat dining tables aren’t really built for small dining rooms. Most apartments simply don’t have the square footage. As such, you’ll end up paying for storage or blocking walkways by holding onto them, so when you’re downsizing, try swapping for a smaller table. Or, at least, something that fits the space.
Spare linens and bedding sets
It doesn’t matter that most people hold onto mountains of sheets. Many experts agree that two sets per bed is enough, with one on & one clean, especially since downsized homes usually lack linen closets. All those extra blankets & mismatched sets just pile up. Simply keep the ones that fit your current beds, and then donate all the extras.
Multiple sets of luggage
Suitcases don’t fold neatly. And in a downsized home, you’ll probably just shove them under the bed or stack them in a corner, so they’re just a waste of space. Keep the carry-on…and maybe one checked bag if you travel. The rest can go.
Excess cleaning gear
No matter what people might tell you, you don’t need a full janitor’s closet when you’re living in an apartment. Hold onto a vacuum & a multipurpose tool, and that’s it. You’ll find that utility closets in smaller homes fill up rather quickly, while duplicates only get in the way. Keep what you actually reach for & skip the rest.
Extra patio furniture sets
You might think you should hold onto that patio furniture set in case you need it. You won’t. That big table & six-chair set from a backyard won’t squeeze onto a narrow balcony, while property rules also limit how many pieces you can place outside. Instead, keep a couple of foldable chairs that you might use. The full set usually doesn’t make sense.
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