It’s a new year, a fresh start, and for me, it’s purging time!
I can very easily fall into the category of hoarder if I let myself. I come from a family of hoarders (I’m talking about you, Dad!!).
I get it. It is tough to part with certain things. I have a ridiculous collection of wine corks! I seriously have not thrown away a cork since 2001. Don’t judge me. They actually come in handy at times…but that’s another post for another time.
Here are 15 things I am getting rid of in 2017…
Kids DVDs. Pretty sure The Boy graduated the Thomas phase like 9 years ago so why on Earth is this still on our shelf? This collection of children’s DVDs has been around too long…and worse yet, our DVD player isn’t even plugged in. My home is Amazon Prime video and Netflix dependent so I think it’s safe to part with them. 
Old Melted Birthday Candles. Making my kids’ cakes and using the perfect candle for the themed dessert has brought me so much joy. I know there are candles I can recycle and use again and I always do. But I’m pretty sure we are not having another 3 year old in this house and none of my little ones are going through the Elmo or Spider Man phase again. 
Old Tattered Dishtowels. These are reliable towels that get the job done (and I promise they don’t even smell). I love them! I have had them for years. But it’s time to start using the pretty and brand new towels in my drawer that aren’t such an eyesore. 
Oversized Ceramic Pitchers. No doubt these are attractive and could be useful. However, I have spent more time trying to find a spot for these then I have ever actually used them. They take up an entire cabinet of my kitchen hutch. So, I asked myself, “if I would walk into a Homegoods right now, would I buy these?” My answer was no so off they go. 
Take-out Menus. We don’t even do that much take-out. And when we do, we have our favorite go-to places with our favorite go-to items. See ya’!
Kids Plastic Cups. Old. Gross. Worn out. They aren’t babies anymore that need a sippy lid. Enough said. I want my drawer back. 
Scratched, Used Sunglasses. I’ve held on to them long enough thinking maybe I’d use them while picking weeds in the yard or sledding down a crazy hill with the kids. Still hasn’t happened. Buh-bye. 
Chipped and Mismatched Coffee Mugs. I can’t be the only one that has a favorite coffee mug that’s always being used. These old mugs are not being used. These mugs are cute and they get the job done. But they are mismatched and have some chips on them. They take up a ton of cabinet space and they haven’t been touched in a few years. 
Beauty Samples. Okay, this one might drive some of my girlfriends nuts. Sorry, mamas. It’s just not my style. I am a girl of routine. I like what I use and tiny little samples are not going to change my mind about that. 
Store Rewards and Coupons. I am not one to shop just because I received a discount in the mail. Right in the garbage. 
Plastic Placemats. Aw. Time flies and my kiddies are growing so fast. We used to buy every cute plastic placemat we came across in a store. My messy little eaters loved them! They have been stored on the shelf in my pantry for some time now and they are yellowed, stained, faded, and torn so I think it’s time to say so long. My little eaters are still messy but they’ve moved on to spilling on my matching cloth placemats. I don’t mind. 
Oversized Coffee Table Books. I have my fair share of charming books that adorn my shelves and coffee tables. I’m ready to part with a few that just seem to be clutter or duplicates at this point. 
Dated Picture Frames. I am a victim of “what if someday I want to use these…?” Well, I’m standing strong. I’ve stored these old frames for a few years and I’m confident that I won’t want them in my decor again. 
Aprons. I am an apron wearing girl. Pretty sure Bill doesn’t know what my outfit even looks like when he gets home from work because I am covered in my apron. I love a good fitting one. I’ll admit, it is tough for me to part with that black Vera Bradley one. I have worn it for years and it is by far the most comfortable and reliable apron I have ever owned. The stains are pretty hidden but it has a huge tear on it. The others may have only been worn once but I never use them. I am confident in saying so long to all of these. 
Souvenir Cups. That drink cost a fortune when we bought it and it was a great moment so we had to keep the cup, right? Well, several months have passed and they still haven’t been touched. Those were some good times, for sure. That U.S. Open was one of the best dates Bill ever took me on. But, let’s just be realistic. Who is really ever going to pull these out of the pantry where they are shoved in the corner to enjoy an ice cold drink? Not me. 
