A few weeks ago, I talked about one of the biggest rules to staying clutter-free:
Everything in your home should have a home.
But what happens when something doesn’t?
You pick up an item… and there’s just nowhere for it to go.
It doesn’t fit anywhere. It’s not like your other things. So what do you do?
You shove it in a closet. Or a drawer. Or that “for now” pile in the spare room… again.
Let’s stop that cycle right here. Because when an item doesn’t have a home, it’s time to ask the big questions:
Ask Yourself: Do I Even Want This?
- Do I need it?
- Will I use it anytime soon?
- Do I even like it?
Get. Rid. Of. It.
That doesn’t mean you have to throw everything away. You can:
- Donate it to charity
- Gift it to someone who will use it
- Sell it
- Or yes, if it’s broken or useless, throw it out
Let me give you a few real-life examples that might sound familiar…
4 Things You’re Probably Holding On To (and Don’t Need To)
1. Baby Clothes (When Your Kids Are in School)
If your child is walking, talking, and eating solid food, why are you still storing baby onesies?
Unless you’re planning for another little one right now, it’s time to let go.
2. Old Paperwork
Bills you’ve paid, expired warranties, and ancient bank statements, these are just taking up space.
You don’t need a file folder full of paper you haven’t touched in five years.
3. Ugly Knick-Knacks and Gifts
We’ve all kept something “just because Aunt Mary gave it to us.”
If you don’t like it, use it, or want to look at it every day, why are you letting it take up space in your home?
4. The Junk Drawer… All of It
How many pens, broken elastics, dried-out markers, mystery keys, or takeout menus do you really need?
Clear. It. Out. That drawer should not be your home’s black hole.
If It Has No Home, It May Not Belong in Yours
Here’s the truth: if you don’t know where something goes, it’s probably because it doesn’t belong in your space anymore.
You don’t need to feel guilty. You just need to let it go.
Take a breath. You don’t have to do the whole house in one day.
But you know what you’re holding onto that no longer serves you.
