20 Things to Throw Away in 20 Minutes

Oftentimes, you are so used to having pesky items lying around, you seem to see past them. (Photo by Eldon Lindsay)

The best way to create a clutter-free home is to develop well thought out systems that reflect your lifestyle needs. This process takes time, energy and focus. If you find you are short on time or energy (as many of us are), you can still find space and time to de-clutter by getting rid of the assortment of little, useless things that are hogging up the prime real estate in your home.

Oftentimes, you are so used to having these items lying around, you seem to see past them. Yet, a quick bit of editing will go a long way towards creating the organized environment you crave.

Grab a garbage bin and donation bag and start tossing, recycling or donating these items.

The Closet

1. Plastic hangers that have lost their shape.
2. Any piece of clothing that is stained or stretched out, including undergarments.
3. Plastic bags from the dry cleaner. (TIP: Protect garments by storing them in canvas hanging bags).
4. Wire hangers.
5. Any article of clothing that is no longer flattering.
6. Orphan socks (TIP: You've managed this long without the pair; it's OK to repurpose them as rags or toss them).

The Kitchen

7. Food that has lived deep in the recess of your freezer since 2010.
8. Mismatched mugs.
9. Promotional plastic cups and related freebies.
10. Duplicates: You don't need eight spatulas or four can openers.

The House

11. Anything with a layer of dust on it.
12. Expired medicine.
13. Expired sunscreen.
14. Half-used, long-forgotten candles.
15. Anything that bugs you every time you see it.

The Kids' Rooms

16. Markers without caps - and caps without markers.
17. Completed coloring books.
18. Puzzles with missing pieces.
19. Empty or near-empty bottles of bubbles.
20. The goodie bag of candy your child received at last month's birthday party.