9 Things in Your Home You Need to Get Rid of ASAP This Month
You might spend the most time getting organized around the new year and in the spring, but pros organizers say there's another period that's just as important: July. Between yard work, road trips, barbecues, water sports and kids' activities, your house has likely seen better days during this summer month.
That's why we tapped professional organizers to find out the top things you should get rid of in your home this July. "I think July is the best month for a mid-year check-in and decluttering session," says Shaniece Jones, professional organizer and Founder of Closet Therapy. "It's the perfect time to restock summer essentials and let go of what's just taking up space. If it hasn't been used by now, it might be time to let it go."
From ill-fitting swimwear and expired sunscreen to old school supplies and unwanted bikes taking up much-needed space in the garage, see suggestions from Jones and other professional organizers to keep your home in tip-top shape. Remember, anything that can be, should be donated. Old Outdoor Gear
With all the outdoor activities on your schedule, from biking to swimming, chances are you have some unnecessary gear in your space. It's important to stay on top of it, especially if you have kids. "Get rid of bikes they've outgrown, pool toys collecting dust or swimwear that no longer fits," says Jones. Don't forget to get rid of defective beach umbrellas, too.
And good news: Some things like camping gear and outdoor clothes can be donated. Just do a quick Google search first!Unwanted Kids' Supplies
Back-to-school season in August isn't the best time to tackle your kids' supplies, Jones says, as it's "highly intense and chaotic." This month, get a head start and declutter your kids' schoolwork from the past year. "Toss the old worksheets, reports and notebooks while things are a bit slow," she says.
Tackle the mudroom as well, says Marissa Hagmeyer, NEAT Method co-founder and COO and author of the recently published book, The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book. "Set aside backpacks, lunchboxes and water bottles that are stained, broken or missing parts to be tossed or donated. The same goes for any other school supplies or gear that may need replacing before the school year."
RELATED: Pro Organizers Want You to Throw Out Your Children's ArtworkUnnecessary Travel-Size Toiletries
With vacation season underway, make packing a breeze by editing travel essentials. Take stock of everything from mini face moisturizers and toothpaste to makeup and body products. "Keep what you love and use," says Janelle Lam of Straighten Up by Janelle. But you can recycle what has expired, or donate what hasn't been used.
RELATED: Thought You Had to Toss Your Empty Beauty Containers? There May Be Another WayExpired Sunscreen
"If you're using expired bug spray or sunscreen, they're not doing their job," says Hagmeyer. It's important to check dates on packaging, especially citronella stickers or bracelets. "Finish the summer off strong — sans sunburns — and clear space for products that actually work," she adds.Unstylish Summer Clothes
Don't overlook your closet when you're decluttering. Are there pieces you didn't wear last summer? Is there an item you just don't love anymore? "If it didn't make it out of your closet last summer, there is a high chance it probably doesn't reflect your current style," Jones says. She recommends creating a Pinterest board just for your summer style. That way, you have a clear vision of what doesn't fit so you can easily declutter.
Violetta Elezovic, founder of VS Organized Interiors, also suggests evaluating your summer wardrobe every year: "Go through your summer clothes and shoes that are worn out or no longer useful. In general, you can create more space in your wardrobe and keep a better eye on what you already have when things aren't so cluttered."
And remember, many organizations will take gently worn summer clothing, including dresses and shorts.
RELATED: Declutter Your Closet in Just a Day With These Hacks From Pro OrganizersMismatched Food Storage Containers
With outdoor entertaining, comes lots of food storage containers. You're bound to have some in your cabinet that you never reach for. "Summer leftovers, BBQs and picnics mean you're using food containers constantly," Lam says. "Take five minutes to match up lids, and toss any warped pieces."
If you have too many, or they are just mismatched, check with local schools or senior center to see if they can be donated there. You can also try to find clever new uses for them, like storing crayons and pencils!Worn Beach Towels
Examine your beach towels to make sure they're in good shape. "If they are too thin or are ripped and frayed, it's time to let them go," says Nicole Gabai, founder of B. Organized! "Many donation centers will accept most textiles because they can sell the unusable items by the pound."
You can also check with your local pet shelter, which can use them for clean up or keeping pets comfortable.Defective Reusable Water Bottles
Water bottles always seem to accumulate out of nowhere, so it's worth taking stock of your collection in any cabinets and coolers. "Toss the ones that are moldy, smelly or rarely get used for whatever reason – broken zipper, item doesn't insulate well or water bottles that leak easily," says Gabai.
RELATED: Not All Reusable Water Bottles Are Recyclable. Here's How to Tell If Yours Is.Excessive Instruction Manuals
It's pretty easy to access instruction manuals for appliances on reputable websites these days, whether you're trying to figure out a maintenance issue or learning how a specific feature works. Ashley Hines of Thee Tailored Life suggests making note of your appliances' model numbers before recycling paper manuals, though. "Most are unnecessary now that setup guides and troubleshooting tips are just a company website or YouTube search away," Hines says.
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