Four Things to Throw Away Right Now

We all have things we can get rid of.  Even the most organized among us will open a drawer and wonder “Why in the world did I keep this?”  If you have no idea where to start, here are some common items that accumulate in life and often don’t get purged out as often as they should.  If you’re just starting to get organized these are great places to start.  They will give you the momentum you need to keep organizing and donating, selling and throwing these items away will make you feel great!

1.  Old Electronics.  When you come home with that shiny new phone you often toss the old one in a desk drawer, never to think about it again.  I do this all the time…I think that I’m going to use it for something else, or I’ll get it repaired.  The time it takes you to take action on it is the time it takes for it to become obsolete.  Sell the phone right away or donate it to someone in need.

2.  Old makeup.  Are you hoarding every color of eye shadow you’ve ever owned.  Is your Caboodles stuffed full of stuff you only use on special occasions?  Well it’s time to unstuff it all and toss it.  Makeup expires, just like food.  Since you’re putting it on your face, you are exposing your body to those expired ingredients.  Every makeup item has a different expiration date.  However, mascara and eye liner are the most sensitive.  Start by throwing away anything you haven’t used in the past three to six months.  I keep the items I use every day on hand and I have a few special occasion items.  However, special occasions are sometimes far enough apart that you’ll want to get something special.  Be ruthless.

3.  The junk drawer.  I bet you can throw away MOST of what’s in your junk drawer.  After all, it’s a whole space in your home you have designated for stuff you don’t know where to put.  If it doesn’t have a use or a home, toss it.  Someday is today and you’re taking back your space.

4.  Old magazines.  Read it and toss it.  (Or recycle or donate!).  Magazines have a way of piling up and become al albatross in a room.  Keep only the most current issues on hand.  The other ones are out of date at this point anyway.  Store your magazines in a space where you will find time to read or browse through them.  For example, if you wait every day at soccer practice, the car is a great place for magazines.

What can you throw away today?  Tell me in the comments below!