Happy New Year!

As we look around our homes after the holiday rush, you might find yourself saying: "How did it get this out of control?!"

Just as my blood pressure started to rise and I felt like the producers of hoarders would soon be calling, The Today show put together a list of 100 things to toss from your home in the new year! I must admit that many of their suggestions are on point. I mean, who doesn't have expired food in their pantry or freezer and why did I keep a coffee mug that is chipped when I have 20 more?

I will say when you get past Kitchen and Bathroom, I followed almost every suggestion. Many I hadn't even realized I was holding on to. I personally printed out the list and am planning on taking one room per weekend until I get it done. I would also encourage that if your items are still in somewhat good condition like clothes and shoes that don't fit, costume jewelry you don't wear, kids toys, etc. find a donation center near you and give them away.

Happy Cleaning!

For Example:

Kitchen

Expired food and condiments in the fridge
Frozen food so old you don’t even remember what it is
Expired spices
Leftover seasonal or themed party plates or napkins you’ll never use again
Plastic containers with missing lids
Chipped coffee cups
Rusted or broken tools or appliances
Cookbooks you never open
Extra water bottles
Ratty dish towels
Extra flower delivery vases

Bathroom

Expired makeup
Expired sunscreen
Stretched-out rubber bands
Old toothbrushes
Ratty washcloths
Extra towels (Two to three per person is enough)
Loofahs that have seen better days
Dried-up nail polish
Extra bath products
Extra cleaning supplies
Half-empty perfume samples
Extra travel-sized toiletries
Potpourri that’s lost its scent
Fancy bar soap you’ll never use
The disposable razors you purchased but realized you hated using
Extra promotional makeup bags
Expired medicine (Make sure to flush excess or dispose at proper location )

Bedroom

Books you’ve already readThe stack of magazines you’ll never have time to read
Old pillows (They should be replaced every year.)
Excessive decorative throw pillows
The side chair you throw all your clothes on
Broken window blinds
Yellowed lampshades
Papers you don’t need anymore
Old cell phones or tablets
Costume jewelry you don’t ever wear
That cup/bowl/bucket of loose change (Cash it in!)
Candle stubs

Kids Room

Dried-out markers and art supplies
Broken crayons
Broken toys
Clothes they’ve grown out of
Toys they don’t play with anymore
Furniture they’re too big for now
Extra artwork

Hall Closet

Moth-ruined coats or scarves
Broken umbrellas
Almost-empty rolls of wrapping paper
Broken items
Extra blankets you never use
Just-in-case gifts you keep on hand but never use
That old vacuum that doesn't suck
Old holiday decorations you don’t use anymore
Plastic bins that just take up space
The air bed that sinks when anyone gets on it
The ratty old suitcases you never use anymore
Dusting cloths that have seen better days

Garage

Broken, rusted or duplicate tools
Sports equipment that no longer gets used
Deflated sports balls
That old refrigerator that doesn’t work anymore
Things you’re saving for a future garage sale that’s never going to happen
Old potting soil you no longer need
Extra paint for a color that’s no longer in your house
Unfinished DIY projects that will never get completed
Extra home improvement supplies that you’ll never need
The picnic basket you haven’t used in years
Boxes for appliances or gadgets you’re saving just in case
The folding card table that’s scratched or broken

For more tips including what to toss from your home office and living room click here

Angie Ward