Sometimes the decision to part with pieces is arduous but that whole “out of sight, out of mind” philosophy is true for me. The smallest little achievements, like having an empty hutch cupboard, is rewarding and refreshing.
Happy New Year!
Tell me something you are getting rid of in 2017.
Yes! What a great list. I can totally relate to the beauty samples, sun glasses, and dishtowels. I did a big closet purge this past weekend, which felt great 🙂
It is a wonderful feeling to toss and donate all the old stuff!
Good for you taking charge and getting rid of what you don’t need! I have been gathering up clothes that no longer fit and toys that my son has outgrown.
I just did a closet clear out and it was crazy to see the things I had been holding onto!
AMEN on the purge!!!! I’m so with you on beauty samples. Even if I were to change something I use, I hate how hard I have to work to get a drop of something off a packet. Happy New Year!
xo
Taylor
http://www.reeseshardwear.com
Whew! Glad someone agrees with me on that one!
These are all great things to get rid of! I’ve been going through stuff and if I can’t find or make a place to put things in, they’re going out.
That’s a good idea…so space for it, then it’s gone (or something else is).
Ah yes! I just went through a bunch of stuff in my house! Especially my closet! I had so much random things that I just didn’t need. I even got rid of pictures. Starting off the year simple and making space for new memories:)
Love that thought…making space for new memories!
I need to purge some things from home ASAP!! Now to just get everyone on board. I have to say getting rid of the things that remind me of when my kids were babies will be tough, but you did it so I can too.
I admittedly have plenty more storage bins of baby phase stuff. The placemats and cups were easy. Good luck!
You did a great job purging! I really need to make that a New Years goal too.
Thanks! I’m about to tackle a few cabinet and a linen closet! Can’t wait!
We have so many of the kids’ items you mentioned. It looks like I should start going through some things…
It’s hard to get started, but feels great when it’s over! Good luck!
There are so many things I need to get rid of too! I’m a little bit of a hoarder… I have an emotional attachment to almost everything lol! But my husband is more of a minimalist so once he’s back from being overseas I’m sure he will guide me through getting rid of some junk ????
I find myself hoarding at times, but when I actually get around to purging, it is an amazing feeling! Best of luck and have fun when your hubs arrives home!
This is such an amazing list! Why do we keep all these things? I have a hard time getting rid of stuff and all of your photos are reminding me of my house right now! Do I really need 3 pairs of scratched sunglasses?!! Just before Christmas I got rid of all our DVD cases and bought a DVD book instead. It created a ton of space in our basement!
Thanks! It’s crazy what piles up!
This is something I need to do. Take one drawer and closet at a time and really get rid of stuff. Been awhile since I have really done this decluttering.
I have a cabinet that is screaming for some attention. Feels great to gain some space back!
I can understand why you are nostalgic on several of the stuff you mentioned here, like the birthday candles… awwwww 🙂 But wine corks?? Hahaha
I think I have to get rid of these baby clothes and clothes I no longer wear. Also, baby stuff that we no longer use. My kid is two years old.
You’d be surprised how often those corks come in handy! lol. Plus they are in a gigantic decorative basket so they sort of double as a little decor when we are grabbing them for some good use.
Interesting, I didn’t think it could be used for decor. Nice that they’re useful.
I just recently went through my dish towel drawer and threw a great deal away! My mom has a habit of giving me the ones she no longer wants when she buys new ones and my silly self would just take them instead of saying the drawer is full. So I essentially just threw them away for her. LOL
That’s funny! I remember my mom passing on things she was “done” with until I got it home and realized it wasn’t something I needed. Lol
Great ideas! I have SO many scratched sunglasses it’s ridiculous. Especially because the only ones I actually wear are prescription anyway haha!
Too funny! Toss those sunglasses!
This is so great! And this line really rang true for me: “I have spent more time trying to find a spot for these then I have ever actually used them”. Something I will be keeping in mind as I declutter too.
Thanks! It’s not always easy to eliminate items in my home that have followed me from new home to new home…but I am indeed, enjoying my new cupboard space. Good luck with your decluttering!