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7 Things to Toss Today

January 19, 2026 | Decluttering & Donations |
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Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Sometimes all it takes is a few easy wins! Below we outline 7 common items you can toss today to quickly clear space and reduce visual clutter.

Cards

If a card doesn’t include a personal message beyond a signature, it’s likely not something you need to keep long-term. While the thought behind the card still counts, these quickly accumulate and create clutter in high traffic areas like entryways, kitchen counters, and home offices. If there’s no note, memory, or emotional connection attached to the specific card, it’s absolutely okay to recycle and make space for items that matter more in your memento box.

Socks

Socks. With. Holes. Get rid of them immediately!! We know buying new socks is not as exciting as other articles of clothing, but you deserve to have your basic clothing items do their job. On top of being uncomfortable, holes in socks compromise foot protection by allowing dirt, moisture, and other debris to cause chafing, blisters, and even potential infections. While you’re tossing holey socks, it’s a great time to rid yourself of the mismatched ones as well. Bite the bullet and buy a new pack of socks.

Underwear

While we are on the subject of undergarments, get rid of underwear with holes and stains. Holes in underwear can lead to skin irritation, chafing, and hygiene issues. You deserve fresh and clean undies!

Mugs

We say this often, but most people have far more mugs than they realistically use. Freebie mugs, souvenirs, and mismatched sets create crowded cabinets that make your morning routine clunky and time consuming. Keeping a small rotation of your main squeezes makes your kitchen easier to use and your mornings calmer. 

Extra Artwork & Decor Items

If you have a pile of unhung artwork and unused decor items, it’s time to do a solid edit! Chances are, if they’ve been sitting in a pile, you likely will not get around to using them. Keep what you want to hang or put out immediately, and donate the rest to someone who will be thrilled to hang these pieces in their space.

Broken Toys

Broken toys are rarely worth keeping “just in case,” especially when missing pieces or damaged parts make them unplayable. Holding onto them adds clutter and can create safety issues like tripping and choking hazards. Letting broken toys go frees up space for toys your kids can use and love.

TIP: As a reminder, broken toys should be properly recycled or tossed in the trash rather than donated.

Schoolwork 

Keeping special and sentimental projects that your kids bring home from school is understandable, but we often find parents at a loss not knowing what to toss and what to save as a keepsake. We recommend keeping around 10 schoolwork items per year when your kids are younger, and can gradually get smaller as they age. Ideally these are items that your child is really proud of, that exhibit their strengths, or are deeply personal. If you’re still overwhelmed with too many pieces, a good marker for knowing what to keep is to ask yourself if that item shows significant growth. This way you save the important things and release the rest!

While it may seem simple, small choices like these make your home feel lighter and easier to manage. If you need support decluttering, check out our blogs on How To Declutter Like A Pro and our Full Guide To Donations. Need more hands-on support? Horderly is always happy to help you bring your space to the next level. Reach out to find out more about our In-Home and Virtual services!

For more information on all things Horderly- including lots of great tips, tricks, and other #HorderlyHabits- check out our blog or reach out for more information!

This content is independently curated by Horderly and may earn us a commission. 

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