40 Things No Person Over 40 Should Ever Have in Their Home
When you've got years worth of stuff to get rid of and you don't know where to begin, it's hard to know how to declutter your home. It's time to Marie Kondo your life. From bras that don't fit to spices that expired years ago, here are 40 things it's time to ditch if you're a person over 40 (or you're simply looking to take the next big step in home organization). Something doesn't spark joy? Get rid of it!
While washing your towels after every three uses and giving them a vinegar treatment will typically keep 'em fresh, if they're discolored, it's time to pony up for new ones.
No matter how cute they are or how perfectly they pair with your LBD, if your heels hurt so much that you avoid wearing them—or worse, wear them and have to hobble all day—add your kicks to the donation pile.
If your girls are bulging out, your straps are digging into your shoulders, or your cups are gaping, it's time to give up on your old standby. Same goes for any bras that are really starting to show their age.
We don't know why socks always run away after laundry sessions, but we do know that their fallen brethren aren't worth holding onto. Unless you're really into puppets.
Yes, your kid is #1, but if your kid is also no longer actually a kid, take a #shelfie of all of the participation trophies she's gathered over the years and frame that instead to make room for more memories.
Go ahead and treat yourself to a fresh bottle that won't make your fingers smell like vinegar every time you eat a french fry. You deserve it.
...or basically any decor that looks like you bought it in your college bookstore. If it's a poster you love, frame it. Any inexpensive frame will do!
...that is if you haven't touched them since 2010 because Alexa plays all your music now. If that's the case, let something more useful take up bookcase space.
Of course there's nothing wrong with getting a little dirt on your fingers, but if your gloves are too beat up, you could be susceptible to injuries. Consider repurposing them and the rest of your old tools into pretty DIY projects.
You take pride in your backyard, and the simplest way to show that to your guests is by upping your chair game. And once you've swapped out the flimsy ones, here are more ideas for how to beautify the space.
With so many dreamy ways to decorate year-round with twinkly lights, why settle for standard strands when bulbs now come in so many different magical styles.
The rule of thumb is that ground spices are good for about two to three years while whole spices can last up to four.
Some things, like the cast iron skillet you inherited from your mom, can stand the test of time. But that once non-stick pan you bought at the dollar store should probably go if it still has residue or rust even after you've given it the white vinegar treatment.
If you upgraded to a smartphone years ago and that Krzr is still sitting in your junk drawer, donate it to someone who can get more use out of it than you will. Contact your carrier to see if they work with any charities, or look into organizations like Cell Phones for Soldiers.
Those annoying things are always causing dents in your favorite dresses and getting tangled up in your freshly organized closet. Switch to wood or fabric and upcycle the wire ones into a whimsical Christmas craft.
Concealers and liquid foundation can last for six months. After that you risk bacteria growing in the vile (yum!) while mascara should be chucked after three months. The good news is that your favorite lipstick and gloss can keep for two years.
Odds are your favorite Chinese food place has an online menu. Trash the papers, but keep the coupons.
If you can no longer remember where you met the person whose card has been living in your wallet for two years, then say goodbye. However, if you happen to be holding onto a stash of contacts you want to network with, then use a rainy Sunday to digitize the good ones and recycle the duds.
Sure, paint that's stored properly in a dark, dry spot can last for a decade, but that doesn't mean you should hold onto that chartreuse can you thought was a good idea in '99 but never used. Instead, try on a color that will make you happy.
This one should go without saying, but why are they so hard to part with?
If it starts to permanently smell like leftovers, gets cracked or is discolored from too much time in the microwave, you should replace the plastic containers.
Unless of course you plan to use those abandoned buttons for a cute craft or have them prettily organized in a mason jar, those stray buttons lingering in old coat pockets aren't doing you any favors.
There comes a time in every adult's life when she should say sayonara to cousin Suzie's generic greeting card from 2013. Ditto for the one with the photo of her sweet kids and Santa—you can cherish that pic on Instagram, anyway. If you're looking to make your own cards (even though they might be destined for Suzie's waste basket too) here are some jolly tutorials.
If they start to give you the willies, or look like they're always judging you, don't keep them around.
Tried to take up knitting but never got the hang? Thought you'd become a master scrapbooker but got bored after the first page? There's no shame, but there's also no reason to keep that stuff from a bygone impulse sitting around.
But be sure to shred them, just in case.
If you didn't know what they did in the first place, odds are they won't come in handy anytime soon. And on the off chance you do find yourself in need of that mystery plugin, there's always Amazon.
While they someday may appreciate the souvenir snow globes you picked up on your travels, or your fine china, they might ultimately see these tokens as more of a burden than a blessing. When you're determining whether or not to let go, ask yourself if the item will have value for them (even if only intrinsic) or if it's truly only something you appreciate.
It's stained, has a few holes, and you probably have a pair of pants (and okay, undies) to match. Rather than keep these items around for when you've cycled through your good clothes, make room in your closet for something a little less...lived in.
Unless you're hosting a tailgate or a beer pong competition (in which case, invite us over!) opt for shatter-proof cups that don't look like they belong to a college student.
If they cause knots, or pull out your mane, upgrade to hair ties that don't cause so much damage like yoga bands or scrunchies (yes, they're making a comeback).
No, we're not totally heartless and yes, you should most certainly keep the ones that bring a smile to your face but you don't have to hold onto every bunny your little one ever drew. Here are some nifty ways to display the art you love, and for the rest, snap a photo for posterity—they take up less space.
If you've tried everything from a spritz of hairspray to this recipe to make your petals last longer, but they've finally met their maker, to the compost pile they go. Same goes for dead plants. No green thumb? Try a houseplant that's harder to kill.
40 Things No Person Over 40 Should Ever Have in Their Home
When you've got years worth of stuff to get rid of and you don't know where to begin, it's hard to know how to declutter your home. It's time to Marie Kondo your life. From bras that don't fit to spices that expired years ago, here are 40 things it's time to ditch if you're a person over 40 (or you're simply looking to take the next big step in home organization). Something doesn't spark joy? Get rid of it!
...but no judgment.
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