8 Things Organized People Never Hold Onto—and How You Can Let Them Go Too

Make space for what truly matters.

Decluttering is exhausting, and the emotional decisions around what to keep or toss can make the process even harder. Research shows that clutter increases stress, affects your ability to focus, and drains your energy. This is why expert organizers (including Marty Stevens-Heebner,) shared the items most people should stop holding on to.

Here is what they recommend letting go of:

1. Excess kitchen gadgets Unused, impractical, or duplicate tools take up valuable cabinet space. Donate gently used items.

2. Gifts you do not use Keeping something out of guilt only adds clutter. Regift or donate items that do not fit your taste or lifestyle.

3. Ill-fitting clothes Any piece you have not worn in six months, especially if it no longer fits, should go. Donate items in good condition to shelters.

4. Paper piles Mail, forms, and documents quickly overwhelm a space. Create simple systems for incoming paper and digitize anything important.

5. Extra cables and chargers Most are low-quality or unnecessary. Recycle unused cords and keep only a few reliable ones.

6. Someday items These are the things you keep for a future version of yourself. If you are not using it now, it is time to let it go.

7. Mismatched containers and plastic bags Toss containers missing lids and limit plastic bags to a small, intentional amount. Recycle extras and use reusable totes instead.

8. Kids artwork Save the meaningful pieces but not everything. Display favorites in a rotating gallery and release the rest.

The takeaway:Decluttering is not about getting rid of everything. It is about clearing out the items that drain your space, energy, and attention so you can enjoy the home you live in today.

The original article was released on RealSimple, find it here.