10 Things You Have Too Many of and How to Pare Down
This post may contain affiliate links. When you use them, you help support this site. For more information, please read the Disclosure Policy
Discover the remarkable advantages of decluttering and learn how to pare down your belongings with these practical tips. Let go of excess and create a more organized and stress-free living space.
10 Things You Have Too Many of and How to Pare Down
It feels good to purge! This past week I went on a little purging spree in my home and I realized I have a lot of too much. This little exercise got me thinking about the other things around the house that I have too many of.
Do I need to own 12 vases or 4 different types of frying pans? I do need a multiple of certain things, like towels, washcloths, etc. But at some point, a few extra turns into too many, and then I wonder how I am purging yet again. Let’s get started;
It’s time to take control and discover the surprising benefits of decluttering.
1) Too Many Books
I love to read and I often hold on to books that I truly love. And I hate to bring this one up because when I love a book there is no way I am giving it up. However, if you have not reread it in a while and it is just stilling on the shelf collecting dust, it might be time to pass it on.
Besides, there are so many worthwhile books out there that no one home could contain them all! It’s true! So when it is time, there are a few things you can do. Donate them back to your local library, a local nursing home, or a hospital. Think about swapping with your friends.
Also, you may want to check out OperationPaperback.org and send books to soldiers overseas serving our country.
2) Too Many Vases
These decorative vessels are meant to showcase fresh blooms and add a touch of elegance to our homes, but it’s easy to amass more vases than we actually need. Over time, we accumulate vases from various occasions, like birthdays, anniversaries, or even just spontaneous flower purchases.
Before we know it, our cabinets and shelves are filled with a mismatched assortment of vases in different shapes, sizes, and colors. You can repurpose them or put them up on Freecycle and pass them along to someone who may need a vase or two.
3) Pots & Pans
Cooking is a lot of fun. I have a pan for most everything. But I really don’t need them all and they are taking up a lot of space. If you are like me, don’t be afraid to let go of duplicates or outdated items that you no longer use.
Embrace the idea of quality over quantity and prioritize the pots and pans that you truly love and use regularly. Keeping only the essentials will not only clear up space in your kitchen but also make it easier to find and access the items you need when cooking.
These can be donated to your local Salvation Army or shelter.
4) Drinking Glasses
Somehow, we always end up with more drinking glasses than we need. Some are too cute not to purchase while on vacation. However, they end up cluttering our shelves. First, assess your current collection of drinking glasses.
Are there any that are chipped, cracked, or stained beyond repair? These glasses not only take up valuable cabinet space, but also detract from the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. Let go of any damaged glasses and free up room for the ones you truly love. Here is an idea. You can fill them with a gift card and a few candies or accessories and give them away as appreciation or teacher gifts.
5) Too Many Candles
If you’re like most people, you probably have an assortment of candles scattered throughout your home. From decorative pillar candles to fragrant soy candles, it’s easy to amass a collection that far exceeds your actual candle-burning needs.
Too many candles are fun to have, but really unnecessary. Let’s start by assessing your candles. Take a closer look at each one and ask yourself: How often do I actually light this candle? Does it bring me joy or serve a specific purpose? If the answer is no, it may be time to let it go.
Consider donating unused candles to a local shelter or giving them to a friend who will appreciate them.
6) Kitchen Gadgets & Utensils
Why do we keep hoarding these kitchen tools? Perhaps it’s the belief that they will revolutionize our cooking experience or make us feel like professional chefs. Or maybe it’s the allure of being prepared for any culinary challenge that comes our way.
Whatever the reason, it’s time to face the reality that most of these gadgets are unnecessary and only add to the chaos in our kitchens. To pare down your collection of kitchen gadgets and utensils, start by assessing the items you actually use on a regular basis.
Look at your cooking routines and identify the tools that truly serve a purpose and enhance your culinary experience. For example, if you find yourself reaching for a particular knife every time you cook, it’s a keeper. However, if you have a garlic peeler that hasn’t seen the light of day in months, it’s time to say goodbye.
7) Food Storage Containers
Just like the gadgets and utensils, it’s easy to accumulate a surplus of these containers without even realizing it. Every time we order food, another plastic storage container goes into our cabinets. I realize now it should be going directly into our recycling bin.
I like to keep the good ones for when I make food for others. Especially when I have joined a meal train.
8) Too Many Sheets
Think about it – how many sets of bed sheets do you really need? Chances are, you have more than you use. It’s time to let go of those extra sets that are just taking up space in your linen closet.
By paring down your collection, you’ll not only create more room for other items but also make it easier to keep everything neat and tidy. I decided two was enough for each bed in our house. One can go in the wash, while the other gets placed on the bed.
9) Clothing
When it comes to clothing, it’s easy to accumulate too many than we need. Our closets become filled with items that are outdated, ill-fitting, or simply don’t align with our style anymore. It is time to streamline our closets.
Start by pulling everything out of your closet and sorting it into three piles: keep, donate, and toss. As you go through each item, ask yourself if it brings you joy and if you’ve worn it within the past year. If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go.
Be honest with yourself. Resist the urge to hold onto clothing for sentimental reasons or because you think you might wear it someday. Once you’ve decided on the clothing you’ll keep, organize it in a way that makes sense to you.
10) Makeup & Lotions
I’m guessing the vast majority of the female population out there is guilty of this one—I know I am! You might be surprised by how much you have. Old mascaras, expired creams, and half-used lipsticks are likely taking up space in your collection.
Sort through everything and discard anything that is expired, heavily used, or simply no longer sparking joy. What to do with unused makeup – toss it out.
What other items in your house have you found you have an overabundance? Leave us a comment below.
More Great Home Organization Ideas on Inspiring Savings
Drastically Improve Your freezer Space
Cleaning Mistakes That Are Making Your Life More Difficult
5 Tips to Help You Organize Your House Quicker
I’ve done, or at least tried, to do all the categories on your list. The most difficult for me is clothing. I can’t stop hoping I’ll be able to fit into tighter things some day.
Hi Barb, You are not alone. I feel this deeply. But I often think how much longer am I going to hang on to those pieces of clothing before they become out of style. This makes it a little bit easier. As a treat for loosing weight, new clothes is a huge confidence builder.