20 Things to Purge

In honor of spring I have teamed up with a bunch of other hot mamas for a spring cleaning checklist. Click around and hopefully it will inspire you to purge, re-purpose or reorganize items in your home. I know easier said than done right?

Be sure to enter the spring cleaning giveaway at the end!

1. Makeup :: toss

source

2. Clothing :: donate

I am just as guilty as the next person for holding onto a pair of "skinny" jeans - and I don't mean in the fashion sense. The truth is even if one day you can fit into those skinny jeans again, you won't want too. Why? Because you're going to want to go buy all new stuff! Donate any ill fitting clothes or clothing you haven't worn in over a year.

3. Expired Spices :: toss

Spices are something we often buy and forget about. It's not until I pick up the onion powder that I notice it now resembles rock candy. Spices do have expirations so check yours and chuck what's out of date.

4. Books :: donate

I love reading books and I am not talking on my Kindle. While my bookshelves do hold some beloved favorites I find the ones I won't reread or loan out to a friend are better off at our local library. Many libraries have a donation drop box outside that you can donate to any time of day!

5. Pet toys :: toss/donate

The pet industry rakes in billions of dollars a year for good reason - we adore our family pets. If you're anything like me I purchase Finn toys all the time. Ones that he would often never play with. They have sat in a basket in our living room for years. Throw out any that are broken (ripped up, squeakers don't work) and donate any that are in good condition to a local animal shelter. Of course keep their favorites!

6. Nail Polish :: toss

This one is in the same category as makeup (although shelf life is a little longer) here is a great guideline to follow if you should toss or keep.

7. Intimates :: toss

If it has holes, is discolored or worse yet...stained. Toss! That's a given right? (cringe)

8. Old Electronics :: e-waste

Once upon a time the Razor phone was the must have electronic item. If you still have it hanging out in a drawer let that bad boy go. Most Best Buy stores have free e-waste available for older model phones. Some will bring you in a little cash and some you can also donate to people in need.

9. Toys :: donate/toss

Toys...they are a necessary and most certainly an evil. I mean have you ever stepped onto a lego in the middle of the night? TORTURE. If you have a toy that your child no longer plays with (and you don't plan on having any more children) donate it to those less fortunate. Anything broken - books & toys alike, toss.

10. Linens :: re-purpose/donate

Old towels can be cut up and made into rags (great for having in the garage) or often you can donate to your local animal shelters. They use old towels and blankets to line animal cages to make the animals more comfortable while they wait for their forever home. Ask your local shelter or vet if they are in need.

11. Costume Jewelry :: donate/toss

This is a hard one for me, especially as a mother to a daughter. If you go through your jewelry collection more likely than not there is a lot of stuff you're not wearing. If you haven't worn it in years it's time to go - it's the best way to make room for more!

12. Decorations :: donate/toss

Every year I decorate our tree and every year I leave the same ornaments off of it. I need to take my own advice on this one!

13. Knick Knacks :: toss

I hate the idea of junk drawers - and yes I totally have one - but their purpose is so wasteful. Likely if it's in a junk drawer it probably doesn't belong anywhere but the trash. Get rid of the miscellany and find proper homes for the stuff you want to keep.

14. Magazines :: recycle

My husband likes to have magazines in the bathroom (read: total guy) but I think they just scream clutter. Pass them along to someone who would enjoy them after your finished or recycle them when you're done.

15. Gift Bags :: recycle

Hands in the air if you save gift bags to reuse for gifts. I do but to be honest I hardly ever give gifts in bags! I really love wrapping a gift up and adding fun ribbon so all those "It's a girl" bags really ought to be "this is trash" bags.

16. Receipts :: recycle

If the return period is up toss those little trash makers. A lot of retailers have an email receipt option choose this to eliminate them all together!

17. Travel Samples :: donate

Many of us take home the toiletries when going on trips. Even if we take them, we often never use them. Local homeless shelters are a great place to donate these to!

18. Expired Medicine :: toss

If you don't have a take back program available in your area the best way to dispose of expired medicine according to the FDA is to mix up the medicine in an unpalatable substance (dirt, kitty litter, coffee grounds), place into a plastic bag and dispose of it in your household trash.

19. Freezer Food :: toss

While it's nice to have options in the freezer for dinner oftentimes those options get...old. Literally. So if you open up the fridge and see freezer burn on anything toss it out and call your local pizza joint.

20. Sentimental :: toss

I saved this for last with good reason. It's really hard for us to part with things that are irreplaceable so tread with caution here. I am not suggesting you toss out of letters and photographs but perhaps you can sift through and get rid of some old birthday cards here and there. If photographs are your thing perhaps find a way to enjoy them easier than being in a box. Create photo albums or scan and store them on your computer.

Be sure to check out all the other tips and tricks!

Sara @ Running from the Law – Spring Cleaning with Toddlers

Sarah @ Seeing All Sides - Garage Organization

Meghan @ The Adventure Starts Here - Tips for Keeping an Organized and Semi-Clean House

Jess @ Scott Family of Maine - Spring Cleaning Printables

Liz @ Ellie & Addie - Spring Garden Prep

Chrissy @ Simple Joys – Diaper Changing & Dresser Organization

Leah @ Leah With Love – Spring Cleaning Schedule

Stephanie @ Wife Mommy Me – De-clutter Your Home Printable Checklist

Whitney @ Work It Mommy - Re-purposed Storage Solutions

Emily @ Dear Owen - Organizing Kids Closets

Jess @ Being Mrs. Beer - Essential Oils for Spring

Vanessa @ Sunflower State of Mind - Spring Cleaning Hacks

Laureen @ Chateau Deveau – Playroom & Toy Storage

Jessica @ Secrets of a Stay At Home Mom - Organizing a Kids Craft Area

Ashley @ Being Brickner - Cleaning Tips for Working Moms

Karli @ September Farm - Spring Cleaning Checklist Printable

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